Preparing Your Plumbing for the Spring: Essential Maintenance Tips

Posted on February 23, 2023 by weilhammerplumbing

As spring approaches, it’s time to start thinking about the health of your plumbing system. A plumbing inspection and maintenance can help you avoid costly repairs down the road by identifying and addressing any potential issues before they become major problems. To ensure that your home’s plumbing is ready for the warm weather ahead, here are some essential tips for preparing your plumbing for spring.

From scheduling professional service to performing simple DIY tasks, these tips will help keep your home’s pipes running smoothly all season long.

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How to Get Your Plumbing System Ready for Spring

1. Schedule Professional Plumbing Service: The best way to ensure that your plumbing is ready for the spring season is to hire a professional plumber for an inspection and maintenance visit. A qualified technician will be able to identify any potential problems in your home’s pipes and fixtures, such as corroded pipes, clogged drains, blocked vents, leaking faucets and more. They can also provide advice on how you can prevent future issues from occurring.

2. Check All Fixtures and Pipes: If you don’t have a plumbing inspection scheduled yet, then it’s important to check all of your home’s pipes and fixtures yourself before spring arrives. Look out for signs of corrosion or rust on pipes, as well as any leaks or blockages. Make sure to check all faucets, toilets and showers for signs of damage and make necessary repairs to ensure they are functioning properly.

3. Clear Out Your Drains: Over the winter months, it’s likely that your drains have become clogged with dirt and debris. To ensure maximum flow when spring arrives, you should clear out your drains using a plunger or a plumbing snake before you start running hot water through them again. This will help prevent potential flooding in your home due to blocked pipes.

4. Unclog Any Block Vents: Before turning on the central heating system, it’s important to check the outdoor vents for any blockages that might have occurred over the winter months. Objects such as leaves and debris can get lodged in the vents, preventing air from flowing freely through your plumbing system. Unclog any blockages to ensure optimal ventilation for your pipes and fixtures.

Stay Current on Your Plumbing Maintenance

By following these essential tips, you can make sure that your home’s plumbing is ready for spring. If you’re still concerned about potential issues or repairs, then it’s best to schedule an inspection with a professional plumber to give your home’s pipes and fixtures an in-depth check-up. Regular maintenance and inspections are the key to keeping your plumbing running smoothly all season long!

Are you ready to have your plumbing system inspected and serviced by a certified professional? Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for professional plumbing service for water heaters in Indianapolis, Indiana. We offer full-service water heating solutions, from sales and installation to routine service, repair, and more.

Money-Saving Plumbing Tips You Don’t Want to Ignore

Posted on June 30, 2022 by weilhammerplumbing

Who doesn’t want to save a little money? More importantly, who doesn’t want to save A LOT of money? Well, with the right plumbing practices and choices, you can save loads of your hard-earned income on monthly energy and water bills, plus all sorts of other expenses, like soap, laundry, detergent, clothing, shampoo, super expensive plumbing repairs and replacements.

Continue reading to learn some money-saving plumbing tips you don’t want to miss out on, then share them with your friends and loved ones so they too can enjoy the savings!

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Cost-Effective Plumbing Tips

Most people are not aware that plumbing plays a significant role in so many different elements of your quality of life. After all, without indoor plumbing, we might as well be living back in the stone ages! From drains and faucets to dishwashers, sinks, washing machines, showers, bathtubs, water heaters, water softeners, boilers, and more, plumbing is a part of our lives in almost everything that we do at home. For this reason, it is worth your while to pay close attention to your plumbing practices and choices. Not only can you modify your habits, but you can also replace current systems with more energy-efficient models too.

Here the top plumbing tips that are guaranteed to save you money:

Get To Know Your Plumber

Routine plumbing maintenance is an important part of saving money and preventing future plumbing disasters. The sooner you get a plumbing problem, the cheaper it’ll be to resolve. Not only should you retain the services of a licensed and insured plumber with extensive experience in the industry to perform such maintenance, but you should really get to know them too. The more you get to know your plumber, the better you are able to communicate your plumbing concerns and troubles with them, and in turn, this allows them to have a comprehensive understanding of your home’s plumbing needs.

When you take good care of all of your plumbing systems and appliances, you can expect them to perform well and last a long time. It is important to have your home’s plumbing systems checked every 3 to 5 years, while water heaters and water softener should be inspected and serviced annually. Talk to your local Indianapolis plumber the best routine maintenance schedule for your home or office.

