Why Septic Tank Preventative Maintenance is So Important

Posted on December 23, 2020 by weilhammerplumbing

If you are a homeowner who lives in the outer rural areas of Indianapolis, you might not have access to municipal water systems. In this case, you likely own a septic tank. As a home that runs on a septic system, it is essential that you provide the proper preventative maintenance so that you are not faced with unanticipated, invasive, and costly repairs or breakdowns.

Continue reading to learn what you need to know about routine septic tank preventative maintenance, and who to call when your septic system needs professional service or repair.

Indianapolis Septic Tank Services 317-784-1870

How to Care for Your Septic Tank System

Your septic tank is arguably one of the most important plumbing systems in your home or commercial building. Any type of breakdown or malfunction can quickly turn into a massive bio-hazard that takes several weeks and several thousand dollars to resolve. Not only can lack of maintenance cause a septic tank disaster, but it can also contribute to local pollution. Fortunately, most modern-day septic systems are inventively designed. So, with the proper preventative maintenance, you won’t have to worry about a scenario like this. Not sure where to start?

Begin by reading through your septic system’s user manual. There, you will find the manufacturer’s instructions that will give you a foundation for the type of preventative maintenance and service it will require. You may also contact a local Indianapolis plumber for answers to some common questions about septic tanks, or to schedule an in-person inspection, and learn more about your subject system.

By understanding the operation of your septic system, you can better develop the right kind of habits preventative maintenance and care. Again, your plumber can help you confirm all of your septic system specifications and recommended maintenance. Here’s the two important facts you need to know about preventative maintenance for most make and model septic tanks: 1) Routine pumping and service are required for most modern-day septic tanks. This should be done once every year. 2) Sewer and drain service are also recommended for septic systems, and should be scheduled every year or so.

Your Sump Pump Maintenance Duties

Although most work should be left to a professional, there are some septic system preventative maintenance tasks you can take on yourself. Whether you have a residential or commercial sump pump system, one of the most effective methods of maintenance is to routinely inspect it to ensure it is still running and discharging water correctly. Although winter is a recommended time to check this, it is also important to do this a few times a month.

Where to Get Septic System Pumping and Service in Indianapolis

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for licensed Indianapolis septic tank service you can trust. We have been in 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. Call owner, Mark Weilhammer, at 317-784-1870 to request a free estimate or plumbing advice, today.

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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.

Indianapolis Plumbing Services 317-784-1870

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!

How to Quickly Unclog a Bathtub Drain

Posted on December 10, 2020 by weilhammerplumbing

In your house, the bathtub is important, not only for your own moments of relaxation so that you can cut off the world outside and meditate within your own thoughts, but also for your children, and perhaps your pets too. So, when your tub drain stops working the way it should, bath time really isn’t all that it can or should be. In fact, it can be quite a nuisance, and even unhealthy. Fortunately, there is a very quick way to fix this problem.

Continue reading to learn how to quickly unclog a bathtub drain using only a few materials that you likely already have on hand.

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WHAT YOU NEED TO UNCLOG A BATHTUB DRAIN:

► A drain snake. Also known as an auger or plumber’s snake, you can find these at literally any store that has a cleaning section, including grocery stores, department stores, convenience stores, hardware stores, and even your home improvement store.

► A screwdriver. You may need to remove the drain cover, and in order to do this you’ll need a screwdriver on hand. Drain covers might require either type of screwdriver, so be sure to grab both just in case.

► Rubber gloves. If you need to remove the drain cover, you are likely attempting to unclog the drain manually. In this case, you will definitely want a pair of latex or rubber gloves. It can get quite slimy down inside those dreams.

► A plunger. Plungers have been around for centuries, and for good reason. They work. If you have a plunger, you might be able to clear your tub drain with just a few simple pumps. Any quality plunger will work.

► Baking soda and vinegar. Rather than using chemicals to clear your drain, you can simply concoct your own solution from baking soda and vinegar. This is a natural solution that won’t be toxic to the environment, nor will it damage any of your plumbing fixtures.

