What You Need to Know About Replacing Plumbing Pipe

Posted on July 9, 2020 by weilhammerplumbing

Dirty pipes are one of the most common reasons why so many property owners eventually require plumbing pipe replacement. Overtime, plumbing pipes will develop a large accumulation of solid matter, organics, bacteria, rust and more. As a result, pipes become clogged, dirty, and inefficient, which can cause a never-ending trickle of problems throughout the rest of the property’s plumbing system. When dirty or clogged plumbing pipes are not resolved, they will eventually require replacement. But, before you head to the home improvement store to place your order, it is important to keep certain considerations in mind.

Continue reading to learn what you need to know about replacing plumbing pipes, including how to spot the signs of a dirty or obstructed system, and which piping materials are available on the market.

Indianapolis Master Plumbers 317-784-1870

Detecting Dirty of Clogged Pipes

When your plumbing system is experiencing a backup or clog somewhere, you will notice sooner or later. The signs of a clogged pipe are hard to miss. Standing water in the shower, slow draining drains, poor water pressure, and more are common indications that a clog is present. Such signs are also indicative of dirty pipes. Dirty pipes turn into clogged pipes as they continue to accrue more and more matter, such as organic and non-organic solids, soap residues, and more.

Another major tell-tale sign to look for that might suggest you have dirty or clogged plumbing pipes are increases in energy and water bills. When your plumbing is dirty or obstructed, it cannot perform efficiently, which causes your appliances to work harder, use more water, while performing below standards. If such problems continue without any intervention, other areas of the plumbing will begin to breakdown, including water heaters, water softeners, dishwashers, washing machines, and more.

Pipe Replacement Considerations

When you are ready to replace your plumbing pipes, there are a few things you should consider in order to make the best choice for your home or commercial plumbing needs. Here are some important matters to start with:

PVC PIPES – Many property owners are choosing PVC (polyvinyl chloride) piping over metal pipes. PVC plumbing pipes are generally reserved for cold water-based applications, such as drinking water systems. See our blog, “Do I Choose PVC Piping or CPVC Piping?” to learn more about plastic polymer piping.

CPVC PIPES – Although very similar to PVC, CPVC piping is different because it is altered by a free radical chlorination reaction, thus increasing its chlorine content. This increased chlorine content allows the material to withstand a wide range of temperatures, up to 200 degrees Fahrenheit.

ABS PIPES –ABS piping is often reserved for waste removal and bathroom plumbing applications. It can be connected to existing metal pipes within a plumbing system.

PEX PIPES – PEX pipes are suitable for both hot and cold water applications, and frequently used for interior residential plumbing construction.

GALVANIZED PIPES – These are no longer supported in the plumbing industry due to their high susceptibility to corrosion, which can lead to water contamination. If your water supply lines are made with galvanized steel, it is time to have them replaced!

Master Plumbing Service in Indianapolis You Can Trust

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for licensed plumbing repair and replacement 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 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.

Do I Need to Empty My Septic Tank?

Posted on June 12, 2020 by weilhammerplumbing

Your priority as a homeowner is to maintain the value, function, and safety of your house. One of the most important systems in your home to maintain is the plumbing, namely, the septic system. The problem is that many people are quite confused on what the proper maintenance is for a septic system. Furthermore, many people confuse sump pumps and septic systems. If you are having the same questions, such as, “what is the difference between a sump pump and septic tank?”, or “when should I empty my septic tank?”, you are in the right place.

Continue reading to learn what you need to know about taking good care of your property’s septic system, including when septic tanks should be emptied.

Zoeller Sump Pump Installation **317-714-0759**

Septic System Basics

First let us discuss the basics of a septic system so that you understand the difference between a sump pump and a septic tank. You see, 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.

A sump pump is a device that is outfitted to a sump pit for the purpose of removing excess water and liquids from the pit. They are usually connected to a municipal sewer line or storm drain, and equipped with a flotation device that forces them to clink at particular levels of flooding. If the power is out, there is a manual lever that allows people to release excess water. If the water level reaches or exceeds a preset level in the pit, the pump initiates and sucks up enough liquid to remedy the risk of overflow.

Cesspools

Now where does the cesspool come into play? Well, not every property has 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 inspected and serviced by a professional plumbing company every 1 to 3 years.

When and How to Empty the Septic Tank

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 regard to routine de-sludging and septic service. Basically, you need to hire a licensed plumbing contractor to perform all septic and cesspool work, no matter how inclined you feel on doing it yourself. These are important systems, and one wrong move or mistake can leave you with some very messy, and extremely unsanitary conditions.