Consider Lowering Your Water Heater Temperature Setting

Generally, a safe temperature setting for a water heater is between 115 and 130 degrees Fahrenheit. Homes with young to middle-aged adult occupants can safely increase the temperature up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. However, if you’re interested in saving some money, it is recommended to turn your water heater temperature setting down. Although this might not seem like much, the slight change in temperature drop can decrease your monthly energy bill.

Insulate Your Plumbing Pipes

When plumbing pipes are not adequately insulated, a home can experience a significant amount of heat loss, which ultimately costs money. By insulated your plumbing pipes, you can instantly stop heat loss, and therefore, retain your conditioned air longer. This reduces the need to continue running your furnace or central heater, which costs a lot of money. Furthermore, properly insulated pipes protect against standby energy loss from your water heater tank.

Incorporate Energy Efficient Plumbing Appliances and Fixtures

There are many types of plumbing appliances and fixtures that incorporate efficiency into your plumbing practices. For instance, you can replace your toilets with high-efficiency models, such as 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. These toilets use a mere 1.6 gallons of water per flush!

You can also install low-volume restrictors in your shower heads and faucets, which can also decrease the amount of water you waste while brushing teeth or washing hands and dishes. Additional energy efficient plumbing systems to consider for money-saving purposes include solar water heaters and tankless water softeners.

Are you experiencing plumbing problems that are costing you more money? Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for professional plumbing service and repair in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding counties. We serve residential and commercial clients.

Do I Need My Plumbing Inspected?

Posted on January 8, 2021 by weilhammerplumbing

When it comes to plumbing maintenance, an inspection is not typically on the routine To-D- list. However, they are one of the most vital plumbing services you can outsource because they are the key to unveiling small or medium problems, including malfunctions and insufficiency, before they can turn into large, costly, and invasive repairs. But how do you know you need a plumbing inspection. Well, you must keep your eyes open for the common, tell-tale signs.

Continue below to learn the most common indications that suggest you should schedule an inspection for your plumbing ASAP, and where to get a free quote for your plumbing repair needs near you.

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Signs of Plumbing Problems

If your home or office show any signs of plumbing problems below, you can likely assume there is an internal defect or variable causing it to happen. Regardless of the root of your plumbing problem, if you do not act fast, a small issue can turn disastrous in as little as 24 hours. Don’t make the mistake of ignoring a minor plumbing problem, like a clogged or slow-draining sink. Mitigate the risk of be liable for massive repairs, replacements, and renovations by putting a plumbing inspection in the books, now.

Thudding, Banging, and Hissing Noises

If your plumbing pipes are in good shape, they should not make a sound. But if your pipes make loud whistling or thudding noises every time you turn on a faucet or stop the shower, you can safely assume that there is a problem. This type of continuous and predictable noise can be an indication of loose piping, a soon-to-be water leak, or worse, an impending pipe rupture.

Old Age and Old Plumbing

The older the house, the older the plumbing, that is, unless the house has been renovated. If your home is older than 20 years, and you have not replaced or updated your plumbing system in that time, you would be wise to schedule a plumbing inspection to learn what you can do to improve your energy efficiency, water quality, and home comfort. Things like pipe corrosion, metal aging, and minute slab leaks are common in old homes.

Reduced Water Quality

If you are starting to notice, or have been living with, a wide scope of water quality issues, a plumbing inspection will help identify the causes, and present the workable solutions that fit your budget. Such water quality issues include poor tasting water, or beverages and soup made with your water, as well as, cloudy dishes, greasy hair, dry skin, low water pressure, hot water that takes too long to heat up, not enough hot water, poor soap lather in the bath, limescale residue all over your fixtures, and dingy or faded laundry.

Professional Plumbing Inspection and Service in Indianapolis, Indiana

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 when you need a licensed Indianapolis plumber you can trust for quality plumbing inspection and service 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.

The Best Way to Solve Your Hard Water Problems at Home

Posted on October 14, 2020 by weilhammerplumbing

There are all types of misconceptions, home remedies, and theories surrounding the treatment of hard water. Although hard water cannot harm or kill you, it is undesirable when compared to the advantages of softened or conditioned water. Not only does softened water improve the look and feel of our skin, hair, and nails, it’s healthier for our teeth, reduces marks and spots on dishes, lessens pipe and plumbing erosion, and much more. When it comes to treating hard water, the best method to choose is to install a quality water softening system.

