How to Install a Sink Faucet

Posted on June 27, 2019 by weilhammerplumbing

Are you tired of dealing with your old, inefficient sink faucet? Perhaps you are ready for an updated model? Or maybe you just want something that feels more comfortable to use? Either way, it may have crossed your mind to install a new one. But whether you are working on a bathroom, kitchen, or outdoor sink faucet, it is important to understand what the job entails in terms of labor, supplies, cost, and time. It might turn out that you can perform your own sink faucet installation! Or you may just realize that the job is a bit too big for you, and a plumber is the better option.

So, to get started, let’s review the basic steps of installing a new faucet, including what you will need and who to call if you don’t feel comfortable with DIY plumbing work.

Indianapolis Plumbing Installations 317-784-1870

What You Need

When it comes to home improvement, sink faucet installation is something that is entirely doable in as little as one hour’s time, so long as you are properly equipped with the right knowledge, tools, and supplies. Here is what you will need to implement a proper faucet installation project:

→ Your New Faucet
→ Basin Wrench
→ Plumber’s Tape (Teflon™)
→ Plumber’s Putty (Not just any caulk; it must be plumbing putty, like Sta Put®.)
→ Plastic or Rubber Gasket (You may or may not need a new one.)
→ Flexible PEX Lines (Most faucets come with these connections already.)
→ Spackling Knife (If you need to scrape away old putty.)

Basic Sink Anatomy

First, learn how a sink’s plumbing is fundamentally set up. The basic parts of a sink are the hot and cold water lines, which are located underneath the sink and distinguishable by their knobs or levers, as well as, a drain pipe, the sink basin, and the faucet.

When shopping around for a new faucet, be sure to count how many holes are in your existing sink basin ahead of arriving at the home improvement store. Unless you are also purchasing and installing a new sink basin, the hole count is a vital part of choosing a proper replacement faucet.

A Guide to Faucet Installation

Your very first step is to turn off the water supply to the home via the main water shutoff valve.

Before installing your new faucet, you will need to remove the old one. If it is very old or rusted, be prepared for this step to take longer. You may even require additional tools, like a sledgehammer. If this is the case, professional plumbing service is likely your best option. Most faucets attach to a sinks via a plastic or metal nut, which can be accessed underneath the sink in the cabinet. Other faucets are bolted down on top of the sink. You will also need to remove the water connections in this step.

Now you are ready to install the new faucet. Begin by adding the gasket, which serves as a seal between the faucet and the sink. If you do not have a replacement gasket, you can use your plumber’s putty to form the seal.

Next, position the new faucet on top of the sink, lining up all the proper holes. Then, go underneath the sink and secure the plastic nuts. Here is where you would use your spackling knife to clear away any old plumber’s putty.

You should be ready to connect the water lines now. Most faucet brands come with flexible PEX hoses (i.e. Deltaâ), but if your new model did not, you will need to use your own. If your faucet came with hoses, simply connect them to the water lines underneath the sink. If you are using your own lines, first connect the piping to your lines, and then to the faucet. As you are implementing this step, be sure to use your plumber’s tape around the connections on the water lines and hoses to create a water-tight seal.

You are basically ready to check your work now, so turn your water back on and check your lines and faucet for any leaks. If there are leaks, you will need to remove all seals, tighten all hose and water line connections, and reapply your plumber’s tape.

If it STILL Doesn’t Work…Hire a Plumber!

Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for help with your plumbing repairs in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our state-licensed master plumbers have been in the plumbing business for over 100 years because we have earned the trust of thousands of Hoosiers all across the city as a result of our professional service and outstanding results. Request a free estimate or advice, today.

Do You Need Emergency Plumbing Service?

Posted on June 21, 2019 by weilhammerplumbing

Plumbing emergencies are no joke. Water leaks, appliance breakdowns, power losses, and similar mischances, can be quite the devastating event, especially if something like a water leak goes neglected for some time. When it comes to plumbing disasters and emergencies, the most important priority is to choose a skilled plumber that will be there for you in a moment’s notice. Here at Weilhammer Plumbing Company, we are the professional plumbing response team on duty, around the clock, to manage your plumbing emergencies, efficiently and at a price you can afford.

Continue below to learn what constitutes a plumbing emergency, what to do in the event of one, and how to contact our master plumbers in an instant.

