Plumbers Topeka install and repair systems used for potable water, hot-water production, sewage, and drainage. They work with a wide range of tools and equipment, including wrenches, pipe cutters, soldering equipment, and diagnostic tools.
Residential plumbers work directly in people’s homes, requiring them to have good customer service skills to interact with customers and explain their plumbing issues and repair options. Construction plumbers work on large-scale plumbing projects in commercial and industrial buildings.
A bathroom sink faucet handle that won’t budge can be a real pain. But if you follow these simple steps, you can get it off and on again in no time.
First, shut off the water supply valves underneath the sink by turning them clockwise until they stop. This will prevent water from flowing into the handle while you work on it.
Then, remove the handle by unscrewing the screw that holds it in place with either a Phillips-head or flat-head screwdriver. Once the screw is out, you can usually pull the handle straight up and off. If it doesn’t budge, try gently wiggling the handle back and forth. Mineral buildup, corrosion, or other factors can cause a stubborn handle, but with persistence and the right tools, you should be able to remove it.
Once the handle is removed, you’ll see two or more mounting nuts that hold the faucet body in place. You can typically use channel-type pliers to loosen and remove these nuts, but in some cases, you may need to twist the handles back and forth to free the body. Once the body is removed, you can place a towel or rag under the faucet to catch any drops.
In addition to installing and repairing fixtures and appliances, plumbers also often work on plumbing systems for commercial or industrial buildings. These larger-scale jobs can be more complex, as they often require interpreting blueprints and working with various types of equipment. In these settings, plumbers may collaborate with other professionals, including architects and construction teams, to ensure that the plumbing system meets all building codes and requirements.
Most plumbers receive their training through an apprenticeship, which combines classroom instruction with paid on-the-job training. They then must pass an exam to become licensed. Many plumbers also pursue additional certifications in order to specialize in certain areas of the field. For example, some plumbers may become certified in green plumbing practices or in working with specific types of equipment. They also may obtain a license to work independently, which requires passing an exam and meeting certain requirements.
Removing the Valve Stem Assembly
If the valve stem is leaking from the handle or the spout, you’ll need to remove it to fix the leak. The first step is to turn off the water supply (twist the handle on the shut-off valve). Before you start, place a bucket or plastic sheet underneath the faucet in case water gushes out. After you’ve turned off the water, twist the packing nut (closest to the valve handle) a quarter-turn counterclockwise to loosen it. If the valve still won’t budge, try spraying some penetrating oil on it and working the valve back and forth.
Next, pull the shower trim plate (also called an escutcheon trim plate) off of the wall. This is the plate that covers a bigger hole in your tile or wall to access the valve on the water line. If there is caulking holding the plate in place, cut it away with a utility knife.
Once the trim plate is off, unscrew the handle with a wrench or pair of pliers. This might get a bit messy, so it’s a good idea to have a bucket under the faucet to catch the excess water. If the faucet’s handle or spout is leaking, it could be that the nut is loose and needs to be tightened or it’s missing altogether and needs to be replaced.
A compression valve is a type of tighten-to-connect plumbing fitting that uses a nut and a ferrule (ring) instead of soldering. The nut is tightened onto the pipe over the ferrule, which is covered in plumber’s putty, to create a water-tight seal. This type of valve can be more difficult to replace than a traditional shut-off valve, especially if the nut is stuck.
If you’re attempting to change a compression valve, the best approach is to use a torch. If you decide to go this route, make sure to wear a flame protection cloth and have a fire extinguisher close by. Heat the valve body to a point where the remaining solder will melt and be able to be removed with a wrench or pair of pliers. Once the valve is off, you can install a new one and restore the plumbing in your home.
Removing the Faucet Body
When a faucet is stuck or broken, you may find yourself debating whether to repair it or replace it with a new one. For a brand-new faucet in otherwise good condition, repair is usually the way to go, but older, very damaged, or lower-quality faucets often make replacing them a smarter choice.
Whatever route you choose, it’s important to start by shutting off the water supply to the sink. Then, before you begin working on the faucet, cover the drain with a rag to catch any drips and establish a spot nearby to lay out parts in order of removal (Photo 1).
Begin by removing the handle. If your faucet has a decorative cap that covers the screw that holds the handle, pry off the cap to reveal the screw underneath. Then, use a screwdriver to remove the handle screw and pull straight up to remove the handle.
Next, remove the spout. There are three types of faucet bodies, single-hole body (standard for two-handle faucets), unique bridge body that combines the valves to store mixed water before it passes through the spout, and widespread body that looks like the bridge but has side holes as well. If your faucet is a single-hole or bridge design, the cartridge stays in the faucet body until you activate the spout by turning it.
The spout is attached to the cartridge, which controls the temperature and flow of the water coming out of the spout. An o-ring in the middle keeps water from leaking out between the spout and the cartridge. The aerator, which is the small sieve-like thing at the end of the spout, blends air into the water stream to help with the flow and prevent splashing.
Removing the Faucet Leak
The first step in repairing a leaking faucet is to shut off the water supply. This prevents water from shooting out as soon as you start working on it. The water supply valves should be located underneath the sink and are usually turned counterclockwise to turn them off. Next, cover the sink drain with a rag or something similar to keep small parts from falling down the drain while you work. Finally, remove the handle by prying off or unscrewing it. Be careful not to bang it free or you might break the inner workings.
The leaking may be caused by worn-down washers and O-rings, loose parts, or high water pressure. Sometimes a simple fix like replacing these parts fixes the problem. However, if the leaking persists, it’s time to call in a plumber.
A professional plumber will be able to find the source of the leak and repair it promptly. Using tools that are specifically designed for plumbing, they can tighten or replace the parts that are causing it.
Sometimes the cause of a dripping faucet is further down in the plumbing system than homeowners can reach. Professional plumbers have tools and techniques that allow them to tighten and fix these problems quickly and effectively.
A dripping faucet is a nuisance that can add up to a lot of money in water bills over time. In addition, it can also lead to water damage in your home and surrounding property. Fortunately, this is an easy problem to fix by yourself or with the help of a professional plumber.
Before starting any plumbing job, always turn off the main water supply valve. This will prevent any water from flowing and can protect you against serious damage. Then, locate the water shutoff valves beneath your sink and turn them off. After that, you can proceed with the repairs. If you’re feeling nervous about doing the job yourself, or if it seems too complicated, call in a plumber to help you out. The more you understand the basics of plumbing, the easier it will be to fix problems when they arise.