Lesson 1Personal safety, isolating area, and turning off water supplies (individual shutoffs and main shutoff)Learn protective steps, cordon off areas, and shut individual or main water to stop floods and mishaps.
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 recurrenceRestart taps post-fix with slow water on, visual checks, dye or paper tests to ensure joints, valves, and cupboards stay dry long-term.
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 replacementCover upkeep steps, explain ongoing risks to folks, and suggest timed upgrades or full swaps to dodge 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 removalSafely dismantle taps: shut water, release pressure, remove handles, caps, nuts, cartridges without stripping or scratching.
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 sourceIdentify tap types, wear signs, trace water paths to true leak spots, separate from pipes, drains, or damp.
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 6Detecting and locating the cabinet stain source: supply line vs drain vs condensationTrack cupboard stains to source: supply leaks, drain seeps, or harmless pipe sweat.
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 techniquesFix minor sink drain leaks: tighten slips, swap washers/gaskets, seal while keeping trap straight and sloped.
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 leaks or rust mean replace: pick and fit matching taps for sink holes and pipes.
Recognizing 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 areasShield cupboards, items, electrics from water: use buckets, towels, safe practices near plugs and wires.
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 10Repairing small supply line leaks: tightening fittings, replacing flexible supply hoses, and using new washers or ferrulesFix small supply leaks: tighten, swap flex hoses, renew washers/ferrules without stressing valves.
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 techniquesSwap washers, cartridges, O-rings with right lube, fit, torque for smooth, leak-free action.
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 slowlyRebuild taps right, protect threads, torque properly, then slowly turn water on watching 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 fittingsPick, check, use tools and bits for taps and cupboards: right sizes, grease, tape, avoid damage.
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
