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.

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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!

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Tend to Plumbing Repairs ASAP

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

Water Supply Lines and Valves

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

Do-it-Yourself Installation and Repairs

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

Plumbing Service in Indianapolis You Can Trust

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

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

How to Install a Sink Faucet

Posted on June 27, 2019 by weilhammerplumbing

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

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

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What You Need

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

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

Basic Sink Anatomy

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

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

A Guide to Faucet Installation

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

3 Eco-Friendly Plumbing Fixtures to Try in Your Home

Posted on October 25, 2018 by weilhammerplumbing

If you are an Eco-conscious homeowner, you could upgrade your current green living plan by installing some higher efficiency plumbing fixtures. There are thousands of brands, makes, and models to choose from on the plumbing market, but an eco-friendly plumbing set-up delivers both environmental benefits and cost-savings.

Continue reading to learn the top 3 recommended types of environmentally-friendly plumbing fixture to try out!

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❶ Water Efficient Faucets

Water efficient faucets are a great option for an eco-friendly approach to plumbing. They use 30% less water than a normal faucet. In fact, they use a maximum of 1 ½ gallons of water per minute, making them an excellent, no-fuss addition to your green living plan. Not only do they function and perform just as well as a standard faucet, they are approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) too!

❷ High-Efficiency Shower Heads

It is said that the average family of 4 goes through approximately 40 gallons of water every day, but just in showers alone! That estimate does not include washing hands, rinsing dishes, watering the garden, flushing the toilet, running the dishwasher, or doing laundry! Fortunately, installing a high-efficiency shower head can help save a massive amount of water in your home. They can save up to 2,900 gallons annually, 13 days of energy, and $70 dollars per year.

❸ High-Efficiency Toilets

Speaking of flushing toilets, you can install a high-efficiency toilet to make a greater effort at green living. Plus it will help save money every year, too! Consider a dual-flush toilet, which gives users two options for flushing: low flush mode for liquid waste and a higher flush mode for solid waste. You can also install a low-flush toilet, which uses a mere 1.6 gallons per flush.

Additional Energy-Efficient Options:

↬ Water Heaters
↬ Water Softeners
↬ Dishwashers
↬ Washing Machines and Dryers

Professional Indianapolis Plumbing Service

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 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.