Should I Buy a Tankless Water Heater?

Posted on April 5, 2019 by weilhammerplumbing

Are you in need a new water heater, but you are not sure which make or model to go with? If so, you are in the same position as thousands of other homeowners across the nation. Fortunately, modern innovations have made most hot water heaters more efficient and better performing. When it comes time for you to start perusing the market for a new unit, you will come by several make and model water heaters. From electric and gas, to propane, solar-powered, on demand, and even tankless. In fact, tankless water heaters are becoming more prominent among property owners, leading many consumers to ask themselves, “Should I buy one?” But in order to answer this question, it helps to ask yourself a series of others.

Continue reading to learn how to decide whether or not your home or property is well-suited for a tankless-style water heater.

Water Heaters Indianapolis Indiana — Water Heater Installation and Repair 317-784-1870

Tankless Water Heaters

What is a tankless water heater? Well, tankless water heaters go by many monikers, most commonly as “instantaneous” water heaters, but also as on-demand, inline, flash, and continuous flow water heaters. These models are designed without the traditional storage tank that holds water for the home. Instead of a water tank, tankless water heaters only heat up water when prompted by a faucet or appliance.

For this reason, tankless units are deemed highly Eco-friendly. Furthermore, they can save money on energy bills since less energy is used to keep stored water heated, like in conventional tank-style units. Also, since they lack the typical large tank, they save a lot of space, making them perfect for smaller residences, like apartments, condominiums, and dormitories.

Although a tankless water heater might take a few minutes longer to heat up water since it does not store it, you can have a recirculation pump installed to help increase the rate at which water travels through pipes and to its destination. Read our blog, “What is the Point of a Tankless Water Heater?” to learn more about how they work and why they are beneficial.

Is Tankless Right for You?

The best way to determine whether or not a tankless water heater is right for your home or property is to consult a licensed Indianapolis water heater technician for professional advice. You may also benefit from reading our series of blogs on water heaters. In the meantime, you can get a basic idea of the answer by asking yourself these 4 questions:

❶ Do I have several occupants or guests, thus posing a risk of running out of hot water?

❷ How much hot water is really used on a daily basis?

❸ Am I away for extended periods at a time?

❹ Do I have a limited amount of square footage?

If you answered “yes” to any of the four questions above, you very well may benefit from a tankless water heater. Again, talk to a licensed water heater professional for personalized advice to determine the best strategies for water heating. If you do decide on a tankless unit, be sure you also have a quality water conditioning system installed as well, such as a water softener. This is because tankless water heaters are highly sensitive to hard water damage. Read our blog, “Top 3 Reasons to Buy a Water Softener” to learn what you need to know about water conditioning.

Talk to a Pro Today!

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 when you need hot water heater repair and installation in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner and master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, has more than 60 years of experience in the plumbing industry and offers a wide range of water heater services for commercial and residential properties, including free advice! Request free estimates or advice, today.

The Difference Between Water Pressure and Water Volume

Posted on March 27, 2019 by weilhammerplumbing

You’ve heard of low water pressure; but are you familiar with low water volume? Not only is there a difference between water pressure and water volume, both can actually have a negative effect on your home’s plumbing, and ultimately, your finances. Continue reading to learn what you need to know about low water pressure and water volume, including what you can do about both.

Low Water Volume? 317-784-1870 — Slow Water? Call 317-784-1870 for help.

Low Pressure or Low Volume?

The most important advantage of understanding the difference between low water pressure and low water volume is that it can help you better identify other plumbing problems around the house. But first, you must be able to tell the difference between the two. You likely already know about low water pressure, as most of us have experienced weak shower heads and slow-filling bathtubs once or twice in our lives. But low water volume can be a bit trickier to see.

You see, water pressure is the amount of force that pushes water through your water lines, while water volume refers to the quantity of water pushed through.

Water volume is regulated by your plumbing pipes and the aerators at the end of your faucet taps. For this reason, you would need to take a look at your faucets to get a better idea of the water volume in your home. And in more serious cases, you will need a licensed plumber to take apart and inspect your pipes for obstructions. Fortunately, low water pressure and low water volume can both be improved with the right solutions.

