Lesson 1Personal safety, isolating area, and turning off water supplies (individual shutoffs and main shutoff)Learn protective steps, how to isolate the area, and shut off individual fixtures or main supply correctly to prevent flooding and accidents in Botswana buildings.
Gloves, eye protection, and kneepadsClearing and securing the work areaLocating fixture shutoff valvesFinding and operating main shutoffLockout and communication practicesLesson 2Testing after repair: slow-open restore, visual inspection for drips, dye test, and monitoring for staining recurrenceLearn to restart the faucet after repair with controlled opening, visual checks, and dye or tissue tests to ensure joints, valves, and cabinet stay dry over time in Botswana.
Slowly reopening shutoff valvesVisual inspection of joints and seamsUsing tissue or paper to spot weepingDye tests for subtle cabinet stainingShort and long interval rechecksLesson 3Preventive measures and communicating residual risks and recommendation for long-term replacementExplore maintenance steps, explain remaining risks to residents, and recommend upgrades or full replacement to avoid repeat leaks and damage in Botswana homes.
Routine inspection and cleaning scheduleExplaining remaining leak risks to clientsWhen to suggest hose or valve upgradesPlanning for future faucet replacementDocumenting findings and advisoriesLesson 4Step-by-step faucet disassembly: shutoff, depressurize lines, remove handles, bonnet/nuts, cartridge/valve removalFollow safe faucet disassembly from shutoff and depressurising to removing handles, trim, and hardware without damaging threads or finishes in Botswana setups.
Shutting off and tagging water suppliesDepressurizing and draining faucet linesRemoving handles and decorative capsLoosening bonnet nuts and retaining clipsExtracting cartridges or valve stemsLesson 5Systematic diagnosis: identifying faucet type (compression, cartridge, ceramic disc, ball) and locating leak sourceUnderstand identifying faucet types, reading wear, and tracing leaks to find the real source, separating faucet issues from supply, drain, or condensation in cabinets.
Recognising compression faucet componentsIdentifying cartridge and ceramic disc faucetsBall faucet internals and common leak pointsTracing leaks from spout, body, or baseDifferentiating faucet leaks from supply leaksLesson 6Detecting and locating the cabinet stain source: supply line vs drain vs condensationDevelop skills to track cabinet stain origins, distinguishing supply leaks from drain seepage or condensation on cold pipes in Botswana bathrooms.
Reading stain patterns and drip tracksChecking supply valves and connectionsTesting P-trap and tailpiece jointsIdentifying condensation on cold linesUsing moisture meters and inspection mirrorsLesson 7Repairing small drain leaks: tightening slip joints, replacing washers/gaskets, and sealing techniquesFocus on fixing small drain leaks under sinks, including tightening slip joints, replacing washers and gaskets, and using sealant while keeping trap alignment and slope.
Inspecting slip joints for mineral tracksTightening nuts without cracking fittingsReplacing beveled and flat drain washersApplying sealant at threaded jointsVerifying trap alignment and fallLesson 8If persistent leakage or corrosion: replacing faucet assembly and steps to select compatible replacementUnderstand when leaks or corrosion make repair not worth it, and how to choose and install a matching replacement faucet for sink openings and supplies in Botswana.
Recognising nonrepairable faucet damageMeasuring sink holes and mounting styleMatching supply connections and adaptersChoosing finish and spout configurationPlanning removal and installation stepsLesson 9Protecting cabinets and contents, using bucket/towels, and electrical safety around wet areasLearn to protect cabinets, contents, and electrical items from water during work, using containment, cleanup, and safe practices around cords and outlets in wet areas.
Using buckets, towels, and plastic sheetingMoving and protecting stored cabinet itemsKeeping cords and power strips off floorOutlet and GFCI considerations near sinksDrying and deodorising damp cabinetsLesson 10Repairing small supply line leaks: tightening fittings, replacing flexible supply hoses, and using new washers or ferrulesFocus on fixing minor supply line leaks under sinks, including tightening, replacing hoses, and renewing washers or ferrules without stressing valves or fixtures.
Inspecting braided and plastic supply hosesCorrectly tightening compression fittingsReplacing flexible supply lines safelyRenewing ferrules and flat washersChecking shutoff valve outlet connectionsLesson 11Replacing washers/cartridges/O-rings and correct lubrication/installation techniquesMaster removing and replacing faucet washers, cartridges, and O-rings with proper lubrication, orientation, and torque for reliable sealing without sticking or wear.
Removing old cartridges and stems safelyMatching new cartridges and repair kitsInstalling and seating new rubber washersSelecting and applying plumber’s greaseAvoiding O-ring twisting and pinchingLesson 12Reassembling faucet, torque guidance to avoid overtightening, and restoring water slowlyCover faucet reassembly order, thread protection, and torque control to seat parts firmly without cracking, then restore water gradually while checking for leaks.
Reinstalling cartridges and stems in orderAligning handles, escutcheons, and trimTorque guidance to avoid overtighteningProtecting decorative finishes and sealsGradual restart and functional checksLesson 13Tools and materials: basin wrench, adjustable wrench, replacement cartridges/washers/O-rings, plumber’s grease, PTFE tape, supply line fittingsLearn to select, check, and use hand tools and materials for faucet and cabinet leaks, including sizes, protective items, and avoiding damage to finishes or fittings.
Choosing basin and adjustable wrenchesUsing PTFE tape and pipe joint compoundSelecting replacement cartridges and washersPicking O-rings and plumber’s greaseSupply line fittings and adapter choices