► Boiling water. Boiling water does a great job of clearing out clogged drains, so long as they’re just minor or moderately obstructed. Boil around 6 quarts of water, or up to 10 courts if you have a pot large enough to do so.

Now you’re ready to learn how to put all of this stuff to good use! Here’s how:

►► Snaking – to use your drain snake or auger, simply follow manufacturer’s instructions, which will tell you to insert the auger or snake directly into the drain and push as far down as it will go, give it a twist or two, and then pull it back out. Just don’t be shocked at what you find. You might need to repeat this process a few times to completely clear the drain. For best results, combine snaking with other methods.

►► Boiling Water – For bathtub drains that are not clogged to severely, you can simply pour boiling water down it to release the obstruction. Boiling water will clear out shampoo, conditioner, soap, and other viscous residues that might be clogging your drain.

►► Plunging – When your bathtub drain is clogged, just stick your plunger right on top of it, give it several pumps, and then run the water. Continue this process a few times, or as many as it takes, to clear the drain. Just like snaking, you can combine plunging with other methods to get the fastest results.

►► Manual – If you have a severely clogged bathtub drain, you might need to manually unclog it with your bare hands. Well, hands dawned with latex rubber gloves. Use your screwdriver to unscrew the drain cover, and then get to work. Just remember to not lose the screws in the process so that you can return the drain cover to its rightful place.

►► Drain Cleaner – using baking soda and vinegar to clear tub drain is a fast and safe approach. Start by pouring 1 cup baking soda diner drain. Wait for 10 minutes, and then pour 1 cup of vinegar down the drain. It is recommended to finish this process with some boiling water.

Where to Get Prompt and Professional Bathtub Plumbing Service in Indianapolis

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 when you need a licensed Indianapolis plumber you can trust for quality bathroom plumbing services and more, all 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.

What a Hybrid Water Heater Can Do For You

Posted on December 4, 2020 by weilhammerplumbing

When it comes to shopping around for a new hot water heater, the most important thing you can do is your research. There are many variables that will influence which type, size, make, and model water heater is right for your home or business. That’s right; there is more than one kind of water heater to choose from. The most common are tank-style water heaters, which are the traditional versions you’ll see in most homes and small offices. There are also tankless water heaters, and even water heaters that combine the two, known as hybrid water heaters.

Continue reading to learn more about these styles of water heaters, including what a hybrid water heater can offer in terms of your water heating needs.

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Tank and Tankless Water Heaters

Tank-style water heaters and tankless water heaters are similar in that they both heat water from the bottom, up. However, they have many differences. Traditional water heaters are designed with a large tank that stores heated water for the entire property. The water inside these tanks are kept warm continuously even when the water is not being used, which requires a constant supply of energy. The energy used to keep the water at a set temperature inside a traditional unit is referred to as “stand-by heat loss.”

Tankless water heaters eliminate this wasted energy usage by heating water up at the time of demand, which is why they are also referred to as On-Demand or Instantaneous water heaters. Tankless water heaters use a simple process to heat water. When warm or hot water is requested, city water is sent into the property through a series of pre-existing water lines. At the same time, a heating device called a heat exchanger is activated, which uses electric coils or a gas-fired burner to generate heat, and then transfer that heat to the water in order to warm it up.

Hybrid Water Heaters

Hybrid water heaters offer the best of both a tank-style and tankless water heater. Most admirably, they save a lot of energy because they heat up water faster. They use a series of plumbing pipes to heat up water all at the same time, rather than a whole tank or single line of copper piping. This heats up water faster, plus reduces the time we wait for water to get hot. Saved energy translates to saved money in the form of lowered monthly utility bills. It is also great for the environment, and those who wish to go green with home plumbing.

What else can a hybrid water heater do for you? Well, a lot.

