Plumbing is a broad field that deals with the distribution of water and the removal of wastewater. It also includes the piping systems that connect them.
Plumbers use several skills to perform their jobs effectively. They need to be physically fit and have good hand-eye coordination. They also need to be able to work quickly and accurately. They must also understand the principles of simple machines and fluid flow. Contact Plumbing Express, Inc. for professional help.
Plumbing is the system of pipes, fixtures and fittings that conveys water to and from various parts of a building. This essential service provides clean, potable water for consumption and removes waste and sewage safely. It requires special skills and knowledge to perform effectively. Plumbers use a variety of tools and must be able to work in confined spaces. They must also have good communication skills to listen to customers and explain their recommendations clearly.
Getting the right plumber can save you money, time and frustration. When a pipe bursts or the toilet won’t flush, it can seem like a disaster. But with the help of some simple troubleshooting, you can usually identify and fix the problem before it gets out of hand. Here are some tips to get you started.
Disassembling the Faucet
A single-lever faucet gets a lot of use and sometimes the parts wear down. A dripping faucet is annoying and wastes water. Often the leak is a result of a worn-out washer or O-ring. To fix the problem, disassemble the faucet to inspect the parts. Then you can replace the part and reassemble the faucet. There are a few different ways to do this, depending on the type of faucet. The general approach is to remove any decorative caps and unscrew the handles. Then you can usually remove the now-exposed nut and lift out the valve stem. You can replace the washer and O-ring, and reassemble the handle and spout. If this doesn’t solve the problem, you can try replacing the valve seat.
In most cases, a plumber would rather repair or replace the entire faucet than just a few of its components. However, if the faulty component is easy to get at and relatively inexpensive, the do-it-yourselfer can save money by replacing only the faulty piece.
Before starting the job, close the water supply valves under the sink, or shut off the main water valve for your home if you have one. Place a towel in the sink to catch any water that drains out. Turn on the faucet to relieve any pressure and open the drain to let all of the water in the faucet line flow out. This will flush the lines and make it easier to work on the faucet.
Plumbers keep several tools on hand to conquer tricky sink hardware accessibility and embedding, but you probably have many of the necessary tools at home. These tools include adjustable wrenches, screwdrivers, spare washers and O-rings, a towel, and replacement faucet parts.
If the problem is with a one-handled faucet, you can disassemble it by removing the handles. Then you can disconnect the spout hose by moving it back and forth to free it from its brass body. This may take a little force. WD-40 can also help.
After you have removed the spout and handle, you can disconnect the water supply tubes by using two sets of pliers: one to hold the shutoff valve motionless while the other turns the compression mounting nut. These supply tubes can be flexible or rigid chromed copper. In either case, you should have a set of replacement tubes on hand to install when you reassemble the faucet.
Replacing the Parts
Plumbing is the system of pipes, fixtures and fittings that transport water and sewage throughout your home. The pipes run unseen behind walls and under floorboards, carrying water to and from sinks, toilets, showers and appliances. Proper maintenance and occasional repairs can keep your plumbing in good working order for years to come. Before beginning any plumbing work, ensure the water supply is turned off and take precise measurements of existing pipes to make shopping for replacement parts easier.
Reassembling the Faucet
Whether you’ve replaced a washer, O-ring or cartridge, it’s important to put everything back together correctly. If the new parts aren’t an exact fit, they may leak or otherwise fail prematurely. Always use plumber’s grease to lubricate moving parts, which reduces friction and wear.
Reassemble the faucet by putting the handle and any decorative caps back on, then screwing the stem nut back into place. Before tightening, use a small amount of plumber’s tape to reinforce the threads and create a watertight seal. A plumber’s tape roll is available at most hardware stores.
Replace the ceramic disk cartridge if necessary. This is an easy job that can be done with a wrench and a pair of pliers.
Some faucets have a threaded packing nut that holds the valve stem in place. If this is the case, wrap it with string or wicking (available at hardware stores) to act as a washer and help seal the faucet. Or, you can apply a thin line of plumber’s putty to the threads at the bottom of the stem assembly.
Most faucets have a plastic decorative button on the top of the handle that hides a screw beneath it. Gently pry this off and remove the handle. If it sticks, try tapping it gently with a hammer or screwdriver. If the retaining clip holding the handle in place is still there, use needle-nose pliers to remove it.
The next step is to replace the valve seat if necessary. This is usually done with a wrench, although you can also buy a special tool called a valve seat wrench. If you decide to purchase a new seat, it should be an exact fit. Replace the washer and O-ring as well. Always use a washer and O-ring that are an exact size for a watertight seal.
If you’re working on a shower or tub faucet, it’s a good idea to have the aerator removed and soak it in white vinegar to loosen mineral deposits. This will prevent future buildup and clogs. Once all the parts are reassembled, turn the water back on slowly to avoid sudden surges of pressure that can damage the new parts.
