Top 5 Things That Will Destroy Your Plumbing Pipes

Posted on May 6, 2021 by weilhammerplumbing

As a homeowner, you want your house to be safe, secure, and well protected all year long. With this resolve, it is your responsibility to ensure that all systems are operating at their most efficient capacity. Your plumbing is one of the most vital systems that should be maintenance and inspected on a regular basis to ensure nothing has gone wrong, or will go wrong in the foreseeable future. Not sure if you are taking good care of your plumbing?

Continue reading to learn the top 5 things that can and will destroy your plumbing pipes if you are not careful, as well as where to get superior plumbing service in Indianapolis.

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Don’t Let These 5 Things Damage Your Plumbing:

❶ Trash

It is very important that you do not allow trash to get inside your pipes, drains, and other exposed plumbing areas. Things like metal, plastic, glass, and even paper can cause a blockage, burst pipe, flood, and more. This means that you need to take good care when using your garbage disposal, drains, and toilets, and do not use them as a trashcan.

❷ Grease

Whether you are cooking bacon or frying chicken, you should not throw away any kind of grease into a drain, toilet, garbage disposal, or other plumbing entrance. Instead, pour the grease into a large glass jar, such as an old pickle or marinara jar, and throw it away in the trash can. When it comes disposing of unsafe oils, such as motor oil, you must take it to a local hazardous waste recycling facility so they can dispose of it safely for you.

❸ Tree Roots

Tree roots have a very specific and invasive agenda that will be stopped by nothing. They grow at a force of nature you could not imagine, and in their maturity, can reach lengths and widths of incredible amounts. But even on smaller scales, tree roots can easily, and quickly, grow into your home’s underground piping system, which can cause extreme amounts of damage. Have your trees and landscape inspected to identify any potential invasive root problems.

❹ Hair

Hair falls out in the shower and bath without us even realizing it happens. Overtime, this subtle accumulation of hair can mix with other constituents, like grease and garbage, and obstruct drains, plumbing, piping, and more. It is recommended to snake your bathroom sink, tub, and shower drains on a regular basis to avoid such blockages. Avoid using chemical drain cleaners, and opt for a drain auger tool instead.

❺ Chemical Drain Cleaners

Chemical, over-the-counter, drain cleaners may seem like a great option because they work fast, but they are actually quite damaging to your plumbing system, as well as the surrounding environment. Instead, opt for a natural drain cleaner solution made from water, white vinegar, and baking soda.

Do you think your plumbing system could use some TLC? Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for professional plumbing services in Indianapolis, Indiana. We serve residential and commercial clients, and are state-licensed master plumbers.

You Should Also Read:

Never Put This Stuff in a Garbage Disposal!
How to Make Homemade Drain Dissolving Cleaner
Tips for DIY Home Plumbing Inspections

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What You Need to Remove PVC Pipe Glue

Posted on December 17, 2020 by weilhammerplumbing

Whether you are a DIY plumber, or attempting some other sort of project that requires PVC piping, you will likely be faced with the imminent need to remove some pipe glue. This can pose a challenge since pipe glue is not really glue it all; instead, it is a solvent that melts two PVC pipes together, forming a lasting bond. Fortunately, this type of glue removal is usually only necessary when you need to separate two PVC pipes from one another.

Continue reading to learn what you need to remove PVC pipe glue, including some basic instructions on how to get through the process.

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Supplies Needed to Remove Glue From PVC Piping

To remove PVC pipe glue, you will need a few materials, including a quality heat gun, a PVC pipe cutter (or hacksaw), tongue and groove pliers, sanding paper, and a pair of thick gloves. You can find all of these materials at your local home improvement store or in the home-improvement section of your local department store.

What You Need:

⚒ Heat Gun (or Hacksaw)
⚒ PVC Pipe Cutters
⚒ Tongue-And-Groove Pliers
⚒ Sandpaper
⚒ Utility Gloves

How to Get Started

The easiest and most effective way to remove PVC pipe glue is to simply cut the pipe below the adhered surface. Simply pick a new point of the pipe, and use your PVC cutters to create a new cut. If reducing the length of your PVC pipe is not an option, you can look to your other materials on hand, starting with your heat gun. A heat gun in the construction world is basically like a super high-powered blow dryer. It is typically used to remove hardened materials on surfaces, such as paint, or in this case, solvent. Just be sure to leave enough room to install new coupling if that’s your intended plan.