☑ They hold up to 3X more water than tank-style units.
☑ They use nearly 50% less gas than comparable models.
☑ Most come with a long manufacturer warranty!

Professional Water Heater Advice and Service in Indianapolis

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for free estimates, advice, and information regarding Indianapolis hot water heater service, anytime. Not only are we state-licensed master plumbers who specialize in water heater repair and service, we gladly provide recommendations and advice. Whether residential or commercial, we can provide all the water heater services you need. Contact us today for free advice on choosing a water heater, or to schedule service for your home or office!

Shower Head Replacement

The first recommendation any plumbing or water heater expert will give when asked about cold shower solutions is to upgrade your shower head. By choosing a new shower head with a higher flow rate, you can instantly enjoy a hot shower because it takes less time for the water to heat up, on demand. You can find a wide selection of quality shower heads with high flow volumes, ranging in price from $25 to $150 or more depending on the brand and retailer.

Shower Supply Line Insulation

A common reason why people have trouble with cold or lukewarm showers is a lack of shower supply line insulation due to extra-long or exterior-side plumbing pipes. In order to check the condition or presence of your home’s shower supply line insulation, you will need to access the insides of your wall voids most likely. For this reason, it is best to contact a professional for such inspections and work. Improved insulation will block out cold ambient air, and thus, prevent heat loss during your showers.

On Demand Hot Water Re-Circulation

Your shower experience can be improved by incorporating an on demand hot water recirculating system into your water heater system. This sends any standing cold water in your shower supply plumbing lines back to your water heater to be reheated. This way, you have full access to hot water throughout the duration of your shower, and for the rest of the day.

Where to Get a Free Estimate for Hot Water Repair in Indianapolis

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 when you need plumbing service for hot water or water heaters in Indianapolis, Indiana. Master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, is happy to provide free estimates, free advice, and a wide range of affordable plumbing services for residential and commercial properties. Call 317-784-1870 to request a free estimate for Indianapolis water hammer repair, today.

Do You Know How Much Longer Your Plumbing Pipes are Good For?

Posted on November 20, 2020 by weilhammerplumbing

As a homeowner, it is important to keep your plumbing system in good condition to optimize efficiency and extend its life. However, no matter how diligent, plumbing pipes are not meant to last forever. If you live in an older home, especially an older one, you should strongly consider having your plumbing pipes professionally inspected to ensure they are still in good condition.

Do you know how old your pipes are? Do you know how to tell if they are due for a replacement? Do you know a good plumber who can be trusted to give you an honest and accurate diagnosis? Continue below to answers to all of these plumbing questions, and more.

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General Plumbing Pipe Guidelines

Although the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has a system of guidelines for replacing residential plumbing pipes, there are some factors you must consider before basing your final decision on their standards. You see, if your pipes are older than the listed guideline, it doesn’t always mean they have to be replaced. This guideline, plus additional factors, will help you make a better determination. Also, hiring a licensed Indianapolis master plumber for a plumbing inspection is ultimately the best way to confirm the condition of your home’s pipe works.

Depending on the material of your plumbing pipes, they can last anywhere from 20 to 100 years or more. Some materials are hypothesized to last indefinitely. Here is the general guide:

➰ PVC Plumbing Pipes = Indefinitely

➰ Copper Plumbing Pipes = 50+ Years

➰ Galvanized Plumbing Pipes = 20 to 50 Years

➰ Brass Plumbing Pipes = 40 to 70 Years

Warning About Polybutylene Plumbing Pipes

Polybutylene plumbing was widely used in the residential plumbing and construction industry in 1970’s and well into the ‘90’s. Polybutylene is a gray plastic material that was eventually discovered to be easily breakable. If your home is equipped with Polybutylene plumbing, you might be wise to consider a full replacement, as they are highly unreliable and prone to water leaks, floods, and flaking from the inside out.

