Lesson 1Personal safety, isolating area, and turning off water supplies (individual shutoffs and main shutoff)Learn personal protection measures, how to isolate the work area, and correctly shut off individual fittings or main supply to avoid flooding and unintended activation.
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 how to restore faucet service after repair, using controlled reopening, visual checks, and dye or tissue tests to ensure joints, valves, and 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 and communicating residual risks and recommendation for long-term replacementExplore maintenance steps to prevent issues, explain remaining risks to residents, and when to suggest scheduled upgrades or full fixture replacement to stop repeated leaks and cabinet harm.
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, step-by-step faucet disassembly, from shutting off and releasing pressure in lines to removing handles, trim, and hardware without damaging threads or 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: identifying faucet type (compression, cartridge, ceramic disc, ball) and locating leak sourceUnderstand identifying faucet types, reading wear patterns, and tracing water paths to find the real leak source, distinguishing faucet problems from supply, drain, or condensation in the 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 6Detecting and locating the cabinet stain source: supply line vs drain vs condensationDevelop skills to trace cabinet stains and moisture origins, separating high-pressure supply leaks from drain seepage or harmless condensation on cold pipes and fittings.
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 diagnosing and fixing small drain leaks under sinks, including tightening slip joints, replacing washers and gaskets, and using sealants while keeping trap alignment and slope correct.
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 ongoing leaks, pitting, or corrosion make repair uneconomical, and how to choose and install a matching replacement faucet for sink openings and supply links.
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 areasLearn to protect cabinets, contents, and nearby electrical items from water during diagnosis and repair, using containment, cleanup, and safe practices around cords, outlets, and 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 10Repairing small supply line leaks: tightening fittings, replacing flexible supply hoses, and using new washers or ferrulesFocus on diagnosing and fixing minor high-pressure supply line leaks under sinks, including tightening methods, replacing flexible hoses, and renewing ferrules or washers without stressing valves or fittings.
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, positioning, and tightening so parts seal well without sticking, squeaking, or early 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 correct faucet reassembly order, thread protection, and tightening control so parts fit firmly without cracking trim, then restore water slowly while checking for 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 and materials: basin wrench, adjustable wrench, replacement cartridges/washers/O-rings, plumber’s grease, PTFE tape, supply line fittingsLearn to select, inspect, and safely use key hand tools and materials for faucet and cabinet leak tasks, including right 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
