Lesson 1Personal safety, isolating area, and turning off water supplies (individual shutoffs and main shutoff)Learn personal protective measures, how to isolate the work area, and how to correctly shut off individual fixtures or the main supply to prevent flooding and accidental 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 bring the faucet back into service after repair, using controlled reopening, visual checks, and dye or tissue tests to confirm that all joints, valves, and cabinet surfaces remain 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 preventive maintenance steps, how to explain residual risks to occupants, and when to recommend scheduled upgrades or full fixture replacement to avoid recurring leaks and 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 shutting off and depressurizing lines to removing handles, trim, and retaining hardware without stripping threads or scratching 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 how to identify faucet construction, read wear patterns, and trace water paths to pinpoint the true leak source, separating faucet faults from supply, drain, or condensation issues inside 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 track the true origin of cabinet stains and moisture, distinguishing pressurized supply leaks from drain seepage or harmless condensation on cold piping 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 diagnosing and repairing small drain leaks under sinks, including slip joint tightening, washer and gasket replacement, and sealant use while maintaining 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 repair uneconomical, and learn how to select and install a compatible replacement faucet that matches sink openings and supply connections.
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, contents, and nearby electrical devices from water during diagnosis and repair, using containment, cleanup, and safe work 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 repairing minor pressurized supply line leaks under sinks, including tightening techniques, replacing 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 replacement of faucet washers, cartridges, and O-rings, including correct lubrication, orientation, and torque so moving parts seal reliably without sticking, squeaking, 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 12Reassembling faucet, torque guidance to avoid overtightening, and restoring water slowlyCover correct faucet reassembly order, thread protection, and torque control so parts seat firmly without cracking trim, then restore water gradually while monitoring 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 select, inspect, and safely use essential hand tools and materials for faucet and cabinet leak work, including correct sizes, protective products, and how to avoid damaging finishes or deforming 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