Continue reading to learn more about hard water removal, and why water softeners are the best choice for solving poor water quality issues.

Limescale , cloudy water, and spotty fixtures are just a few possible consequences of having hard water.

The Basics Behind Hard Water Removal

There are several signs that point toward a hard water presence. Spots, streaks, and white residue on your dishes are some of the most common and primarily noticed signs of hard water in a home. Other hints that suggest hard water include dry skin, dingy laundry, film and scale buildup, funny-tasting coffee or tea, increased utility bills, and more. Hard water is water that has excessive traces mineral salts, such as magnesium and calcium ions.

Such deposits and solids accumulate within the water by passing through soil, rock, and sand. Hard water ranges in hardness on a scale of one through ten. The degree of hardness is measured in grains per gallon. To get rid of these minerals, one must install a water softener, as mentioned before. Always call a reputable and licensed plumber to install, clean, or repair your water softener.

What to Expect After Installing a Water Softening System

Although a water softener can be the solution you are looking for when it comes to hard water removal, keep in mind that it is likely to increase your water usage, resulting in slightly higher water bills. Also, your electric bill will slightly increase as well because the water softener operates on electricity. The important factor to remember is that these extra costs are small compared to the benefits a family enjoys from soft water. Keep in mind the advantages of owning a water softener and how it drastically improves the appearance of your skin, clothing, dishes, drinks, and more. More importantly, it reduces lime and scale buildup within your plumbing, reducing deterioration and expenses repair costs.

How to Resolve Your Hard Water Problems in Indianapolis, Indiana

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 to speak directly with a licensed master plumber (License #106214) about your hard water problems. We provide a wide range of standard and master plumbing services for both residential and commercial properties, including certified plumbing services for all make and model water softeners in Indianapolis. We also offer free estimates, free plumbing advice, and even free haul-away for old plumbing appliances like water softeners, water heaters, sump pumps, and more. Request a free estimate, today.

Do Not Make these Common Plumbing Mistakes as a New Homeowner

Posted on October 9, 2020 by weilhammerplumbing

When a person buys a new house, especially for the first time, they are marveled by the accomplishment, and warmed by a sense of great pride. If you currently have these feelings of pride and achievement peaking at full force after buying a new house, it is common to feel very strongly about taking the best care of your new property to the best of your own ability. In fact, you might be planning to do most of the handyman and maintenance work yourself. But be warned, when it comes to plumbing, there are some all-too-common plumbing mistakes that new homeowners tend to make, all of which are very damaging and costly, both upfront and in the long run.

Continue reading to learn the top plumbing mistakes made by new homeowners so that you can avoiding falling victim to the same errors in your house.

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New Homeowner Plumbing Errors to Avoid

▶ Performing Plumbing Work Without a Permit

Any kind of major plumbing work must be performed by a state-licensed plumber or master plumber. There are several building codes, municipal codes, and code standards that must be met for legal purposes and safety purposes. If you are not permitted to do such plumbing work by the state, you should not do it at all.

▶ Forgetting to Shut the Water Off Before a Trip

Many people have forgotten to turn their water off before a trip or vacation, only to come home to a massively flooded house or property. Do not make this same mistake. First, be sure you know where your main water shut off is located, which is primarily important for emergencies. Then, set reminders to turn your main water shut off valve to the off position prior to departing on a trip longer than a few days.

▶ Treating Clogged Drains With Chemical Drain Cleaners

Store-bought chemical drain cleaners are never the right solution for a clogged drain. This is actually one of the most common plumbing mistakes homeowners make. Chemicals that go down the drain are not only damaging to your plumbing pipes, especially galvanized ones, they are hazardous to our surrounding environment. Instead, make homemade drain dissolving cleaner, or use a handy drain auger.

▶ Combing Copper Piping With Galvanized Pipes

Galvanized piping is great, alone. Copper piping is also very great, alone. But together, corrosion will take place. Never make the mistake of connecting these two kinds of plumbing pipes together, under any circumstances. Otherwise, you can look forward to a costly and invasive plumbing overhaul in the near future. If such pipes must be connected, talk to your master plumber about a dielectric union.