Low Water Volume

If you believe you have low water volume, there are several options for improvement. One of the main reasons why water volume lowers is due to hard mineral deposits and limescale. Simply take apart your faucets, soak the aerator in distilled white vinegar for 3 to 5 hours, and rinse with clean water. If this doesn’t work, you may need to replace the aerator altogether, or adjust the flow restrictor in the aerator. Read our blog, “How to Locate and Adjust Low Volume Water Restrictors” to learn what to do.

Another fix for low water volume is an obstructed water valve. If your water flow does not improve, check to see if your main water valve is open all the way. If none of the above options work for you, it is necessary to enlist the help of a professional. You may have serious pipe blockages and similar defects causing your low water volume and water pressure, all of which must be inspected by a properly-equipped and licensed professional.

Indianapolis Plumbing Repair and Maintenance

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 Locate and Adjust Low Volume Water Restrictors

Posted on March 21, 2019 by weilhammerplumbing

Low volume restrictors, also known as “flow” or “water” restrictors, are small, disk-shaped barriers that can be installed on certain plumbing fixtures, namely faucets and shower heads, to reduce the amount of water flow for the purpose of conserving water and energy. They are installed in various configurations, and come in numerous brands, makes, and models. Commonly, they are either added as a whole unit to replace a standard flow-directing screen on a plumbing fixture, or built in as a part of the fixture.

Now that you have a better understanding of these efficiency plumbing devices, you may have questions about how to locate and adjust them on your own. Continue reading to learn this and more!

Indianapolis Master Plumbers 317-784-1870

Water Faucets

To remove, replace, or clean a low volume restrictor in your sink faucets, the first step is to close the sink drain so you do not lose any important components in the process. Keep in mind, you need to remember the order of the components as you take them out so that you can put them back together properly. Next, take a look at the end of your faucet to find a screen. Once you confirm there is a screen at the mouth of your faucet, locate the end piece that screws onto the tip of your fixture. If you cannot locate these units, contact a licensed Indianapolis plumber for help. They can sometimes walk you through the process right over the phone!

Using your fingers, loosen the small unit at the tip of the faucet by turning it counter-clockwise. If it is too tight, wrap a rag around it and gently use pliers. After the unit comes free, inspect the end of the faucet for the flow restrictor screen. You may need a hand mirror to get a good look. Sometimes the flow restrictors are built in, and other times, they are installed inside a pre-existing unit. Also, there might be a second unit at the end of a faucet that would also need to be removed.

Once you have your flow restrictor located and removed, you must choose to clean it or replace it. To clean water restrictors, simply soak them in a white vinegar and baking soda solution; and then use a small needle or pin to push out large deposits. If you are replacing your restrictors, consider upgrading to an adjustable flow restrictor, which allows you to control water flow, volume, and even temperature. Talk to a licensed plumber to learn more about these effective, energy-saving devices!

Shower Heads

Locating and removing low volume restrictors on shower heads is a more tedious project that requires some experience with handyman work. You will need a wrench, ladder, work gloves, plumbers’ tape, rag, and paper clip. Your first step will be to remove the shower head from the fixture arm. Once you have this removed, look inside the shower head; there will either be a gasket or black O-ring that you will need to pry up with your paper clip and remove.

Once you have the gasket or O-ring removed, you should be able to see the water restrictor screen. It should be behind a star-shaped metal piece. Using your paper clip again, remove the screen and clean it, or replace it altogether. After you reassemble your shower head, be sure to use your plumbers’ tape to reseal the connections.

Maintenance

Low volume restrictors save a lot of water and energy since they allow less volumes of water to pass through plumbing fixtures, like faucets and shower heads. However, they accomplish this primarily because of their design, which includes a disk-shaped barrier and a small central opening. This opening tends to clog easier and quicker as it accumulates the hard mineral deposits found in tap water. After sometime, these water restrictors can lose performance value, thus requiring cleaning or replacement.

Plumbing maintenance is vital, as it is the key to plumbing longevity and dependable performance. Be sure to provide routine maintenance for all your plumbing-related appliances and systems; from as small as these flow restrictors, to as large as your water heater and sump pump. If you have questions about plumbing maintenance or repair, contact a local and licensed Indianapolis master plumber for free information you can trust.