If you haven’t already tried twisting the two PVC pipes in opposite directions to disconnect them from one another, you can try this now. Or use your heat gun on a low setting to heat the adhered joint of the PVC pipe. The heat will quickly soften the glue. After heating the glue, try twisting the pipes again. If they still don’t disconnect from one another, apply more heat and try again. Your tongue and groove pliers can help you twist the two pipes in opposite directions with higher torque than just your hands, so you might want to incorporate those into the process for better results.

After Pipes are Separated

After you have successfully separated your two PVC pipes, you will still have some solvent residue left over. To remove this residual glue, grab your sandpaper and get to work. A 220 grit sandpaper sheet is a good abrasive level to start with. If there’s a lot of glue left over on the pipe, you might want a coarser grit sandpaper.

Where to Get Trusted Plumber Advice and Service in Indianapolis, Indiana

Call Weilhammer Plumbing at 317-784-1870 for prompt and professional Indianapolis plumbing service and home plumbing inspections at an affordable price. Master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, is happy to answer your questions about plumbing repair, replacement, installation, maintenance, and more. We offer free advice and estimates as well. Whether you need routine water heater service at home, or a major pipe replacement for a commercial building, our licensed Indianapolis plumbers can do it all, and in a time frame that’s convenient for you!

Plumbing Tips That Will Keep Your House Dry During Rainy Season

Posted on April 16, 2020 by weilhammerplumbing

Although we love springtime, the rain that comes along with it can be quite a drag to endure. But so long as the wetness of this year’s rainy season stays outside, the persistent precipitation is not much of a threat. On the other hand, if your home’s plumbing system is not up to par, you might be faced with some invasive rainfall that can lead to water leaks, pipe bursts, or worse, whole-house flooding.

So, before the next storm hits your town, continue reading to learn exactly how to ensure your home is protected through rainy season with these vital plumbing tips!

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Tend to Plumbing Repairs ASAP

As soon as you know that your plumbing needs a repair, regardless of how minor it may seem, always address it right away. Do not procrastinate on any needed plumbing repairs because they will only worsen as the days go by. Furthermore, your plumbing system is all connected, which means one small defect somewhere can trigger other malfunctions in other areas of your home. Whether your water heater needs flushed, or you found a small water leak in the outside spigot, contact a licensed plumber as soon as possible, before the problem can get worse, and therefore, more expensive.

Water Supply Lines and Valves

One of the top causes of water damage and flooding is defective or old water supply lines and valves. How long has it been since your plumbing water lines have been inspected and replaced? If it has been longer than 1 year since you have had a full-property plumbing inspection, it is time to have one done right now. Your water supply lines and valves could be deteriorated, damaged, or rusted, all of which significantly affects the rest of your plumbing system. Has it been longer than 8 years since your water lines have been replaced? If so, even with annual inspections, it may now be time to have those water lines replaced to ensure optimal efficiency and function.

Do-it-Yourself Installation and Repairs

During rainy season, you do not want to take on any plumbing repair projects yourself, no matter how confident you are about your ability to get it done up to code. Whether it is installing a new appliance or replacing a cracked pipe underneath the bathroom sink, you do not want to risk making any mistakes that can lead to massive flooding or plumbing damage. Always enlist the services of a licensed plumber who is entirely familiar with such codes and processes.

Plumbing Service in Indianapolis You Can Trust

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for licensed plumbing services in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner and state-licensed master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, is happy to give you free advice, anytime. We provide a wide range of residential and commercial plumbing services, including slab leak inspections and repairs, trenchless pipe repair, pipe replacement, and even services to improve water quality. And as a family owned and operated company since 1901, you can trust us to deliver outstanding workmanship and customer support. Request a free estimate, today.

What to Do Before, During and After a Plumbing Repair Appointment

Posted on July 18, 2019 by weilhammerplumbing

Whether you are a new homeowner and have never hired a plumber before, or you simply want a reminder on best practices, it helps to learn what you should do before, during, and after your plumbing repair appointment. Continue reading for all the plumbing repair appointment tips you need to know prior to your plumber’s arrival!

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Before

To prepare for your plumbing repair, start by doing your research. Choose a reputable and licensed plumbing company that has several positive client testimonials and customer reviews. Once you have chosen and hired a plumber, you are ready to get prepared for your upcoming appointment. The methods in which you use to prepare mostly depend on the extent of the work being done, but can also depend on other factors, such as your home type, children, pets, location of plumbing repair, and more.

For instance, you would be wise to take the initiative to check the rest of your home’s plumbing, just in case you find something else that concerns you. While your plumber is there, you can mention the concern and add it to their list of places to inspect or diagnose. Also, make room for a work space around the area that will be receiving the repair. Clear away furniture, rugs, toys, and other clutter to reduce any obstructions. Last, be sure you know where you your main water line is located to make it faster and easier for the plumber.

