Plumbing Examples -

Plumbing Repair & Installation Examples Page

We will Explain & Show you Common Plumbing Work for your Knowledge.

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Our Video’s and Explanations are For Educational Purposes Only. We are here to Provide Powerful knowledge to you, not for your attempt. This knowledge will help you ensure your Plumbing Contractors Provided the Plumbing Service That is Expected.

Let’s Face it if you are not a Plumbing Professional to begin with, attempting a Plumbing Issue may be a daunting task.

Common Homeowner Installation/Replacement Problems Includes:

Not knowing the proper names of parts
Buying too much or too little making multiple trips to the store wasting money
Completing the job the wrong way and still paying a professional
Supposedly completed the work but it leaks
Actually broke more than you fixed
Corrected issue with the wrong parts causing further issue later down the road
Using inadequate products producing accelerated wear and usage problems

Explore our Web Page www.TheSelfMadePlumber.com to inherently gain our many years of Experience Performing Plumbing Repairs

FREE Plumbing Examples

Water Heater - Plumbing Repair/Installation Examples

How To Replace Your Water Heater

How to Turn off & Drain your Water Heater

First turn off Water Supply valve to the Water Heater
Turn off gas valve going to the Water Heater
Check Main Water Valve for functionality in case of an emergency you want to be able to turn the water off to the home should a leak occur or the Water Heater Valve needs replacing. Click here for what to do if you can not turn the valves off
Connect a garden hose to bottom of drain plug
Run Hose to a floor drain or basin before opening valve to drain-once the valve is open the water may not drain from the heater so you must open up a hot side of a faucet so that we break the air lock to start the draining of the water heater recommended to open one tub or shower valve on the highest floor of the home and one faucet on the lowest level of the home. Click here if your Water Heater is not draining sufficiently.
While you are waiting for the water comes to a stop in the lowest level faucet you may begin to disconnect the Gas or Electric

How To Disconnect Gas Line & Exhaust Vent From Water Heater

Hold back on the opposite side of the union nut and turn the union nut in a counter clockwise rotation Click here for how to disconnect a union/piping
Once the union is disconnected you can un-thread the pipe nipples back to the Water Heater store close by for the re-install
Use a nut driver end on a drill to remove the sheet metal screws connecting the gas pipe exhaust vent on the top of the Water Heater then pull apart the Flue pipe

And, How to Disconnect Electric From Water Heater

Turn off circuit fuse supply to the Electric Water Heater
Use electrical meter on electrical supply wires to test if the fuse turned the power off to the water heater
Now that the wires have no electricity running through them you may disconnect the electrical wire be sure to remember What colors are paired to what colors in your old water heater. If you do not know if the Water Heater Electrical Requirement are the same consult an electrician. Most Residential Water Heaters use the same electrical load where no electrical modifications are needed.

Water Heater Installation Notes and Set-up

By this time the water level should be drained down low enough to disconnect the Water Heater without water flooding out of the line
Disconnect the 2 unions or supply line connecting the water heater
If your unions will not come apart CLICK HERE
Need to know how to disconnect a Re-circulating line CLICK HERE
For how to disconnect a union/piping CLICK HERE
Disconnect the Temperature Pressure Relief valve (T&P Valve) Pipe Set aside for re-install
Now the Water Heater is Completely disconnected from Gas/Electric, Exhaust if applicable, and Water Lines
Remove the old Water Heater and make sure the ground is swept up and clear of debris that could un-level the water heater

Installing the Water Heater

By this time the water level should be drained down low enough to disconnect the Water Heater without water flooding out of the line
Disconnect the 2 unions or supply line connecting the water heater
If your unions will not come apart CLICK HERE
Need to know how to disconnect a Re-circulating line CLICK HERE
For how to disconnect a union/piping CLICK HERE
Disconnect the Temperature Pressure Relief valve (T&P Valve) Pipe Set aside for re-install
Now the Water Heater is Completely disconnected from Gas/Electric, Exhaust if applicable, and Water Lines
Remove the old Water Heater and make sure the ground is swept up and clear of debris that could un-level the water heater
Position Water Heater for Supply hook-up
‘Use a level and shims to ensure the New Water Heater is as level as possible.
First you want to connect your Water Lines
Click Here for Different Installation Examples
Screw the Temperature Pressure Relief Valve (T&P Valve) tube onto the new water heater
Check for leaks as the tank is filling Open the Water Supply Valve 1/4 to 1/2 open to fill the system slowly
Turn water Back off should there be a leak and fix the problem before trying again
Click here to figure out how to fix your leak.
Once water is steadily coming out of the open faucets from earlier turn them off.