Where to Get Real Plumbing Advice and Service You Can Trust in Indianapolis

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 when you are looking for residential plumbing inspection services in Indianapolis and its surrounding counties. Our licensed and insured plumbers provide a wide range of standard and master plumber services for all property types. We are happy to schedule a comprehensive inspection for your home using advanced technologies and equipment to diagnose internal issues or needed replacements. We also offer free estimates and free plumbing advice, anytime. Request your free estimate, today.

4 Ways to Go Green With Home Plumbing

Posted on November 11, 2020 by weilhammerplumbing

Anytime of year is a good time to re-plan your budgets and finances. If you are looking to save some money this season or next, a great way to do so is by going green. Remember to turn off your lights, cut back on waste, reuse as much as possible, drive less, and so forth. As for your home plumbing, it can get greener too. Continue below to learn 4 effective and lucrative ways to go green with home plumbing.

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Green Plumbing is a Trend That Will Never Fade Away

There is really no good reason to not save money when you can. When it comes to plumbing, there are several ways to lessen your water and energy consumption, thus reducing your monthly utility bills. As an added bonus, you and your family are doing wonders to support and preserve our Earth’s natural resources! Although there are many changes and additions to choose from in order to obtain greener plumbing practices, you can easily start by focusing on the top 4 methods recommended by other green homeowners. These include replacing shower heads and faucets, installing low volume water restrictors, updating the water heater, and switching to high-efficiency appliances.

Shower Head and Faucet Replacement

Shower heads, faucets, and related plumbing fixtures are designed to last, but not forever. At some point in time, over the course of just a few years sometimes, these fixtures begin to decrease in efficiency. In fact, you can usually tell when they need to be replaced because they begin to show problems with their performance. Not only will new shower heads and faucets support proper performance, which in turn increases efficiency, but you can take it a step further and actually opt for environmentally-friendly plumbing fixtures that are designed to use up to 30% less than standard ones.

Water Heater Upgrade

Your water heater is a prime plumbing appliance in your home. After all, without hot water on demand, we are back in the dark ages. Hot water is important for function, quality of life, and even our health. So, it is important to ensure your hot water heater is performing optimally; otherwise, you could be losing quite of bit of money due to wasted water and energy. One way to go green with home plumbing is to simply update or replace your water heater. Talk to a local water heater repair professional to learn whether or not your hot water heater requires some maintenance or a full-on replacement. There are plenty of energy-efficient water heaters on the market today that make great options for green living.

Low Volume Water Restrictor Installation

Another option for going green is to mitigate your home’s water consumption. One way to do this is to have a professional plumber install low volume water restrictors. Also known as pressure-reducing valves, low volume water restrictors lessen the amount of water forced through fixtures like shower heads and faucets. In turn, they reduce your home’s monthly water consumption without you even realizing it. Your home’s current water pressure setting is likely close to the average residential water pressure setting, which 70psi. However, pressure-reducing valves reduce this up to half the volume, which is still plenty for a comfortable living.

High-Efficiency Appliance Procurement

Another easy and instant way to go green with home plumbing is to make the switch to high-efficiency, or higher-efficiency, appliances. Appliances to consider include toilets, dishwashers, washing machines, water heaters, water softeners, and water purification systems. Take your toilets for instance; they typically use an average of 3½ gallons of water PER FLUSH. With a high-efficiency toilet, you can reduce this average to 1½ gallons or less! In fact, duel flush toilets are a popular choice for improved flush efficiency and water preservation.

Talk to a Trusted Indianapolis Master Plumber for Green Plumbing Advice and Service

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for green plumbing advice or routine plumbing services in Indianapolis, Indiana. Master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, is happy to provide free estimates, free advice, and a wide range of affordable plumbing services for residential and commercial properties. Call 317-784-1870 to request a free estimate for Indianapolis water hammer repair, today.

Important Plumbing Questions New Homeowners Should Ask

Posted on November 4, 2020 by weilhammerplumbing

Whether you are on the market for a new home, preparing to close on one, or have just moved in, be sure to cover the facts surrounding one of the most vital components of your property: the plumbing. Continue below to learn some important questions you should be asking about your new home’s plumbing that might not get addressed otherwise, as well as where to get affordable plumber service you can trust in Indianapolis.