Indianapolis Indiana Master Plumber Services You Can Afford

Call Weilhammer Plumbing at 317-784-1870 for prompt and professional Indianapolis plumbing service and home plumbing inspections at an affordable price. Master plumber, Mark Weilhammer, is happy to answer your questions about plumbing repair, replacement, installation, maintenance, and more. We offer free advice and estimates as well.Whether you need routine water heater service at home, or a major pipe replacement for a commercial building, our licensed Indianapolis plumbers can do it all, and in a time frame that’s convenient for you!

Advised Maintenance for Vital Plumbing Systems in the Home

Posted on August 7, 2020 by weilhammerplumbing

All too often, homeowners only resort to calling a plumber once their plumbing issue turns into more of a plumbing emergency. But you should always contact a plumber as soon as you notice changes in any plumbing system, far before an emergency can develop. You see, regular plumbing maintenance and inspections can drastically reduce the chances of another plumbing disaster or repair. A small plumbing issue can become a larger and more costly repair if not caught in time. Basement flooding, water leaks, burst pipes, and more can cause thousands of dollars of damages that could have otherwise been avoided with some simple routine maintenance and repair. Fortunately, there are several things a person can do to prolong the life of their plumbing system and prevent plumbing emergencies.

Continue reading to learn how to care for your home’s plumbing, properly, and who you should call if you require plumbing repair services.

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Basic Plumbing Maintenance and Care

Always remember that a little preventative maintenance goes a long way for a residential plumbing system. Preventing emergencies like clogged drains, toilet overflows, water heater failures, and more can feel very good to a homeowner’s budget. Preventing these issues also prevents larger disasters from occurring. This saves a household thousands of dollars each year! A properly cared-for plumbing system simply won’t require as much repair and replacement. Check out some DIY methods below to prolonging and caring for your home plumbing and start preparing your system for the long-haul!

Water Leak Inspections

Regularly inspect all areas of your home for potential water leaks. This means checking the faucet for excessive dripping, inspecting all water-using appliances for possible leaks, looking out for moisture accumulation on pipes or walls, and more. This should be done at least one time a year. Finding a water leak in its beginning stages can stop possible flooding situations, structural damages, and mold problems, saving a home owner a lot of money.

Septic Tanks and Sump Pumps

Septic tanks can cause severe home disasters. For anyone who has experienced a septic tank flood will tell you it’s a nightmare and costs thousands of dollars to cleanup and repair. Severe storms and system defects can cause septic tanks to malfunction or overflow, causing extreme home damages. It is strongly encouraged to install a battery-powered back-up sump pump for emergencies. Also, have your tank checked by a licensed master plumber at least once a year; or more if your city experiences higher precipitation levels and rainy seasons.

Water Heaters and Water Softeners

Water pressure can be an indication that something is not quite right with your plumbing. Check the shower heads and faucets for reduced water pressure. This can be a sign that you have sediment buildup in your plumbing system, or worse, a faulty water line. You may also have sediment buildup in your water heater, causing loss of performance and corrosion. It is important to have a licensed master plumber empty your water heater, and clean the sediment from your system a few times a year. This can reduce several costly problems and repairs.

Gas and Water Shut Off Valves

Every homeowner should know where their gas and water shut off valve is located, and how to operate it in the case of an emergency. If you ever need to turn your water off, be sure to also turn off your water heater so to not damage the heating elements within it. If you ever smell gas, act immediately. Turn your gas valve off and leave your home. Also, at the same time, do not flip off light switches or use anything that can create a spark. Just leave the premises and call for a master plumber to inspect your home. Gas leaks can be fatal, so it is vital to always take immediate action if you think you smell gas.

Plumbing maintenance can prevent very expensive plumbing disasters, emergencies, and repairs, and even save lives. Don’t wait any longer to have your plumbing inspected by a licensed professional. You can save yourself thousands of dollars by catching a plumbing problem ahead of time, and having it fixed by a trained plumber.

The Indianapolis Emergency Plumber to Call for Fast and Affordable Service

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

It’s Time for Your Home’s Annual Drain Cleaning Service

Posted on July 16, 2020 by weilhammerplumbing

There are several benefits to annual drain cleaning services, all of which make for perfect reasons to make sure you have it done on time. The top reasons why you should consider having your home’s drainage system professionally cleaned includes money savings, better-quality water flow, improved plumbing system performance, prolonged plumbing system lifespan, and overall plumbing protection.

