Plumbing is an in-demand trade that pays well. But, before you consider becoming a plumber, you should know the job duties and hazards involved.
Plumber Cleveland Ohio install and connect pipes, fixtures, and appliances. They also repair existing systems and address issues like leaks and clogs. They also collaborate with construction teams and architects to ensure that plumbing systems integrate seamlessly into building projects and meet standards and regulations.
A leaky faucet is one of the most common plumbing problems. Left unchecked, it can waste 3,000 gallons of water per year and drive up your utility bills. Fortunately, most of the time the problem can be fixed by tightening a loose part or replacing an O-ring. Licensed plumbers know how to fix all kinds of leaky faucets and can find the hard-to-reach parts that homeowners can’t get to.
To fix a leaky faucet, first identify what kind of faucet you have. There are two basic categories: faucets with washers and those without. Washerless faucets include cartridge, ball and ceramic disk types. You’ll also need to know the manufacturer and model number of your faucet to find the correct repair parts. Before you start working, close the water supply lines under the sink and stuff a rag in the drain to stop the flow of water.
Turning off the water and draining the pipes under the sink will make it easier to dismantle the faucet. Next, remove the handle and packing nut and replace the O-ring (the most common cause of faucet leaks). O-rings come in many sizes so bring the old one with you to the hardware store to ensure you buy an exact replacement. Before reassembling the faucet, coat all new O-rings with nontoxic plumber’s grease.
If your leaky faucet isn’t due to an O-ring, you might need to install a new washer or valve seat. These are typically less expensive than a cartridge or a whole faucet assembly. Remember to replace all worn washers, o-rings and gaskets.
If your leaky faucet still has a problem, it could be because the pipe is cracked or you have restricted water flow from sediment buildup. In that case, it’s best to call a professional. A high-quality, reliable plumbing company will be able to provide you with a qualified Journeyman Plumber.
Fixing a Faucet That Won’t Turn On
If your kitchen sink faucet isn’t turning on at all, it can be frustrating. However, the good news is that it’s usually a simple fix. The first thing to do is check whether the problem affects just your hot or cold water. If it’s only your cold water, it could be a problem with your municipal water supply. In this case, you’ll need to contact your city water department to get the problem fixed. If the problem is just your sink, there are 3 main issues that could be causing it.
One possibility is that the angle stops (the water service valves) under your sink are closed. This can happen if someone worked on the plumbing recently and forgot to turn the water back on. If this is the case, you’ll need to open the cabinet under your sink and make sure the valves are in the on position.
The other possibility is that the aerator on your sink’s faucet spout has clogged with sediment and won’t let water flow through it. You can often unscrew aerators by hand, but if yours is stuck and won’t budge, you may need to use adjustable pliers to loosen it. Once the aerator is off, you can rinse it or soak it in vinegar to break up any sediment build-up.
Finally, the third possible issue is that the handle itself has become difficult to turn. This can be caused by corrosion, which can easily be removed with a bit of vinegar and a cloth. However, if the handle itself is cracked or stripped, you’ll need to replace it.
If you can’t find the problem, it’s probably time to call a plumber. They can diagnose the problem and fix it quickly so that you don’t have to go without running water for too long. Plus, they can help you prevent other problems by pointing out any potential issues before they become serious. This way, you can save money and avoid costly repairs down the road.
Fixing a Faucet That Won’t Drain
No one likes waking up and heading to the bathroom to wash their face only to find that the sink isn’t draining. If this happens, it could be due to a number of issues, but the good news is that most of them are easy fixes. First, check to see if there are any visible signs of blockage, such as dents or debris in the pipe. If there is, you’ll need to call in a professional for more extensive repairs.
You can also check the pop-up assembly for clogs, and while you’re at it, check to see if the stopper is stuck down. If it is, gently push it up and down to see if the clog moves. If it doesn’t, you can try disassembling the faucet to remove the clog. Before you do, make sure to turn off the water beneath the sink by turning the valves clockwise (righty tighty, lefty loosey). Next, remove the handle and unscrew the screw in its center. Most handles use Phillips screws, but some use a tiny set screw in the side, in which case you’ll need an Allen wrench. Once the screw is removed, you can pull the handle off and clean the valve inside.
If you’ve checked the aerator and found nothing blocking it, it may be time to replace the cartridge. This is typically a fairly simple task, but it’s best done by a plumber to avoid breaking off the valve stem.
Another possibility is that the hose or tubing has a blockage, which can also prevent a drain from working. This can be difficult to detect without a visual inspection, but you can test the water flow in other fixtures by running them at the same time.
Lastly, it’s possible that sediment has built up in your water supply pipes, which can restrict or even block water flow completely. This is a more serious issue that requires a professional to solve, so it’s best to call in an expert for this type of problem. Plumbers often work in a variety of different environments, including residential and commercial buildings. In these settings, they often collaborate with architects and construction teams to ensure plumbing systems integrate seamlessly into building projects.
Fixing a Faucet That Won’t Turn Off
When a faucet won’t turn off, it can create a frustrating situation for homeowners. In some cases, it may even lead to a home’s water supply becoming completely cut off. Fortunately, this is a common plumbing issue that can easily be fixed with some simple troubleshooting steps.
Ensure that the sink’s valve is completely shut off. This can be done by locating the valve and turning it clockwise to the off position. Once this is done, it is safe to start working on the faucet.
Next, look for a screw located in the center of the faucet handle. If there is one, loosen it using a Phillips screwdriver. Some handles use a nut instead, which can be removed with an Allen wrench. Once the screw is loose, you should be able to pull up the handle and expose the valve stem.
If the stem is not leaking, it may just need to be re-lubricated. Contact a plumber to do this as it is not a task for someone without the proper skills.
A corroded washer can also be to blame for a faucet that won’t turn off. If the corroded washer is cracked or damaged, it will not be able to grip the stem and will prevent the handle from being turned off. If you suspect this is the case, contact a plumber to replace it.
If the problem still persists, try disassembling the faucet and replacing any worn-out components. Be careful when doing this, as you will need to understand how each component fits together so that you can properly reassemble it. Once all the parts are replaced, test the faucet to make sure that it is functioning properly. If the faucet is still not turning off, it is likely that the valve or cartridge is worn out and needs to be replaced. Contact a plumber for this service to avoid damaging the faucet further.
