Plumbing Basics

by Peters, Rick

• ISBN13: 9781402710896
• ISBN10: 1402710895
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2003-08-14
• Publisher: Main Street

Summary

What will you do if your faucet springs a leak, if your sink stops up, if your toilet valve breaks? You know it's going to happen at some point--so be prepared, by knowing how home plumbing systems operate, from top to bottom, and how to handle repairs on everything from tubs to dishwashers. Written by an expert with a knack for breaking down complex tasks into bite-sized, digestible nuggets, this manual wades through the different components and shows how they interact; lays out the dizzying array of required tools and materials; jumps into the logistics of working with pipes; helps you confront those emergency leaks and clogs; groups faucets into five common types and explains how to fix each one; unravels the mysteries of sinks and toilets, and provides a handy guide to replacing common fixtures. You'll feel supremely confident when you have to do it yourself.

Table of Contents

Introduction	p. 4
Home Plumbing Systems
Supply Systems	p. 7
Waste Systems	p. 8
Vent Systems	p. 9
Traps	p. 10
Plumbing Codes	p. 11
Permits	p. 12
Checking Your System	p. 13
Common Requirements	p. 14
Plumbing Tools & Materials
General-Purpose Tools	p. 17
Specialty Tools	p. 19
Tools for Working with Copper	p. 20
Sealants	p. 21
Supply & Waste Pipe	p. 22
Copper Fittings	p. 24
CPVC Fittings	p. 25
DWV Fittings	p. 26
Supply Valves	p. 27
Transition Fittings	p. 28
Measuring Pipe & Fittings	p. 29
Working with Pipe
Joining Plastic Pipe	p. 31
Disassembling Plastic Pipe	p. 35
Joining Copper Pipe	p. 36
Joining Brass Valves	p. 40
Disassembling Copper & Brass	p. 41
Joining Compression Fittings	p. 42
Joining Flare Fittings	p. 43
Joining Flexible Tubing	p. 44
Joining Galvanized Pipe	p. 46
Emergency Repairs
Unclogging a Bathroom Sink	p. 49
Unclogging a Kitchen Sink	p. 54
Clearing Branch & Main Lines	p. 56
Clearing Shower & Tub Drains	p. 58
Unclogging Toilets	p. 59
Repairing Minor Pipe Leaks	p. 60
Repairing Major Pipe Leaks	p. 62
Repairing Faucets
Ball-Type Faucets	p. 65
Cartridge-Type Faucets	p. 68
Modern Compression Faucets	p. 70
Outdated Compression Faucets	p. 72
Valve Seats	p. 73
Diaphragm Faucets	p. 74
Disk Faucets	p. 76
Reverse-Compression Faucets	p. 78
Leaky Base Plates	p. 80
Repairing Sinks
Stopping Bathroom Sink Leaks	p. 83
Adjusting a Pop-Up Mechanism	p. 84
Replacing a Bathroom Sink Drain Body	p. 85
Fixing a Leaky Kitchen Strainer	p. 86
Repairing Dishwasher Connections	p. 87
Stopping Garbage Disposer Leaks	p. 88
Repairing a Diverter Valve	p. 89
Replacing a Spray Hose	p. 90
Fixing an Aerator	p. 91
Repairing Toilets
How a Toilet Works	p. 93
Adjusting the Water Level	p. 94
Adjusting the Handle and Lift Chain	p. 95
Stopping a Running Toilet	p. 96
Repairing a Diaphragm Ballcock	p. 97
Repairing a Plunger-Valve Ballcock	p. 98
Repairing a Float-Cup Ballcock	p. 99
Installing a New Ballcock	p. 100
Servicing a Flush Valve	p. 102
Installing a New Flush Valve	p. 103
Fixing a Leaky Toilet	p. 104
Replacing a Wax Ring	p. 105
Replacing Fixtures
Replacing a Showerhead	p. 109
Replacing a Tub Spout	p. 110
Removing a Sink	p. 111
Sink Mounting Variations	p. 112
Installing a One-Piece Sink/Countertop	p. 114
Installing a Drop-In Sink	p. 116
Installing a Kitchen Sink	p. 118
Replacing a Faucet	p. 120
Replacing a Wide-Spread Faucet	p. 122
Replacing a Tub/Shower Faucet	p. 124
Glossary	p. 126
Index	p. 128
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