During

While your plumber is working, do not be afraid to ask questions. Be forthcoming as possible by sharing relevant and detailed information regarding your home’s plumbing. The more information you give your plumber, the more they can understand the scope of your plumbing needs.

Also during your appointment, be sure to keep children and pets out of the way. Not only can they disrupt the work of your plumber, it can be dangerous for them. Plumbers use all types of hazardous chemicals, materials, and tools that can injure or cause serious illness to people and pets.

After

When your appointment comes to an end, grab a pen and paper and take notes on what your plumber is about to tell you. It is very common to forget what they say as soon as they leave, and you do not want to forget anything important.

Also, be sure to keep an eye on your plumber once the work is done. Not just the day of your appointment, but weeks later. Your plumber will likely make a follow-up call or visit, depending on the type of work that was done; and when they do, do not hold back on any questions or concerns.

Expert Plumbing Repair in Indianapolis

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for professional plumbing service and repair in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner and Master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, is happy to give you free plumbing advice. Our highly trained and licensed plumbers provide a wide range of residential and commercial plumbing services; and as a family owned and operated company since 1901, you can trust us to deliver outstanding workmanship and customer support. Request a free estimate, today.

3 Ways to Instantly Upgrade Your Plumbing on a Budget

Posted on June 13, 2019 by weilhammerplumbing

As a wise investor, budget means everything to you, which sometimes means leaving out desired home improvement projects that would otherwise enhance the quality and comfort of your property. But if you have an itch to give your home a bit of a facelift this summer without spending too much, you can opt for some easy and inexpensive plumbing upgrades that can be done all on your own. A quick trip to your local home improvement store is the first step, and the second is all up to your personal style.

Continue reading to learn what you can do to enhance the look and performance of your home’s plumbing without sweating the price tag.

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❶ Faucets and Fixtures

Your home is likely full of faucets, from kitchen sinks and wet bars, to bathrooms, mudrooms, and more. Want an easy way to make your home look and feel different without spending an entire week’s pay? Simply switch out your old faucet systems for new ones! Not only is there a wide selection of styles and finishes to choose from, there are plenty within an economical price range. Best of all, you can easily install a faucet fixture on your own, which saves you money on labor.

❷ Shower Heads

Although guests won’t necessarily be able to appreciate the appeal unless they stay over, swapping out your old shower head fixtures for new, upgrades models is a terrific way to enhance your home life. A better quality shower head instantly makes a shower look nicer and newer, and it provides a higher level of pleasure and comfort for your daily shower time. Furthermore, a good shower head can be more efficient, saving you money on water and energy bills.

❸ Toilet Seats

Toilets are not much to look at. But when you decide to change the toilet seat to an upgraded version, you will understand just how easy it is to add some life back to you bathrooms. Best of all, you can find really great styles and designs, all for under $50. You can also consider installing toilet bowl LED lights that turn on when you lift the seat. Not only are these lights inexpensive and easy to install, they come in a variety of colors and patterns, and can help improve the safety of nighttime bathroom trips.

Indianapolis Plumbing Service and Advice

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 when you need a licensed Indianapolis plumber you can trust for quality plumbing service and installation at an affordable price. We offer a wide range of standard and master plumber services for both residential and commercial properties. We also offer free estimates, free plumbing advice, and even free haul-away for old plumbing appliances like water heaters, water softeners, sump pumps, and more. Request a free estimate, today.

Frequently Asked Questions About Plumbers Tape

Posted on October 5, 2018 by weilhammerplumbing

Plumbers tape seems to be that thing that you always can find when you don’t need it, but can never find when you do. Aside from the common question, “where is my plumbers’ tape”, there is always some other inquiry that seems to boggle your mind. So to clear up some of the confusion, we have compiled a list of frequently asked questions about plumbers tape just for you.

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What is Plumbers Tape?

Also known as thread seal tape, plumbers tape is a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) film tape, which is a non-toxic and stable synthetic fluoropolymer. It is a common tool used in the plumbing industry, and available at any local department or home improvement store for as little as a few dollars. It comes in a variety of brands, sizes, colors, and more.

What is Plumbers Tape For?

Thread seal tape does exactly what its name suggests. It is primarily used to seal pipe threads and make them waterproof. Aside from creating a watertight seal, Teflon tape is also used to lubricate connections for the purpose of smoothing out the threading in plumbing pipes and fixtures. It also makes disconnecting connections much easier.

Is Plumbers Tape the Same as Teflon?