Where to Get Professional Sump Pump Service and Repair in Indianapolis

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-714-0759 to speak with a friendly and knowledgeable master plumber about sump pump service and repair in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding counties. We are happy to answer any questions you have about septic tank and sump pump installation, maintenance, replacement, repair, problems, and more. We even offer 24 hour emergency services for water leaks, floods, and more. Owner and Master Plumber, Mark Weilhammer, recommends installing the Aquanot ll® Battery Backup Sump Pump in your sump pit along with your main sump pump. The Aquanot ll® is the most reliable back up system on the market today. Call 317-714-0759 for professional sump pump services in Indianapolis you can trust!

Top 3 Methods of Cracked Pipe Repair

Posted on May 28, 2020 by weilhammerplumbing

In last week’s blog, we discussed the common signs and solutions for cracked plumbing pipes. We went over facts regarding the causes of cracked plumbing pipes, the importance of maintaining good plumbing through routine service, and of course, how to detect cracked plumbing pipes. Today, we will briefly describe the top 3 methods used to repair cracked pipes, which include trenchless pipe replacement, trenchless pipe lining, and trenchless pipe bursting.

Continue below to learn more about each type of cracked pipe repair method, and where you can get professional master plumbing repair service for your home or business’s cracked pipes.

Indianapolis Plumbing Re-Piping Services 317-784-1870

The Key to Great Plumbing

In order to ensure your plumbing piping remain in good condition, you must adhere to a recommended plumbing maintenance plan. All appliances, water lines, and plumbing fixtures should be annually inspected and serviced by a licensed plumber. However, as mentioned in last week’s blog, “Common Signs and Solutions for Cracked Plumbing Pipes”, sometimes there is nothing you can do to prevent certain plumbing breakdowns. In fact, the number one reason why most pipes experience cracking is due to old age.

In the case of cracked pipes, you might not have been able to stop it from happening, no matter how steadfast you are with your routine plumbing maintenance, especially if yours are 30 to 40 years old. The top methods of cracked pipe repair are trenchless pipe replacement, trenchless pipe bursting, and trenchless pipe lining. Each method uses a different technique and science to repair or reseal an underground plumbing pipe.

Common Methods of Trenchless Pipe Repair:

❶ Trenchless Pipe Replacement – Trenchless pipe replacement can reinstate your cracked pipes back to their original level of efficiency. This method uses two access points, which reduces excavation and labor. Pipes are fully replaced without the need for digging or heavy machinery.

❷ Trenchless Pipe Bursting – This method is used for underground piping systems that have many cracked, and require a full replacement. The job is completed by using a bursting head that simultaneously breaks away old piping and lays new piping.

❸ Trenchless Pipe Lining – This method of trenchless pipe repair uses a felt liner saturated with epoxy resin, which is inserted directly into the piping system from a designated access point, and pushed through. As it moves, it coats the inner pipe with the epoxy material. Once the resin cures, it is removed, and all cracks are fully sealed.

Indianapolis Master Plumbing Repair You Can Count On

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for details about underground pipe replacement services and slab leak repair in Indianapolis, Indiana. We offer a wide range of plumbing services for both residential and commercial properties, including water leak inspection and repair, slab leak repair, and more. Owner and master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, is a state licensed plumbing contractor with more than 50 years of experience in the plumbing repair industry. 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 Choose a Residential Water Softener Based on Occupancy

Posted on May 14, 2020 by weilhammerplumbing

When it comes to home water conditioning, it is important to know how to size a water softener correctly. This way, you are sure to purchase the appropriate and most effective water purification system for your household. There are a few different ways to measure or size-up a water conditioning system. One full-proof way to determine which system to buy for your property is to consult a professional in the industry. They retain the experience and knowledge to set you in the right direction. In the meantime, it is always a good idea to catch up on simple tips and general advice for water softener systems.

Continue reading to learn how to choose a water softener for your home using some simple and basic math.

Indianapolis Water Softener Service and Repair 317-784-1870

Water Softener Grains Per Gallon

The best place to start when it comes to learning how to size a water softener, is by learning how the entire system all works. Basically, water softeners swap hard minerals for soft ones in a property’s water supply. Hard minerals include calcium, magnesium, and other metal ions and compounds, while soft minerals include sodium and potassium. Within a water softener, there are several tiny chemical magnets called ion exchange resin. These magnets are the agents that facilitate the mineral exchanges within the system. The more chemical magnets a water softener has, the higher its capacity will be.