Indianapolis Plumbing Service You Can Trust!

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for licensed Indianapolis plumbing 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.

Why Does it Take So Long for My Water to Heat Up?

Posted on March 14, 2019 by weilhammerplumbing

The morning rush to get ready for work certainly tests your patience when it takes several minutes for your shower to get hot. So why is your water taking so long to heat up? Well, there are four likely answers at the top of the list of common possibilities, and one easy way to determine which one is causing your hot water woes. Continue reading to learn the 4 common causes of slowly heating water, including how to identify and resolve your particular hot water deficiency issue.

There are several reasons why your water takes too long to heat up. However, topping the list of possibilities include the following 4 culprits:

⚠ Old or Defective Water Heater

The most common and obvious reason why your water takes too long to heat up is due to an old or defective unit. Water heaters are designed to last between 8 to 10 years on average; so if your unit is close to 8 years old, or older, it is likely time to have your water heater replaced with a more efficient and innovative model. See our blog, “The Water Heater Repair Facts You Need to Know” to learn how to distinguish between the need to replace or repair a water heater.

⚠ Water Heater Sediment Buildup

The next most common cause of delayed water heating is sediment buildup inside your water heater tank. Hard water contains hard minerals that are extracted from the water when heated, but settle at the bottom of the tank. If you do not stay on top of routine water heater maintenance, including regular flushes, this sediment will begin to negatively affect the overall performance and efficiency of your unit. See our blog, “Learning About Sediment Buildup in Water Heaters” to understand the effects of water heater sediment, and what you can do to prevent sediment issues.

⚠ Hot Water Heater Distance

If there is no obvious reason for your delayed water heating, it could be due to the fact that your water heater is far away from your shower. The distance of water heaters from the demand source (in this case, your shower head) can affect the length of time it takes to reach the temperature that is set on your water heater. You can combat this issue by installing a point-of-use water heater, or similar alternative. Otherwise, you would have to re-do the entire plumbing architecture of your home.

⚠ Low Volume Restrictors

If nothing else seems to jump out as a reason for your delayed water heating, it could be because you have low volume restrictors set on some of your plumbing fixtures, like your shower. These restrictors delay the amount of water delivered, as well as, the level of heat achieved. Talk to a licensed and insured Indianapolis plumber to learn how to fix or adjust your home’s low volume restrictors.

How to Confirm Your Water Heater Issue

The most accurate and efficient method to determining the problem with your unit is to call in a professional Indianapolis plumber who specializes in hot water heater repair and service. They have the proper training, experience, and resources to make correct diagnostics in a convenient time frame. Just be sure to choose a reputable plumbing company that is state-licensed and fully-equipped for the job.

Who Can You Trust for Water Heater Service?

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for free estimates, advice, and information regarding hot water heaters, 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. Call 317-784-1870 to get started.

Top 3 Attributes to Look for in a Master Plumber

Posted on March 8, 2019 by weilhammerplumbing

Your property, whether residential or commercial, is fully-reliant on operational plumbing. The plumbing system is arguably one of the most important operations within a home or business, making it vital to stay on top of regular maintenance and repair. Sometimes, your plumbing needs require a more skilled level of service than what your everyday plumber can offer.

When you have extensive plumbing repairs, replacements, conversions, or remodels on the agenda, a master plumber is the proper contractor to call. But be very careful who you hire for your master plumbing work; there are thousands of scammers and fly-by-the-night plumbers who advertise as master plumbing professionals, but in fact, are not.

Continue reading to learn the top 3 most important attributes to look for in a qualified master plumber, as well as, where to begin your search.

❶ License and Insurance

If you want to make sure you are hiring an actual, state-licensed master plumber, you need to be prepared to ask them for their license number. In fact, it is state law for plumbers to display their plumbing license numbers in all of their marketing, including their websites, coupons, ads, and more. If a master plumber is state-licensed as they should be, they are not hesitant to provide it, whether upon request or through advertising their services. If you ask, and they give you a bunch of excuses, move onto the next candidate.