Many people call plumbers tape “Teflon” tape, but technically, Teflon tape is not a real product. Teflon is a brand name, much like Cutip or Kleenex, which are names that are often used colloquially to describe a particular product. Plumbers tape has informally adopted this moniker since they both contain PTFE.

How Do I Use Plumbers Tape?

To properly use plumbers tape, you need to refer to the manufacturer’s instructions. There you will find how to apply the particular type of tape to your project. There are many different types of plumbers tape, and even more needs for it, so the application can vary depending on these factors.

Professional Plumbing Service and Repair

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How to Prevent Residential Plumbing Emergencies

Posted on May 10, 2018 by weilhammerplumbing

Generally, when a homeowner calls on a plumber for service, it is usually after a plumbing mishap or crisis has occurred. With just a bit of effort and maintenance, many of these plumbing predicaments can be prevented altogether. Read on to learn how to prevent plumbing emergencies in your home.

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Water Leaks

Once a year, homeowners should spot check their house and appliances for leaks. If a leak is caught in its early stages, it can be resolved without any residual consequence. However, if a leak is left alone, it can potentially get worse, causing flooding, water damage, and mold accumulation. Mildew and mold removal is a very expensive project and requires excavation and demolition. By checking regularly and repairing minor leaks, you can avoid a whole heap of expenses when it comes to plumbing emergencies in your home.

Septic Systems

Septic system repairs are a common plumbing crisis in residential homes. Harsh weather and storms often cause septic tanks to have mechanical malfunctions, as well as, overflow into front and backyards. It is crucial to have a strong suited sump pump for your septic system, and have it inspected annually by a professional to ensure its functioning at its highest capacity.

Water Heaters

Overtime, your water heater can build up minerals and deposits called sediment. This can result in corrosion within the appliance, reducing its degree of performance. To clear this sediment, you have to drain numerous gallons of water through the faucet at the bottom of the appliance. This should be done a few times a year to prevent plumbing emergencies and costly repairs.

Who to Call for Professional Indianapolis Plumbing?

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for trusted Indianapolis plumbing repair in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our licensed master plumbers provide a wide range of residential and commercial plumbing services at the most competitive prices in town. See for yourself and call 317-784-1870 to request a free estimate, today.

Plumbing Tips for Commercial Property Owners

Posted on August 1, 2017 by weilhammerplumbing

Learn How to Prevent Plumbing Problems and Repairs

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As a new commercial property owner, your schedule is likely filled from top to bottom with a hundred things to do. Although you are on a tight agenda, you must be sure to include plumbing maintenance on your list. Proper plumbing and preventative maintenance are imperative in order to prevent inconvenient plumbing issues, and worse, costly plumbing disasters. Continue reading to learn what you need to do as a commercial property owner to protect your building’s plumbing system and overall structural integrity.

☛ Start With Durability

The first part of wise commercial plumbing maintenance is to make sure your system is durable and can withstand the test of time. Do this by opting for high quality fixtures, materials, and enhancements that are best suited for your regions climate. Older buildings tend to have older plumbing, so it is very wise to have these fixtures and systems updated with newer, innovative plumbing systems. This is especially important if your building has lead pipes. Talk with your engineer about the condition of your building’s plumbing to determine whether or not the system is outdated.

☛ Consider Maintenance a Fixed Cost

Investment protection is one of the most important aspects of owning a commercial property. For this reason, preventative and routine maintenance should be a fixed need that is automatically added into the monthly budget for expenses. This protects you by reducing the chances a whole-system breakdown, wide-scale replacement project, invasive repair, or spending endless dollars on minor reoccurring plumbing problems. Have your commercial plumbing system inspected by a licensed plumber at least once per year to ensure your plumbing is up to code and operating efficiently. They will check water heaters, water softeners, pipes, drains, septic systems, sump pumps, fixtures, sinks, showers, tubs, and more.

☛ Do Your Part

There are many important things you should do as a commercial building owner to help keep your plumbing in good condition. For instance, when temperatures drop below freezing, it is wise to let your faucets drip water to prevent your pipes from freezing up. Also, be sure to contact a professional plumber as soon as you suspect a problem with your plumbing. The sooner a problem is addressed, the less damage will result. You can also do your part by keeping drains clean and clear, replacing the salt in your water softeners, having your water-related appliances professionally serviced once a year (i.e. water heater, water softener, etc.), and keeping up with all the other necessary plumbing care you have always known and practiced.

Indianapolis Plumbing Contractors

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for commercial plumbing repair and service in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner and master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, and his team of licensed plumbers, but answer your questions about commercial plumbing service, water softening, hot water heaters, hard water, and more. Call 317-784-1870 to request a free estimate, today.

