Lesson 1Personal safety, isolating area, and turning off water supplies (individual shutoffs and main shutoff)Learn protective steps for yourself, how to clear the work space, and how to shut off single taps or the main water to stop floods and accidents.
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 fixing, using slow opening, eye checks, and dye or paper tests to make sure joints, valves, and cabinet stay dry over time.
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 replacementLook at upkeep steps to prevent issues, how to tell people about remaining risks, and when to suggest planned changes or full replacement to avoid repeat leaks and damage.
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 steps to take apart a faucet, from shutting off and releasing pressure to removing handles, covers, and holding parts without damaging threads or surfaces.
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 sourceLearn to spot faucet build, read wear signs, and follow water paths to find the real leak spot, separating faucet problems from supply, drain, or moisture inside the cabinet.
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 condensationBuild skills to trace real cause of cabinet stains and dampness, telling apart high-pressure supply leaks from drain seeps or harmless moisture on cold pipes and taps.
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 finding and fixing small drain leaks under sinks, including tightening joins, swapping washers and gaskets, and using sealants while keeping trap straight and sloped right.
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 replacementKnow when ongoing leaks, rust, or wear make fixing not worth it, and learn to pick and fit a matching new faucet that fits sink holes and water connections.
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 guard cabinets, items inside, and nearby electricals from water during checks and fixes, using catchers, clean-up, and safe ways around wires, sockets, and machines.
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 finding and fixing minor high-pressure supply line leaks under sinks, including tightening methods, swapping flexible hoses, and renewing rings or washers without stressing valves or taps.
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 taking out and putting in faucet washers, cartridges, and O-rings, with right greasing, placing, and tightening so parts seal well without sticking, noise, or quick 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 right order for putting back faucet, protecting threads, and controlling tightness so parts fit firm without breaking covers, then add water slowly while watching for new 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 pick, check, and use safely key hand tools and items for faucet and cabinet leak jobs, including right sizes, protective stuff, and avoiding harm to surfaces or bending parts.
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