❷ Experience

Even if you find a state-licensed master plumber, it is still important to consider length of experience and extent of knowledge. For small work, like appliance installations and replacements, a beginner master plumber might be the right fit, but for more larger-scale or serious work, you probable want someone who has decades of experience under their belts. Look for a state-licensed master plumber who has at least 10 years of hands-on experience for best skills and knowledge.

❸ Referrals

In addition to licensing and experience, you want to know that their past clients are happy with their service. The best way to know this is to read customer reviews and testimonials. You can also directly ask the master plumber for actual referrals that you can contact and ask about their experience with the contractor. Keep in mind that plumbing can be an unpredictable and complex industry, so it is common to see a few bad or negative reviews. However, more than a few can be a red flag that they are problematic in some way or another.

Indianapolis Master Plumbers You Can Trust

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for professional master plumbing service and repair 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.

Common Questions About Septic Systems

Posted on February 27, 2019 by weilhammerplumbing

Becoming familiar with all the aspects of your home’s plumbing system is a critical part of protecting your most important investments. One of the most misunderstood, yet very common, home plumbing devices are septic systems. Whether you are new to home ownership or just ready to enhance your knowledge on residential plumbing works, understanding a septic system and all it entail is a good place to start.

Continue reading to review some of the most common questions plumbers hear in regards to septic systems, sump pumps, cesspools, and more.

Indianapolis Septic Tank Service 317-784-1870

What is a Septic Tank?

For homes that cannot be connected to a centralized municipal sewer line, septic tanks are the practical solution. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, around 25% of North America relies on a septic tank for private sewage disposal. All sewage matter and wastewater converge into one singular pipe that flows to the septic tank located underground. A septic tank is a component of plumbing that collects sewage and wastewater, and naturally decomposes them using a bacterial action. They are usually constructed of precast concrete, concrete blocks, or reinforced fiberglass, and buried in the ground somewhere on the property.

How Often Should a Septic Tank Be Serviced?

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends having your septic tank inspected every three years by a licensed Indianapolis master plumber. They further recommend adhering to the professional advice given by the plumbing contractor in regards to routine de-sludging and septic service.

What is a Cesspool?

Some homes are equipped with cesspools instead of septic systems. Although both collect organic waste and decompose them naturally, cesspools are a much older waste disposal technique compared to the modern-day septic tanks. The general rule of thumb is to have your septic tank serviced by a professional every 1 to 3 years. If you wait any longer, you risk clogging or backing up your system, which can lead to very filthy and messy conditions. Most professionals and consumers will insist that septic systems are a much better operation than cesspools.

Which is Better?

Most professionals and consumers will insist that septic systems are a much better operation than cesspools. First of all, cesspools are not integrated systems; they are rudimentary in design. They are basically perforated concrete or block rings that are buried underground. They do not spread effluent to the surrounding ground soil, and sludge piles up at the bottom. Overtime, cesspools have to be pumped to remove the sludge buildup, and sometimes, they have to be relocated altogether because the surrounding soil becomes too saturated with wastewater.

Indianapolis Master Plumber Service

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

When your septic system fails, or simply needs service, you need a state-licensed master plumber. Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for professional master 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.

5 Amazon Products You Need for Home Plumbing Care

Posted on February 21, 2019 by weilhammerplumbing

When it comes to taking care of your home, there are some staples that you need to have around, such as a mop, a broom, clean rags, paper towels, some sponges, baking soda, OTC cleaners, and more. When it comes to your plumbing, the same scenario applies; there are some must-have plumbing essentials for taking good care of your home’s plumbing system. Right now, Amazon.com has some great products at some great prices that you would be wise to check out.

Continue below to a list of 5 Amazon plumbing supplies you should have on hand!

? SteadMax Rubber Toilet Plunger

Price: $10.99

A plunger is one of the most basic plumbing tools to have around the house. And they are not just for toilets either; use it on clogged drains and grates, too. This one, made by Steadmax, is the perfect fundamental plumbing tool to start off with.

? FlexiSnake Drain Weasel Sink Snake – Drain Clog Remover Kit

Price: $18.95

Every home needs at least one drain snake; more than one is preferable. We recommend this terrific drain snake plumbing kit by Flexisnake. The kit includes a rotating handle, and 5 refill wands. Best of all, it is easy to use and safe for all drain and grate types, including showers, bathtubs, and sinks!

