Lesson 1Personal safety, isolating area, and turning off water supplies (individual shutoffs and main shutoff)Acquire protective steps, area isolation techniques, and proper shutting of individual fittings or main supply to avert flooding and unintended starts.
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 recurrenceRestore tap service post-fix with gradual reopening, sight checks, and dye or tissue tests to ensure joints, valves, and cupboard areas 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 replacementExamine upkeep steps, explain lingering dangers to residents, and advise on timed upgrades or complete fixture swaps to prevent repeated leaks and cupboard 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 removalExecute secure, sequential tap dismantling, from cutoff and line depressurising to extracting handles, fittings, and holding parts without thread damage or surface scratches.
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 sourceGrasp tap build types, interpret wear signs, and follow water routes to isolate leak origins, differentiating tap defects from supply, drain, or moisture issues in the cupboard.
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 condensationHone abilities to trace true cupboard stain and damp sources, separating high-pressure supply leaks from drain oozes or benign moisture on cool 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 techniquesTarget diagnosing and mending minor drain leaks under basins, covering slip joint tightening, washer and gasket swaps, and sealer application while keeping trap positioning and incline 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 replacementKnow when ongoing leaks, pitting, or rust render fixes uneconomic, and how to pick and fit a matching replacement tap suited to basin holes 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 areasShield cupboards, contents, and nearby electrical items from water in diagnosis and fixes, employing containment, cleanup, and secure practices near cables, sockets, and devices.
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 ferrulesAddress minor high-pressure supply line leaks under basins, including tightening methods, flexible hose replacements, and ferrule or washer renewals without straining 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 techniquesExpertly remove and fit tap washers, cartridges, and O-rings, with proper greasing, alignment, and tightening for reliable sealing minus sticking, creaking, 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 slowlyHandle correct tap reassembly sequence, thread safeguarding, and tightening limits to seat parts solidly without cracking fittings, then gradually reinstate water while watching for fresh or moved 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 fittingsSelect, inspect, and use vital hand tools and supplies for tap and cupboard leak tasks safely, covering right sizes, protective items, and avoiding finish harm or fitting distortion.
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