Continue reading to learn a little more about these benefits, as well as, how to schedule your annual drainage cleaning this season.

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Top Advantages of Annual Drain Cleaning Service

Cost Savings ☑

When your plumbing system is working as it should, it is being energy efficient. This saves you money on water and energy bills, and reduces the need for costly plumbing replacements, like water heaters, water softeners, showers, and more.

Better Water Flow ☑

Water pressure can make or break a good shower. It can also affect your dish-washing, laundry, gardening, and much more. If your water flow is poor, routine maintenance like annual drain cleaning can remove blockages to help improve it instantly.

Improved Performance ☑

When your drainage system is clean and clear, all of the related plumbing systems that operate in conjunction with one another will work better. This includes sump pumps, water heaters, water softeners, water purification systems, plumbing pipes, water lines, toilets, dishwashers, washing machines, faucets, and more.

Extended Lifespan and Overall Protection ☑

When you are taking good care of your home’s plumbing, you are protecting it from damage, thus prolonging its lifespan at the same time. The key to maintaining a functioning and long-lasting plumbing system is to stay on top of your routine maintenance needs.

Indianapolis Plumbing and Drain Cleaning Services You Can Trust

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 for professional plumbing and drain cleaning services in Indianapolis, Indiana. We have the certifications, skills, and resources to provide comprehensive plumbing services, including annual and biannual maintenance needs for drains, water heaters, water softeners, sump pumps, and more. Request a free estimate, today.

Recommended Green Plumbing That Will Reduce Energy Usage

Posted on April 9, 2020 by weilhammerplumbing

There are plenty of ways to support the health and preservation of our environment, but only a few ways that helps save you money at the same time. Green plumbing not only reduces your energy consumption at home, it can also reduce monthly utility bills, appliance repair and replacement costs, and much more.

Continue reading for some effective green plumbing applications that can help you achieve a higher level of energy efficiency, while also providing budget security.

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Why Green Plumbing is a Good Choice

Not only can you feel good about helping the environment and saving some cash by switching to greener plumbing options, you can feel good knowing that you are doing your part to support a better world for your children. Below are some of the top-recommended green plumbing applications you should consider incorporating into your home, whether planning a new construction project, opting for a full-service remodel, or interested in making little changes over time.

Insulated Pipes

Solar Water Heating

There are several different kinds of solar heating options, all of which share similar properties and principles, but vary in ranges of efficiency. Solar heating heats a home by using solar energy derived from the sun and sunlight. Solar panels trap the solar energy and then transfers the heat to a central boiler. The boiler then heats the water and distributes it to the areas of the home upon request. All of this water is heated by the sun! If sunlight is low, or its dark outside, then the original boiler is used instead. Systems usually last anywhere from 20 to 30 years, but some have been reported lasting for more than forty!

Low Volume Restrictors

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 showerheads, 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.

Water Softening

Water softeners, or conditioners, are imperative to water quality, as well as, plumbing efficiency. They eliminate hard minerals in water that damage and corrode plumbing systems with limescale buildup, rust, and more. They also improve the feel and function of water, saving you money on things like shampoo, soap, and even water since you won’t need to spend too much time trying to rinse off in the shower. Hard minerals can also negatively affect laundry, and a softener can protect your clothing and extend their life, thus reduces shopping costs.

Whole House Water Filtration

By installing activated carbon filters or reverse osmosis system, you can significantly reduce the level of contaminants in your home’s drinking water. Not only does this save money by protecting your plumbing systems, such as your water heater, pipes, and softener, it also makes your tap water taste better, which reduces bottled water costs.

The Indianapolis Plumbing Service to Trust

Call Weilhammer Plumbing Co. Inc. at 317-784-1870 when you need a licensed plumbing service 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.

Can Poor Quality Plumbing Make You Sick?

Posted on March 19, 2020 by weilhammerplumbing

Long story short: your plumbing system can make you sick. Continue reading to learn how, and what you can do to treat and prevent plumbing-borne illness at home and in the office.

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Plumbing and Health Risks

Plumbing systems are intended to provide and distribute clean, safe water for consumption. So, it might surprise you that your plumbing system can actually be a cause of certain health complications and even illnesses. There are several ways a plumbing system can both cause and transmit illness. However, the top 4 most common areas that are known to generate plumbing-related health issues are water leaks, water heaters, faucets, and drains.