Capacity is a common term measuring the number of gallons a system can purify before needing more salt or a new cartridge; depending on the type of system it is. Capacity is measured in “grains” or its rate or grain removal; and one grain per gallon is equal to 17.1 parts per million. On average, the water in the United States contains nearly 10 grains of hardness per gallon, while the average person uses 80 gallons of water per day.

Using the Water Softener Formula

By using a water hardness testing kit, you can quickly determine the level of hardness in your home’s water supply. In order to calculate the amount of water you need to purify, multiply the number of people living within the home by the number 80; and then multiply that number by the number of grains per gallon (10) to get the total number of grains used per day in a home.

Here is an example for a family of 5:

Number of Occupants: 5
Gallons of Water Used per Person: 80
Average Grains of Hardness: 10

Gallons of Water Used Per Day: 5 x 80 = 400
Total Grains Used per Day: 400 x 10 = 4,000

✨ In this example, a 40,000 grain capacity water softener is recommended for the AVERAGE family of 5.

Water Softener Installation

One of the most common signs that your water softener needs to be replaced is increased water and energy bills. If these monthly costs are rising, there may be a problem with the efficiency or performance of your water softener. It could be caused by other plumbing issues too. Separate from performance problems, water softeners should be replaced every 8 to 10 years. You will require the services of a licensed plumber who specializes in water softeners for installation. Costs vary among businesses, but on average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $250 to $600 or more for water softener installation.

Trusted Water Softener Advice and Service in Indianapolis

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.

Easy Tips for Cutting PVC Pipe

Posted on May 7, 2020 by weilhammerplumbing

Whether you are building an epic tree house in the back yard, installing some sprinkler gear, or replacing a plumbing pipe in your basement, you might find yourself faced with the need to cut PVC pipe. PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) is a thermoplastic material that is commonly used in the plumbing and construction industry due to its excellent and useful properties. It can last indefinitely, and requires zero maintenance other than routine inspections. 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, but it is also commonly used to create valves, fittings, and other liquid-management supplies.

As a valuable and useful material, you do not want to waste any of your PVC pipe by cutting into incorrectly. Continue reading to learn some tips for cutting PVC pipe to help you get started on the right track.

Indianapolis Master Plumber Service 317-784-1870

What You Can Use

There are several ways you can cut PVC pipe, but the top three include using a miter saw, handsaw, or an actual PVC pipe cutter, which you can purchase online or at any local home improvement store. The method you choose will depend mostly on your skill level, comfort-level, and supplies on hand. If you are not experienced with using heavy-duty, dangerous tools like saws and cutters, it is recommended to have someone help you that is experienced. Otherwise, you can lose some fingers in a flash!

Miter Sawing

A miter saw is easily affordable at any home improvement retailer. They are powerful electric sawing devices that come in a wide array of designs, sizes, brands, and prices. Choose one that is a good fit for the frequency and type of miter sawing you plan on doing. When using a miter saw to cut PVC, be sure to slowly low the blade onto your mark in order to ensure control and accuracy. Anything electric can easily cause you to lose control or slip your grip. If you cannot pass the saw all the way through the pipe, stop the blade and twist the pipe a few degrees so the saw can finish cutting.

Hand Sawing

To hand saw, all you need is a standard hacksaw or carpenter’s saw. Just keep in mind that you will be using a lot of elbow grease to cut through PVC piping this way. To help increase your luck, be sure you use a quality saw with sharpened edges. A dull blade will not stand a chance against PVC pipe. Since you are cutting by hand, it is more challenging to get a perfectly, 90 degree square cut. So, use a miter box to help guide your cuts. You want to move your saw slowly to ensure quality and control.

PVC Cutters

You can purchase PVC pipe cutters at any home improvement or hardware store. They come in a selection of brands and styles, all of which range in quality and function. As with a miter saw, you want to be sure you choose one that will be of use again for future projects. If you are cutting smaller pipe, 2 inches in diameter or less, you can use squeeze-style PVC cutters. For pipes larger than 2 inches in diameter, you will need a heavier, rotary-style PVC cutter. As with all saws, scissors, and cutters, be sure to keep your blade sharp for better cutting results.

⚠ Got a PVC plumbing repair that might be out of your league? Call a licensed Indianapolis plumber for help!

Indianapolis Plumbing Services You Can Trust

Call Weilhammer Plumbing at 317-784-1870 for prompt and professional Indianapolis plumbing repair service 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.

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!

Indianapolis Water Leak Inspection 317-784-1870

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.

Top 3 Ways to Prevent Frozen Outdoor Faucets

Posted on November 21, 2019 by weilhammerplumbing

Indiana has already experienced the first snowfall of the season, which means it is prime time to complete the remainder of our outdoor home improvement and maintenance tasks for the winter. One of the most vulnerable plumbing components found outside are your faucets, as they are highly susceptible to freezing since they host water. Fortunately, there are three incredibly effective and proven strategies that will prevent your outdoor spigots from freezing up in cold climates.