? Everflow 812 PTFE Thread Seal Tape

Price: $1.44

Plumbers’ tape is a common material used in all sorts of DIY plumbing applications. Use it to fasten pipe joints, waterproof spigots, and more. Try this product made by Everflow, which comes with several great customer reviews.

? Tradespro 830914 14-Inch Heavy Duty Pipe Wrench

Price: $13.66

You never know when you might need to tighten a drain pipe, or have some other similar plumbing task at hand; so a pipe wrench is a staple tool for any basic plumbing kit. This heavy duty version made by Tradespro has everything you need for DIY plumbing projects.

? General Tools MMD7NP Moisture Meter

Price: $39.98

When water leaks and floods happen, a moisture meter will be your go-to tool for a first evaluation of the extent of damage. Just be sure to choose a quality product so that you can trust the accuracy of the readings. This model from General Tools is a perfect starting point since it delivers an easy learning.

When the Job is Too Big Call a Pro!

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

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.

Common Sump Pump Issues With Melting Snow

Posted on February 14, 2019 by weilhammerplumbing

Now that the outdoor temperatures are fluctuating more and more, the snow accumulation is not sticking around as long. Everywhere you look, pavements, lawns, and more are soaking wet as if a long storm just passed through; but really, all the excess moisture is a result of the recent melting snow. Although we can be happy that the snow is going away and spring is even closer than before, there are some serious issues associated with snow thaw and plumbing, namely, with sump pumps.

If you have a sump pump system in your home or office, you need to learn what issues might arise during this exponential snow thaw. Continue reading to do just that.

Indianapolis Sump Pump Repair 317-784-1870

Sump Pump Maintenance

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 now is a good time to check this, it is also important to do this a few times a month. Furthermore, it is important to have your system professionally serviced at least once per year by a licensed Indianapolis plumber.

After Melting Snow

Right now, your duty is to ensure your sump pump is still intact and functioning properly. Some of the most common issues associated with melting snow and sump pump systems involve check valves, downspout extensions, blocked drainpipes, burst pipes, and more. Worst of all, plumbing and water leaks can occur in more serious situations, leading to flooding, mold, mildew, and of course, costly renovations and remediation.

Here is what to look for after the snow melts:

Check Valve – Ensure that the check valve is still fitted correctly. Check valves allow water to flow in only one direction, while preventing pumped water from returning back through the line. If water is returning back into the line, there is a problem with the check valve, which requires professional repair.

Downspout Extensions – Check that the downspout extensions are still properly installed. Heavy snow and ice accumulation can knock drain and downspout extensions, as well as other plumbing materials, out of place. This can lead to water accumulation, which can affect your property’s foundation and even lead to a mold outbreak.

Blocked Drainpipes – During the freeze and thaw cycles this time of year experiences, water within drain pipes can also freeze and thaw; but sometimes, the water does not thaw enough, thus causing an obstruction in the pipe. This is common during times of snow melt.

For further details regarding sump pump maintenance and care, read our blog, “Top 7 Reasons Why Sump Pumps Break” and learn how to protect your system, year-round.

Trusted Sump Pump Service and Repair

Weilhammer Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 when you need a licensed Indianapolis plumber you can trust for quality sump pump service and repair at an affordable price. We use a comprehensive approach to plumbing diagnostics, with the help of state-of-the-art equipment and the latest technologies in the plumbing industry. Request a free estimate, today.

Deciding Between a Single-Tank and Twin Tank Water Softener

Posted on February 8, 2019 by weilhammerplumbing

When it comes time to purchase a new water softener, you will be faced with an endless selection of sizes, features, upgrades, and additions. Before diving into the market, it helps to review some common water conditioning terminology for help understanding the difference between the water softener systems you wish to compare. A good starting point is water softener size and capacity. Basically, you will need to decide whether or not your property requires a single or twin-tank system.

Continue reading to learn the difference between each type of water softening system, and use your new-found knowledge to make an educated decision for your water conditioning needs.

