Lesson 1Personal safety, isolatin' area, an' turnin' off water supplies (individual shutoffs an' main shutoff)Learn personal protective measures, how fi isolate di work area, an' how fi correct shut off individual fixtures or di main supply fi prevent floodin' an' accidental activation.
Gloves, eye protection, and kneepadsClearing and securing the work areaLocating fixture shutoff valvesFinding and operating main shutoffLockout and communication practicesLesson 2Testin' after repair: slow-open restore, visual inspection fi drips, dye test, an' monitorin' fi stainin' recurrenceLearn how fi bring di faucet back inna service after repair, usin' controlled reopenin', visual checks, an' dye or tissue tests fi confirm dat all joints, valves, an' cabinet surfaces 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 an' communicatin' residual risks an' recommendation fi long-term replacementExplore preventive maintenance steps, how fi explain residual risks to occupants, an' when fi recommend scheduled upgrades or full fixture replacement fi avoid recurrin' leaks an' cabinet 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 a safe, ordered faucet disassembly process, from shuttin' off an' depressurizin' lines to removin' handles, trim, an' retainin' hardware widout strippin' threads or scratchin' finishes.
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: identifyin' faucet type (compression, cartridge, ceramic disc, ball) an' locatin' leak sourceUnderstand how fi identify faucet construction, read wear patterns, an' trace water paths fi pinpoint di true leak source, separatin' faucet faults from supply, drain, or condensation issues inside di cabinet.
Recognizing 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 6Detectin' an' locatin' di cabinet stain source: supply line vs drain vs condensationDevelop skills fi track di true origin a cabinet stains an' moisture, distinguishin' pressurized supply leaks from drain seepage or harmless condensation on cold pipin' an' fixtures.
Reading stain patterns and drip tracksChecking supply valves and connectionsTesting P-trap and tailpiece jointsIdentifying condensation on cold linesUsing moisture meters and inspection mirrorsLesson 7Repairin' small drain leaks: tightenin' slip joints, replacin' washers/gaskets, an' sealin' techniquesFocus on diagnosin' an' repairin' small drain leaks under sinks, includin' slip joint tightenin', washer an' gasket replacement, an' sealant use while maintainin' proper trap alignment an' 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: replacin' faucet assembly an' steps fi select compatible replacementUnderstand when ongoing leakage, pittin', or corrosion make repair uneconomical, an' learn how fi select an' install a compatible replacement faucet dat match sink openings an' supply connections.
Recognizing nonrepairable faucet damageMeasuring sink holes and mounting styleMatching supply connections and adaptersChoosing finish and spout configurationPlanning removal and installation stepsLesson 9Protectin' cabinets an' contents, usin' bucket/towels, an' electrical safety around wet areasLearn how fi shield cabinets, contents, an' nearby electrical devices from water durin' diagnosis an' repair, usin' containment, cleanup, an' safe work practices around cords, outlets, an' appliances.
Using buckets, towels, and plastic sheetingMoving and protecting stored cabinet itemsKeeping cords and power strips off floorOutlet and GFCI considerations near sinksDrying and deodorizing damp cabinetsLesson 10Repairin' small supply line leaks: tightenin' fittings, replacin' flexible supply hoses, an' usin' new washers or ferrulesFocus on diagnosin' an' repairin' minor pressurized supply line leaks under sinks, includin' tightenin' techniques, replacin' flexible hoses, an' renewin' ferrules or washers widout stressin' valves or fixtures.
Inspecting braided and plastic supply hosesCorrectly tightening compression fittingsReplacing flexible supply lines safelyRenewing ferrules and flat washersChecking shutoff valve outlet connectionsLesson 11Replacin' washers/cartridges/O-rings an' correct lubrication/installation techniquesMaster removal an' replacement a faucet washers, cartridges, an' O-rings, includin' correct lubrication, orientation, an' torque so movin' parts seal reliably widout stickin', squeakin', or premature 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 12Reassemblin' faucet, torque guidance fi avoid overtightenin', an' restorin' water slowlyCover correct faucet reassembly order, thread protection, an' torque control so parts seat firmly widout crackin' trim, den restore water gradually while monitorin' fi new or shifted leaks.
Reinstalling cartridges and stems in orderAligning handles, escutcheons, and trimTorque guidance to avoid overtighteningProtecting decorative finishes and sealsGradual restart and functional checksLesson 13Tools an' materials: basin wrench, adjustable wrench, replacement cartridges/washers/O-rings, plumber’s grease, PTFE tape, supply line fittingsLearn how fi select, inspect, an' safely use essential hand tools an' materials fi faucet an' cabinet leak work, includin' correct sizes, protective products, an' how fi avoid damagin' finishes or deformin' 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