Continue reading to learn all three, as well as, what you can do if your outdoor faucets ever do freeze over this winter.

Indianapolis Plumbing Services 317-784-1870 — Indianapolis Plumbing Service and Repair 317-784-1870

Winter Outdoor Faucet Protection

The top three ways to protect your outdoor faucets from freezing over in winter weather are to cover them up, turn off the water that runs directly to the spigot, and install freeze-resistant hose bib spigots. You can choose the use one of these methods, or a combination of them, to find the best winter plumbing maintenance solution for your property.

❶ Main Water Shut Off

Your first option for preventing outdoor frozen faucets in winter is to simply cut off the water supply line that runs to the particular faucet, however, this is not always possible unless the property has multiple main water shut offs. In most homes, there is only one main water shut off for all water lines, so in most cases, you cannot choose this option if there are occupants within the home. For some buildings, such as apartment buildings, there might be multiple main water shut offs, in which case, it could be possible to pick and choose which faucets to turn off.

❷ Spigot Covers

Spigot covers are one of the most common and widely used methods of protecting outdoor plumbing and faucets from freezing temperatures in the winter. Stay away from outdated and ineffective methods your Granddad might encourage, such as using newspaper, old towels, and garbage bags. Instead, shop around for some foam-insulated nylon hose bib covers at your local home improvement or garden store. We recommend the Duck Brand spigot covers.

❸ Frost-Proof Spigots

If you really want a long-term, “set it and forget it” type of approach, you might consider installing brand new, frost-proof, freeze-resistant hose bib spigots. These can be found at your local home improvement store, and range in price from $9 to $35, depending on the brand. We recommend ZORO SELECT® Anti-Siphon, Frost Proof Sillcock, available at Home Depot.

Outdoor Plumbing Service in Indianapolis

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 when you need a licensed outdoor plumbing services in Indianapolis 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.

New Homeowner Plumbing Advice

Posted on November 14, 2019 by weilhammerplumbing

If you are preparing to move into a new house, whether several years old or new construction, there are plenty of important considerations you need to make regarding your plumbing systems. This includes your standard plumbing pipes, lines, and fixtures, as well as all water-related appliances, such as water heaters, water softeners, dishwashers, washing machines, and more.

To get started on the right foot, continue reading to learn the top plumbing tips for new home owners.

Indianapolis Plumbing Service and Repair 317-784-1870

Get Inspected

Although it is best to get your plumbing systems inspected before you move in, it is still vital to move forward with a comprehensive inspection even if you are already living in your new house. An inspection is one of the most important tasks to follow through with because it will serve to locate minor problems or needs early on, which prevents costly, invasive plumbing disasters down the line. It can also help set up your home for optimal plumbing efficiency.

Find Your Main Water Shut-Off Valve

During your plumbing inspection, your contractor will show you where your home’s main water shut-off valve is located. This will be incredibly important to you if you ever experience a plumbing emergency or water leak, or simply need to leave out of town for a trip. Be sure to learn how to move and operate your valve during your inspection.

Have Your Drains Cleaned

Although this is not as important for new construction homes, professional drain cleaning is a must for anyone moving into a house that was previously occupied. You would be astonished to learn what plumbers find in pipes and fixtures during a drain cleaning project. Things like feminine hygiene products, paper towels, dental floss, hair accessories, and even small toys are common.

These things can cause major blockages and inefficient performance, all of which costs you money. Once you have your drains cleaned professionally, be sure to maintain their condition with routine, DIY drain cleaning. Read our blog, “Why You Need to Stop Using OTC Drainage Cleaner” to learn important safety information about cleaning your drains at home.

Winterize Your Outdoor Plumbing

If you are moving into your new house right before the winter, take the initiative to winterize your outdoor plumbing. It is recommended to cover outdoor exposed plumbing pipes, and detach all garden hoses from their spigots. This will help prevent frozen pipes, which can ultimately lead to burst pipes in the spring. See our blog, “Tips for Winter Plumbing Maintenance” for more help.

Keep a Trusted Indianapolis Plumber on Speed Dial

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 when you need licensed Indianapolis plumbing services 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 advice, and even free haul-away for old plumbing appliances like water heaters, water softeners, sump pumps, and more. Request a free estimate, today.

Is it Time to Replace Your Plumbing Pipes?

