Lesson 1Personal safety, isolating area, and turning off water supplies (individual shutoffs and main shutoff)Learn personal protection steps, how to separate the work area, and how to properly turn off single fixtures or the main supply to avoid flooding and accidental turning on.
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 bring the faucet back to use after fixing, using controlled opening, visual checks, and dye or tissue tests to confirm all joins, 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 upkeep steps to prevent issues, how to explain remaining risks to residents, and when to suggest planned upgrades or full fixture change to avoid 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, ordered faucet taking apart process, from turning off and releasing pressure in lines to removing handles, trim, and holding hardware without stripping threads or scratching 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 sourceUnderstand how to identify faucet build, read wear signs, and trace water paths to find the real leak source, separating faucet faults from supply, drain, or condensation issues 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 condensationBuild skills to track the true start of cabinet stains and wetness, telling apart pressured supply leaks from drain seepage or harmless condensation on cold pipes and 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 7Repairing small drain leaks: tightening slip joints, replacing washers/gaskets, and sealing techniquesFocus on finding and fixing small drain leaks under sinks, including slip joint tightening, washer and gasket change, and sealant use while keeping proper 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 ongoing leakage, pitting, or corrosion makes fixing not worth it, and learn how to pick and fit a matching replacement faucet that fits sink holes and supply joins.
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 how to shield cabinets, items inside, and nearby electrical devices from water during checking and fixing, using containment, cleanup, and safe methods around wires, sockets, 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 finding and fixing minor pressured supply line leaks under sinks, including tightening methods, changing flexible hoses, and renewing ferrules or washers 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 removal and change of faucet washers, cartridges, and O-rings, including right lubrication, positioning, and tightening so moving 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 right faucet putting back together order, thread protection, and tightening control so parts seat firmly without cracking trim, then restore water slowly while watching 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 how to pick, check, and safely use key hand tools and materials for faucet and cabinet leak work, including right sizes, protective items, and how to avoid damaging surfaces or bending 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