Weilhammer Plumbing Company Writes its 100th Blog!

Posted on February 9, 2017 by weilhammerplumbing

Read Our Plumbing Blogs!

Find the all the answers to your plumbing questions right here on the Weilhammer Plumbing Blog Page! You’ll also find useful tips, advice, and instructional information on countless plumbing repair and maintenance topics!

Important Topics, Helpful Tips, DIY Guides, and More!

Read Our Plumbing Blogs!

Weilhammer Plumbing Company is proud to announce they now have more than 100 plumbing-related blogs on their blog page, and they are all free for anyone to access online! Not only can you find information and tips about plumbing repair and maintenance, you can also read about water heaters, water softeners, energy efficiency, water quality, water purification, tips, DIY guides, and much more! Our blogs are reader-friendly, using a simple language to cover a wide range of topics related to the plumbing industry. They offer plumbing information based on modern technology, practical applications, fundamental concepts, current trends, innovations, and various other areas. If you have questions about your plumbing system, our blog page is a great place to start looking for instant answers you can count on!

We are licensed, bonded, and insured master plumbing contractors with more than 100 years of experience in the plumbing service and repair industry. Our company has served the Hoosier communities since 1901! And to this very day, we are just as passionate about integrity, professionalism, and sincere customer support. That is why we offer a wide range of competitively-priced plumbing services for both commercial and residential properties. On top of plumbing, we also service water heaters, water softeners, water systems, and sump pumps!

Expert Indianapolis Plumbers You Can Trust

As skilled plumbing professionals with decades of experience, you can trust that our plumbing blog page is current, informative, and helpful. And if you can’t find the answer you are looking for, simply call our office directly at 317-784-1870 for personal assistance! We are happy to take your call, answer your questions for free, and discuss your plumbing concerns without any pressure to use our services. But if you do need plumbing service, repair, installation, or sales, we are the Indianapolis plumbing company to choose!

Weilhammer Plumbing Company

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for professional 24 hour pluming service in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding counties. Owner, Mark Weilhammer, and our team of licensed plumbing contractors, are standing by to help you solve your plumbing problems at an affordable price. Not only do we have the most competitive prices in town, we also offer free estimates, free advice, and free haul-away services for old or broken appliances! Call out office directly at 317-784-1870 to learn more about our Indianapolis plumbing company, and see for yourself just how committed we are to our customers!

Fundamental Tool Kit for the DIY Plumber

Posted on February 3, 2017 by weilhammerplumbing

Indianapolis Plumbing Repair 317-784-1870

Not every plumbing repair requires the expertise of a master plumber, or residential plumber at that. No, there are plumbing mishaps that can be corrected by a handy homeowner with the right set of tools. If you are the DIY type, then you should equip yourself with the proper kit.

Every do-it-yourself plumber should have a specific set of tools and gadgets to help them with the around-the-house plumbing needs. If you have a clogged drain or leaky faucet, are you equipped to resolve the problem at hand? With these tools, you will be every time!

Tools for Do-It-Yourself Plumbing Jobs

There are many in-home plumbing repairs that can be accomplished by a handy DIY homeowner. For example, snaking a drain, leaky faucets, clogged toilets, calcified shower heads, and more are some common everyday plumbing issues. The first tool any person needs for in-home plumbing repair is a plunger. It goes without saying; a plunger is a very necessary tool for every home. Plungers are used to dislodge buildup and fix a clogged toilet.

Another basic plumbing tool is a pipe wrench. It’s an adjustable wrench that can change size to grip any pipe. It is used to open and close pipe connectors and hard to loosen bolts. This wrench comes in handy when a faucet is leaking, or even a pipe below the sink or behind the washer.

Last, every home needs a drain cleaner or snake. It is a device that can be extended and retracted to retrieve drain clogging debris like hair and soap buildup. It is an alternative to chemical drain cleaner. Shower drains and sink drains can easily become clogged over time. It is important to be ready to fix these clogs before they turn into a more serious repair. In this case, you would call a licensed plumbing company.

Indianapolis Plumbers

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

When DIY plumbing is not an option, call Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for fast and professional Indianapolis plumbers you can trust. Owner, Mark Weilhammer, is a state-licensed master plumber who has more than 50 years of experience. We offer a wide range of commercial and residential plumbing services, including plumbing repair, water leak inspection and repair, routine plumbing maintenance, appliance installation, water heater repair, water softener repair, and much more! Call 317-784-1870 to request an estimate for plumbing service in Indianapolis, Indiana today.