Drains

Clogged drains are a hotbed for all sorts of germs and bacteria, as well as mold and mildew growth. Bacteria, mold, and other types of pathogens are very harmful to a person’s health. They can cause a wide range of infections and health complications, especially in the upper respiratory system. For those who are already suffering from low immunity or respiratory issues, such transmission can be dangerous. If you notice that your shower or bathtub is draining slower than usual, you might have a working clog. Read our blog, “Unclog Any Drain With These 4 Simple Steps” to resolve this issue quickly. Be sure to always maintain your drains by keeping them clear and cleaning them regularly.

Faucets

Faucets, spouts, spigots, and valves are important parts of a plumbing system. However, many were manufactured with lead prior to 1986, as we discovered it is highly toxic. So, if yours fit this description, they might contain lead too. Long-term lead exposure can cause severe illness and health complications, including lead poisoning.

Water Heaters

Water heaters are known to rust overtime if they are not properly-maintained or replaced when necessary. When rust enters the water system, it can have negative effects on your health upon consumption. It is important to replace your water heater every 8 to 10 years, or when recommended by the manufacturer. Furthermore, have your water heater regularly serviced and flushed to avoid harmful sediment buildup that promotes rust development. Aside from rust-colored water, low water pressure may also a sign that your water heater is rusty on the inside. In either case, contact a local water heater professional for emergency service.

Water Leaks

Plumbing leaks can be a major source of disease and germs since standing water can grow all sorts of harmful organisms. Not only can water leaks cause mold and mildew growth, which spread airborne spores that are harmful to our respiratory health, it can also be a Petri dish for bacteria and other toxic pathogens. As soon as you discover a plumbing leak, contact an emergency plumber to avoid causing further damage to your walls, ceilings, floors, foundation, and more. See our blog, “The Common Signs of Leaky Plumbing Pipes” to learn what to look for.

Get Emergency Plumbing Repair For Leaks, Clogs, and More

Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 when you need emergency plumbing repair in Indianapolis, Indiana and surrounding counties. We service residential and commercial plumbing services, including water heater repair and water softener repair. 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.

A Quick Guide to Using Plumbers Thread Seal Tape

Posted on December 12, 2018 by weilhammerplumbing

The difficulty with plumber’s thread seal tape is not figuring out how to use it, but rather, where to find it! Doesn’t it always seems like that roll of plumber’s tape is always missing? Well, once you do finally remember where you left it, using it like a pro is easy with this quick guide we’ve prepared for you! Continue reading to get started.

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PTFE Tape

Plumber’s thread seal tape is a polytetrafluoroethylene film used to provide needed seals and lubrication for pipes threads. It also goes by other names too, such as PTFE tape and tape dope. Understanding these common monikers will help clear up any confusion you have at the store when purchasing more product. Now that you know what plumber’s tape is, it is time to learn the best ways to use it for your plumbing needs.

White, Blue or Yellow?

PTFE tape comes in a wide variety of colors, all of which are designed for variant plumbing applications. For basic residential plumbing seal and lubrication needs, the most common PTFE tape is the white roll. You will also find yellow and blue plumber’s tape, which are used for commercial or industrial applications. Yellow PTFE tape is often used for gas piping due to its double density properties, while blue PTFE tape is commonly used for oxygen piping due to its triple density properties.

How to Use PTFE Tape

Using plumber’s tape is easy, and only requires a short series of steps, along with a few materials. Aside from your tape, you will also need some paper towels or cloth rags, as well as, some store-bought pipe cleaner. Before taking a look at the steps below, it is important to know that you should not use too much tape. You must also be careful to wrap the tape properly. For more difficult angles, you may be better off using tape dope, which is softer and more spreadable.

Step ❶ – Using your pipe cleaner and cloths, remove all dirt and grease from the pipe threads.

Step ❷ – Using your paper towels, dry the pipe threads thoroughly. Be sure to dry in between each thread groove.

Step ❸ – Starting at the second thread, begin wrapping the tape around the pipe in the same direction of the threading. Use your finger to hold the tape in place while you work in the direction of the pipe. Be very careful to wrap evenly without using too much tape. When overlapping the tape as you make your way around, be sure to only cross ½ of the width of the tape.

Step ❹ – Cut the tape at the end and use your hands to press the tape all the way against the pipe threads. You should be able to clearly see the shape of the threads.

When in Doubt, Call a Professional Plumber!

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.