Water Softener Repair and Service 317-784-1870

Water Softener Size

The most important part of choosing a water softener for your home or building is to match the proper size to the property’s hard water removal needs. In order to do this accurately, it helps to discuss hard water management with a licensed, Indianapolis master plumber who specializes in soft water services. Otherwise, you will need to teach yourself how to calculate the proper size water softener.

Water softener capacity is measured in “grain removal” and in the United States, the average gallon of water has 10 grains of hardness in it. To calculate how much “grains” your establishment uses, you need to know that the average person uses around 80 gallons of water each day. You can get a more detailed explanation of estimating water softener capacity by reading, “How to Calculate Water Softener Size.”

The basic formula is as follows:

(Gallons Per Day x Number of Occupants) x Grains Per Gallon = Total Grains Used Each Day

Single-Tank Water Softening System

A single tank water softener system consists of a single cabinet that holds both the brine tank and the resin tank. This compact design allows it to fit into small spaces, making them perfect for apartments and single-family homes. These water softeners are also referred to as, “on-demand” systems, which monitors your water consumption by the gallon. Once capacity is achieved, the system will regenerate during off-times, such as the middle of the night or early morning. This process provides soft water at all times. For properties with fewer than five occupants, single-tank systems are an efficient choice.

Twin-Tank Water Softening System

A twin-tank water softener system is better suited for properties with more occupants. It consists of two resin tanks, rather than just one found in single-tank systems, as well as a brine tank. One resin tank provides soft water all day long, while the other tank regenerates. Although the duel-tank design takes up more floor space, it is an efficient choice for large families. They are generally more expensive than single-tank systems since they are larger and come with a backup tank.

Where to Get Water Softener Help

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for affordable water softener service in Indianapolis, Indiana. We offer a wide range of standard and master plumber services for residential and commercial properties, and specialize in water softener installation and repair for all make and model units. We also carry a full line of quality Clack™ water softeners for sale at contractor prices! Request a free estimate, today.

Do I Choose PVC Piping or CPVC Piping?

Posted on January 23, 2019 by weilhammerplumbing

Whether you are replacing your plumbing, as talked about in last week’s blog, or you are building a new home from the ground up, at some point you will be faced with the decision of choosing your plumbing materials. When it comes to piping, there are several materials to choose from, including copper, galvanized steel, brass, and of course, PVC.

PVC, or polyvinyl chloride, piping is one of the most popular choices due to its durability, longevity, ease of installation, and price-point. If you are leaning toward PVC piping, you are on your way to making a wise decision. However, you may come across a seemingly similar plumbing pipe known as CPVC. If you do come across this term, it may confuse you; but rest assure that there is nothing to be confused about!

Continue reading to learn the difference between PVC and CPVC piping, and be better prepared to make the right decision for your remodeling project.

Indianapolis Plumbing Company 317-784-1870

PVC Plumbing Pipes

As mentioned, PVC is an acronym for “polyvinyl chloride”, which is a thermoplastic material that is molded into various casts to create commodities like plumbing pipes. In the plumbing industry, you will see PVC in the form of white plastic piping material that is typically used for piping and drainage systems. It is also commonly used to create valves, fittings, and other liquid-management supplies.

CPVC Piping

Now that you have a basic understanding of PVC piping, you can better understand CPVC piping. CVPC piping is really just a cousin to PVC in that it is made from mostly similar thermoplastic materials and used for similar applications. However, there are some significant differences, so both piping materials should not be used congruently. You see, although both piping materials are made using similar ingredients, CPVC piping is altered by a free radical chlorination reaction, which in turn, increases its chlorine content.

What Do These Differences Mean?

The chlorine content in CPVC piping allows the material to withstand a wide range of temperatures, up to 200 degrees Fahrenheit. For this reason, many commercial building codes mandate the use of CPVC piping for hot liquid (water) applications. According to ASTM standards, PVC piping is accepted for plumbing applications that do not exceed 140 degrees Fahrenheit.

Additional Differences:

❖ PVC uses Nominal Pipe Size (NPS) for sizing, while CPVC using both Nominal Pipe Size (NPS) and CTS (Copper Tube Size) sizing.

❖ Each material requires a different standard of primers and solvents due to the differences in their chemical makeup.

Who to Trust for Plumbing Advice

Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for help with your plumbing renovations and remodels. Our Indianapolis 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.