Indianapolis Plumbing Inspection and Repair 317-784-1870

New Home Inspections

When the inspector arrives to go through your new home, allow them to do their job. They know exactly what to look for, what to pay closer attention to, and they retain the proper technologies to perform their duty up to code. Most likely, they will address any concerns you have before you can bring them up. However, when the inspection is complete, this is the time to jump in with those pertinent new home plumbing questions. Not only will these questions give you a better understanding of the condition of your new home’s plumbing, but they will also set a baseline for future monitoring, plumbing updates, and routine services.

New House Plumbing Questions to Ask Your Home Inspector

Addressing Moisture and Water Damages:

► Did you notice any rust or corrosion?

► Did you see any old water damage from past leaks?

► Did the flooring around the toilets, tubs, and showers seem soft or warped?

Addressing the Water Heater:

► Did the water pressure seem adequate?

► Is the water heater the right size for my house and occupants?

► Did you check the temperature of the hot water heater?

► Are all the parts of the water heater working properly?

► Were there any hard-to-see spots behind the water heater that might have a leak?

Addressing the Water Softener:

► Is the water softener the right size for my house and occupants?

► Does my water softener need to be replaced or repaired soon?

Addressing Plumbing Pipes:

► What kind of plumbing pipes does the house have?

► Are the plumbing pipes in good condition? How much longer will they last?

► Do I need to request a separate sewer line inspection, or can you do it?

Do Not Make these Common Plumbing Mistakes as a New Homeowner!

An Indianapolis Plumber to Trust for Professional Service and Fair Prices

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 when you need a licensed plumbing service in Indianapolis at an affordable price. We deliver a wide range of standard and master plumbing services for both residential and commercial properties, including new home plumbing inspections and sewer line inspections. Our licensed plumbers also offer other plumbing services, like 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.

What You Need to Know About Your Water Hammer Problem

Posted on October 29, 2020 by weilhammerplumbing

Turning off a faucet shouldn’t give you anxiety. But for those with a water hammer problem, there is no way of doing so without anxiously anticipating that loud bang afterwards. Like a shock wave rushing through your piping system, water hammer noise is most certainly something to make you jump.

If this is your current situation at home, continue below to learn what you need to know about what causes it and how to resolve it, fast.

Indianapolis Plumbing Service and Repair 317-784-1870

Water Hammer is Called Hydraulic Shock

Properly called hydraulic shock, water hammer is a common home plumbing problem with a simple solution. Not only does water hammer cause a loud knocking or banging noise after shutting off a faucet to quickly, but it is also known to cause the faucet and fixtures to visibly vibrate. What’s really happening to cause all of these effects? Well, water is being forced through the pipes, exerting pressures at hundreds of pounds per inch.

Why it Happens

The common cause of water hammer is mechanical. Appliances (commonly washing machines and dishwashers) or faucets shut the water flow off too fast. This defect in the plumbing mechanism is the main reason why homes experience hydraulic shock. But this is not the only possible cause; water hammer can also be from having old or outdated plumbing. Fixtures and appliances can all have older technologies that are not best for preventing sudden water flow stoppage. Namely, dishwashing and washing machines are designed with solenoid valves that are notorious for stopping water flow to suddenly.

The most common solution for hydraulic shock repair is the addition of air chambers, which are a type of pipe fittings that act as a shock absorber. For a long term solution, water hammer arrestors are usually incorporated into a plumbing system, which are a more complex version of air chambers.

What to Do About It

If you have a water hammer issue, be sure to act fast. You might believe it is just an annoying aftereffect of your plumbing pipes, but really, it can cause extensive damage if neglected overtime. If you had a water hammer repair done several years ago, they could be outdated by now. Although it is possible for homeowners to repair their own water hammer problem, it is best left to a licensed plumber who retains the proper permits, training, and professional resources to get the job done up to code.