The Importance of Managing Plumbing Emergencies ASAP

Here’s the thing you need to understand about plumbing emergencies: they cost more than standard plumbing services, but only upfront; managing a plumbing emergency saves you thousands of dollars in repairs, renovations, and maintenance, down the line. Here is a list of what most professional plumbers will tell you is an emergency situation:

Examples of Plumbing Emergencies:

⚠ Gas Leaks or Lingering Gas Smells
⚠ Flooding (i.e. Carpets, Floors, Basement, Lawn, Etc.)
⚠ Wet or “Sweaty” Walls
⚠ Large Amounts of Standing Water in Lawn
⚠ Burst Pipes
⚠ Frozen Pipes
⚠ Sump Pump Problems and Defects
⚠ Major Water Leaks that Can’t Be Stopped with Main Water Shutoff Valve

Here are some examples of Non-emergency plumbing situations:

✅ Clogged Toilet or Drain
✅ Running Toilet
✅ No Hot Water
✅ Small Water Leaks (i.e. Faucet, Showerhead, Sink, Etc.)
✅ Moderate Leaks that Can Be Stopped with Main Water Shutoff Valve
✅ Broken Plumbing Fixture

When determining whether or not a plumbing issue is an emergency, ask yourself these questions:

Can it Wait? Think about the seriousness of the issue and if leaving it alone until morning or the next business day will cause more damage. If you can mitigate the issue, like catching dripping water in a bucket, you probably don’t need emergency service. On the other hand, if it is something that needs to be functioning at all times, like if you only have one toilet, it could be an emergency.

Will Turning Off the Main Water Valve Help? As mentioned, some plumbing leaks can be managed on your own through the night without calling for emergency service. A leak can be managed through the night by turning off the specific and main water valves; and then calling for plumbing service the next day. On the other hand, larger water leaks, like burst pipes, need emergency repair.

Call Us for All Your Plumbing Emergencies in Indianapolis!

Since 1901, we have been a family owned and operated business. Our current generation of owners have more than 60 years of experience in the plumbing repair and service industry. Weilhammer Plumbing Company is extensively equipped with the latest technologies, state-of-the-art equipment, and premium resources to professionally implement any plumbing repair need, regardless of size or scope.

So when you need plumbing service and repair you can trust, count on Weilhammer Plumbing Company to put your mind at ease by providing affordable plumbing diagnostics and solutions that work for you. Contact us directly at 317-784-1870 to request a free estimate or discuss your plumbing concerns, anytime.

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.

Indianapolis Plumbing Installation and Repair 317-784-1870

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.

How to Fix a Leaky Pressure Relief Valve on a Water Heater

Posted on June 6, 2019 by weilhammerplumbing

Although it is strongly encouraged to have a licensed plumber assist you with all your water heater repair and maintenance needs, the process of replacing a pressure relief valve is not as complicated as some other plumbing tasks. Continue reading for a step-by-step instruction guide on how to swap out a defective pressure relief valve for a new one, as well as, what to do if you are not 100% confident about DIY plumbing repair.

Water Heater Installation and Repair 317-784-1870

Temperature and Pressure Relief Valves

The pressure relief valve on your hot water heater is also known as a temperature and pressure relief valve, T&P valve, or TRP valve. They are designed to release excess pressure from within the tank in the case that the water temperature gets too high. Basically, they prevent excess pressure buildup inside a water heater tank, making them incredibly important safety components.

Temperature and pressure relief valves are usually inexpensive, costing between $15 and $20 depending on the type you choose. They are available at any local home improvement store, plumbing parts store, or online. Just be sure you choose the proper T&P valve for your make and model water heater. Refer to the owners’ manual to confirm.

Replacing a T&P Valve

When you have a leak in your T&P valve, open and close it a few times to see if it will go away. If the leak does not stop within a day or two, you know it needs to be replaced. To replace a T&P valve, you will need a pipe wrench, and plumbers’ tape. If you have to replace the drain pipe, you will also need pipe glue and new piping that is designed for hot water, such as CPVC.

How to Get Started:

➀ Turn off the power. Depending on if you have a gas or electric water heater, you will need to either turn off the gas or flip the breaker to cut the power.

➁ Shut off the main cold water valve that feeds into your water heater.

➂ Turn on the valve at the bottom of the water heater, as well as, the T&P valve, to release any excess water and pressure. Allow them to drain for about a minute.

➃ Now you are ready to remove the overflow pipe from the T&P valve. However, if it is soldered or glued, it will need to be cut off. This is where you might decide to contact an Indianapolis plumber for help.

➄ Unscrew the old T&P valve using your pipe wrench.

➅ Grab your new T&P valve and wrap plumbers’ tape around the threads. Then screw the new valve onto your water heater making sure that the opening to the overflow pipe is turned away from the tank.

➆ Wrap plumbers’ tape on the threads of the drain pipe and put it back on the water heater.

➇ Turn your main cold water valve back on and check for any leaks. If you still have leaks, contact a licensed plumber for assistance. They may be able to give you DIY instructions over the phone or same-day service.

Professional Indianapolis Plumbing Service

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 when you need a licensed plumber for Indianapolis water heater service and repair 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.