Posted on September 11, 2019 by weilhammerplumbing

As a homeowner, you are responsible for all of the systems in your home. Among the most important is your plumbing. Residential plumbing systems are made up of various components that all play an important role, both individually and collectively. For this reason, and many more, it is important to maintain your plumbing system to the best of your ability.

With routine maintenance and inspection, you will be able to ensure that all of your systems are in good condition. You will also be able to tell when it is time to have certain components replaced. It is easier to identify a need for replacement in many of your home’s plumbing systems, such as the water heater, washing machine, dishwasher, sump pump, and similar appliances.

However, components like plumbing pipes are a bit more challenging to supervise on a regular basis. After all, you can’t reasonably commit to crawling around your crawlspace, basements, and subareas of your property. For this, you will need the help of a licensed plumber who can diagnose plumbing pipe issues, and recommended necessary repairs and replacements to resolve any issues.

Although you will need to have a licensed master plumber inspect and service your piping, you can get a head start by learning more about plumbing pipe replacement. Continue below to learn the average life expectancy of plumbing pipes, and when you should have your plumbing system inspected for repair and replacement needs.

Average Life of Plumbing Piping

In order to know when you should have your home’s plumbing replaced, you must first confirm which type of material the pipes are made of. Different types of metals and materials vary in life expectancy, so avoid premature or needless replacement by learning which type of plumbing pipes you have.

? Which Type of Plumbing Pipes Do You Have?

↣ Copper – 50 Years
↣ Brass – 40 to 70 Years
↣ Galvanized Steel – 20 to 50 Years
↣ Cast Iron – 75 to 100 Years
↣ PVC – For life

Contact a Trusted and Licensed Indianapolis Master Plumber

Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for home plumbing inspections in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding counties. Our state-licensed 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.

How to Use Plumber’s Putty for Everyday Plumbing Fixes

Posted on July 11, 2019 by weilhammerplumbing

Plumber’s putty is one of those products that can instantly broaden your world of DIY household repairs. It is basically a pliable sealing compound that is designed to provide air-tight seals against water leaks in plumbing pipes and fixtures around the house. If you have some issues with things like dripping faucets, leaky drains, and cracked hose lines, Plumber’s putty might be right for you.

Continue reading to learn the best ways to apply this popular and effective plumber’s product to your everyday plumbing fixes.

Indianapolis Plumbing Installation and Repair 317-784-1870

Plumbing Putty Basics

Plumber’s putty is a bit outdated for most plumbing repair applications, and nowadays, is often replaced with caulk. However, there are still many areas of plumbing repair and maintenance that are better suited for putty. In fact, it is still a staple in every plumber’s tool bag. The main difference between Plumber’s putty and caulk is that Plumber’s putty is not adhesive. Silicone and similar plumbing caulks are designed with adhesive properties, while putty is not.

Benefits

So why do plumbing pros still use it? Plumbers still choose to use plumbing putty because it stays soft, which means it does not dry out and crack prematurely. Also, Plumber’s putty can be easily removed and replaced down the line, while caulk and silicone would require extensive scraping and caulk removal. Furthermore, not only is silicone difficult to work with, it does not retain the same amount of density as plumber’s potty, making it a poor choice for wide gaps and holes. Lastly, caulk products take a long time to dry, whereas Plumber’s putty is instantly ready to go, making it the best choice for certain plumbing applications.

Using Plumber’s Putty

There are many applications for plumber’s putty. It can be used on drains, faucets, sink and bathtub fixtures, garden hoses, and more. Plumber’s putty is often a go-to choice for sealing the undersides of sink strainers and pop-up drain fittings. The general rule of thumb is to apply it along the base of plumbing fixtures before setting them into place so that it remains hidden underneath a flange, lip, or edge. Simply follow manufacturer’s instructions to learn how to use it for your intended repair or installation, or refer to the quick guide below!

STEP 1 – Scoop out a small, ball-sized quantity of Plumber’s putty with your fingers.

STEP 2 – Using your palms, roll the putty back and forth until you create a rope or snake-like shape. The diameter of your putty snake should be slightly bigger than the hole you need to fill.

STEP 3 – Place the putty in your intended seal, working in a continuous circle until you meet back at your starting point. Then tear off any excess ends.

*Putty rope too short? Better to start all over from the beginning.

STEP 4 – Very gently press down the putty, but only enough to keep it in place when you flip the component upside down. Be very careful not to deform the shape.

STEP 5 – Install your desired part or fixture and tighten it down all the way. If excess putty squishes out, that is a good sign that you used enough. Wipe away any excess putty.

If You Need the Help of a Licensed Plumber, Don’t Hesitate to Call…

Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc.

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.