Lesson 1Personal safety, isolating area, and turning off water supplies (individual shutoffs and main shutoff)Learn protective steps, how to cordon off the area, and properly close single fittings or main water to avoid floods 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 recurrenceLearn to restart the tap post-fix with careful opening, sight checks, and dye or cloth tests to ensure joints, valves, and cupboard faces 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 replacementExplore upkeep steps, explaining leftover dangers to users, and when to suggest timed upgrades or full swap to dodge repeat 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 removalFollow safe, step-wise tap takedown, from closing and easing lines to removing grips, covers, and fixings without stripping screws or marking 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 sourceGrasp how to spot tap builds, read wear marks, and follow water routes to find the real leak spot, splitting tap faults from supply, drain, or dew inside the cupboard.
Recognising 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 trace true cupboard stain and damp sources, telling high-pressure supply leaks from drain ooze or safe dew 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 fixing minor drain leaks under sinks, with slip joint tightening, washer and seal swaps, and sealer use 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 steady leaks, rust, or eating makes fixing not worth it, and how to pick and fit a matching new tap that fits sink holes and supply links.
Recognising 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 guard cupboards, contents, and nearby power gear from water in checks and fixes, with containment, clean-up, and safe habits near wires, plugs, and machines.
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 ferrulesTarget diagnosing and mending small high-pressure supply line leaks under sinks, with tightening ways, flexible hose swaps, and fresh ferrules or washers 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 techniquesMaster taking out and fitting tap washers, cartridges, and O-rings, with right greasing, placing, and tightening so parts seal well without jamming, 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 slowlyCover right tap rebuild order, screw guard, and tightening control so parts sit firm without breaking covers, then restart water bit by bit 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 fittingsLearn to pick, check, and safely handle key hand tools and supplies for tap and cupboard leak jobs, with right sizes, guard items, and ways to dodge finish harm or shape twists.
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
