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Before you start any plumbing project, you will need the basic plumbing tools for the job. Having these tools handy makes the dreaded project that much easier to handle.
You can pick up these tools at any home improvement center or at your local plumbing supply store.
Auger- this is called a plumber's snake
Plunger- For plunging out the clogs
2 10 inch pipe wrenches
4-inch adjustable wrench
plumbing washers-make sure you have an assortment on hand.
phillips screwdriver
standard blade screwdriver
slip-joint pliers
needle-nose pliers
If the job is extensive or is a new application, you will also need these tools:
replacement faucet seats
compression nuts and rings
drain cleaner
faucet seat dresser
solder and flux
propane torch
graphite packing
tube cutter
electrician's tape
You might want to rent these tools as they are expensive or if you know of a neighbor or friend that has them, ask if you can borrow them:
vise
threading dies
flaring block
valve seat grinding tool
Replacing a water faucet:
The handle of a faucet today usually has decorative inserts that have to be popped out in order to see the screws. Remove the inserts and then with a standard blade screwdriver or phillips screwdriver, depending on what head the screw has, remove the screws. Do not try to remove a phillips head screw with a standard screwdriver, this will cause the screw to be "chewed up" and you will need to replace the screws.
Take a standard screwdriver and pry at the base of the handle, using a rag or cloth at the base of your screwdriver in order to not scratch the faucet.
After you have removed the handles, loosen the screw cap that holds the stem assembly with an adjustable wrench. Do this for the other side also. Twist out the stem assembly, this might take a bit of unscrewing, be patient. If you force it without unscrewing it, you can damage the faucet.
Using fine steel wool that you can get at any home improvement store or plumbing shop, gently buff off any corrosion that you find. The stem should look clean and new when finished.
At the bottom of the stem is a washer held on by a tiny brass screw. Remove the screw that holds the washer. If it is worn, replace the washer. Make sure if it is worn, you throw it away, as not to pick it up off the counter and replace the old one accidentally. This might be the problem as to why your faucet is leaking, but a faulty valve seat can also cause your faucet to leak. If the valve seat is worn and jagged, use the valve grinding tool and smooth it out.
Single hand faucets are washerless, but may have worn o-rings that may cause leaking. When removing any faucet for the first time, make sure you mark down as you take off the pieces the order in which you did so. This way upon re-assembly, you will know where the pieces were originally.
If you make sure your washers, valve body, screws, o-rings are replaced, you can then re-attach the faucet. If after re-attaching, it still leaks, time to think about purchasing a new faucet.
Clogged Drains-
Hair, Grease and Soap Scum are the major reasons for clogged drains. Buy yourself some drain cleaner that is recommended for the pipes you have. Check to see if you have PVC or metal pipes first, then always read the manufacturer's instructions and make sure the chemical is for your type of pipes. Failure to do so, can cause your pipes damage and possible chemical burns to your hands.
If after following the label directions and the chemical hasn't worked, then use a plunger in the sink by gently and slowly plunging the opening in the sink. Make sure you wear protective goggles just in case you didn't follow the step above for doing this slowly and splash some of the remaining chemical on yourself.
If you have children in your house and have gone through pulling toys out of the toilet before, you will need either a plunger, an auger, or use a metal coathanger and bend it to the shape needed for inserting in the toilet bowl. If you make a little hook on the end, this may help grab whatever is stuck there.
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