Who to Call for Water Hammer Plumbing Repair in Indianapolis, Indiana

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for professional master plumbing services in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner and Master plumber (#106214), 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.

What’s the Deal With Toilet Paper?

Posted on October 22, 2020 by weilhammerplumbing

Toilet paper has been a part of your life since the day you were weened off diapers. So naturally, toilet paper has taken on the form of something so necessary that we never really dig deeper on its role in our everyday lives. But really; what’s the deal with toilet paper? Well, ‘tis the season to talk about it, as toilet paper sales tend to soar this time of year.

Continue below to learn how toilet paper works, and a few other related facts that might just surprise you.

Indianapolis Bathroom Plumbing Service 317-784-1870

Brief History of Toilet Paper

Everyone has a personal, internal disposal system, leaving us to all have one thing in common, a need for a good wipe. So, in comes toilet paper, our rear-end’s savior for a comfortable, convenient, and hygienic solution to post-elimination cleanup. Before TP, ancient peoples use everything from rocks and seashells, to hay, straw, and fibrous plant material to satisfy their need to wipe. Fortunately, in the 6th century C.E., China finally invented paper, which they made from the pulp of mulberry trees. At that time, they also decided that paper was the way to go when it comes to post-go wiping.

Although used around the world by several ethnicities, cultures, and societies, Americans take the cake as the top consumers. But it wasn’t always that way. Even back in the 1800’s, people were mostly using pages torn out of Old Farmer’s Almanacs and Sears catalogs. As time went on, a guy invented a hemp-based sheet formulated with aloe, as a remedy for hemorrhoids. From there, American capitalism took inertia, and eventually grew into a multi-billion dollar industry, just in the states.

FUN FACT: When Sears Roebuck changed their catalogs to a glossy page material, many consumers complained because it just wasn’t as comfortable as the paper pages they had before! Even the Old Farmer’s Almanac added holes in the corner of their pages so they would be easier to hang from a hook in the outhouse!

How Much Toilet Paper Do You Use?

Research and statistics reveal that in the United States alone, more than 6 billion dollars are spent on toilet paper each year by consumers. What’s more startling is that the same data shows that people tend to use around 50 pounds of toilet paper, per capita, each year. No so comforting, if you were to use these same stats, it would require a toilet paper manufacturer to cut down 10 million trees each year to make enough teepee for the whole world.

Indoor Plumbing Was the Key to TP Success

Toilet paper was really thin before because it had to be easily disposable. But this created a problem for big go’s, as hands would often be left soiled unless you use a lot of paper. But once indoor plumbing was a reliable and consistent thing, toilet paper quality was improved drastically. It was made with a more flush-able design, yet thicker and more absorbent than ever before.

But don’t put too much TP down the toilet! Otherwise, you might end up with a clog! Talk to your local plumber about your toilet and bathroom plumbing concerns, and they can help you get your indoor plumbing back on track and under control.

How it Works

There are several different kinds of toilet paper, ranging in size, quality, brand, color, composition, and more. Generally, toilet paper is made from a mix of water, tree pulp, bleach, and select chemicals used to extract fibers, which renders a softer, cushier material. As for the tree pulp, a blend of softwood and hardwood trees. Hardwoods include species like maple, gum, and oak, while softwoods are species like Hemlocks, Firs, and Spruces. By the way, toilet paper is often kept white because dyes can pose certain health risks or complications.

Need an Emergency Plumber for Toilet Repair and Service in Indianapolis?

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for trusted and affordable emergency plumbing services in Indianapolis, Indiana. We offer a wide range of standard and master plumber repair services for both residential and commercial properties, including home plumbing inspections, water heater repair, water softener repair, septic tank repair, and appliance sales. We also offer free estimates, free plumbing advice, and even free haul-away for old plumbing appliances. Request a free estimate, today.