Lighting Your Water Heater

Turn the gas control Nob/Dial to Pilot
Press and hold Pilot Button for 1 minute before trying to light the Water Heater
While holding the pilot button for the minute press/click the striker ” Watch the spark through the window in the bottom of the water heater to make sure the pilot is lit.”
Once Lit hold the pilot button for 1 minute before letting go or unpressing the button. If the pilot light goes out you must restart the process.
Once a minute has past and the pilot does not go out once pilot button is depressed you may set your water heater temperature accordingly. Most Houses are set at B or Medium Heat

Sump Pump – Plumbing Repair/Installation Examples

How to Change/Swap out a Sump Pump

How to Disconnect a Sump Pump

UNPLUG THE CORDS SUPPLYING POWER TO YOUR PUMP
Remove the Sump Basin Lid and any bolts securing the Lid
Use a nut Driver to loosen Hose Clamps on Pipe or 2 Wrenches to take a Union Free
With the Discharge Pipe disconnected Remove the pump and pipe from the Basin
Lay the pump on its side and use a wrench to un thread the old discharge pipe from the Sump pump. Common Pipe size and thread type is 1 1/2″ Male Thread
Click Here For How to test a Sump Pump Check Valve

How to Install a Sump Pump

Thread new or existing pipe into the pump
Position Pump in pit so that the float switch can move freely without hitting the side of the pit or any obstructions. Float position should keep the basin water below the incoming drain tile piping
Re-install Sump Basin Lid Secure with Bolts if Available
Connecting the rubber coupling by the house clamps or threading the union tightly together. If using a new pipe it is customary to install a piece approximately 1ft long and cutting to fit once the pump is resting where it should in the basin.
Pour Water into the Sump Pump Basin to ensure proper pump operation and the pump stops when finished pumping if not you must position the pump so that the float closes every time or leveling the bottom of the pit must be necessary

Sewage Ejector Pump – Plumbing Repair/Installation Examples

Replacing a Sewage Ejector Pump

How to Disconnect a Sewage Ejector Pump

UNPLUG THE CORDS SUPPLYING POWER TO YOUR PUMP
If there is a valve above the Check Valve on the Pumps Discharge Pipe Close it
Remove all screws fastening the Ejector Lid to the Basin
Remove all screw fastening the pipe grommets to the Ejector Basin
Disconnect the Unions or Hose clamps connecting the pipes that lead into the Ejector Basin
Remove Lid & Pump from the Basin

How to Install a Sewage Ejector Pump

Either thread old pipe into new Ejector pump or thread the new pipe into the Ejector Pump
Clean off the rim of the Ejector Basin Where the lid fits recessed when bolted
Place Pump into the basin Lined up with the existing piping from the home
Place Lid over Pump Piping ensure the cord goes through its designated hole with rubber plug
Ensure the pump has good placement where the float can go up and down freely without being caught on anything when the lid is in place
You can either clamp the lid up on the pipe or Remove the Lid to install the gasket material were the lid fastens to the Basin to ensure a Water/Gas Tight Bolted Connection
Now you may bolt the lid into place with the pump in the Basin
When Re-installing the pipe Grommets you should replace the rubber O-rings that ensure the Water/Gas Tight seal in between the piping and the lid.
Bolt Grommets to the Lid
Connect Pump and Vent Piping Unions or Hose Clamps
Open the Valve if there is one above the check valve
Plug the pump in
Check for leaks in above piping may use a small camera to look through cord opening to inspect pump once installed to ensure piping
Got Problems you will have to take it apart and correct the issue before Re-installing

Water Line – Plumbing Examples

Why does galvanized Piping Leak?

Galvanized Pipe may leak for a variety of reasons which may occur in the center of the piping and they also may occur where pipe is threaded into the Fittings. Common reasoning for why it leaks is simple Galvanized pipe is Mild Steel pipe with supposedly safe Zinc coating stop corrosion. Steel is known for not withstanding corrosive environment very well.

How to Replace Galvanized Pipe

How to Replace a Center Section of Galvanized Piping

MUST HAVE THE WATER OFF AND THOUROUGHLY DRAINED BEFORE WORKING SO YOU DO NOT GET BURNED, HURT, OR CAUSE DAMAGE
Have the appropriate size union for the size pipe you are working on
If the section of pipe that is leaking is less than the cut away piece of material for the union to fit CUT THE SECTION OF PIPE OUT FOR THE INSTALLATION OF THE UNION IF NOT GO TO LOWER INSTRUCTIONS IN THIS LIST
Use a Hand Ratchet to put threads on the 2 pipe ends
Use Liquid Thread sealer lightly on the threads then wrap Teflon Tape min 3X around
Thread the 2 ends of the unions on the ends of the pipes
Use a light Liquid Thread Sealer on the union threads
Tighten Union
Test by slowly turning the water back on
LARGER THAN THE TAKE OFF OF THE UNION
You will have to unthread the pipe out of one side
You a hand ratchet and thread the remaining cut piece of pipe in the ceiling
Screw the union on and take a measurement for the new piece of pipe you will need
Go to the store have them cut and thread the pipe for you
Install piping and union with above method

How to use a Water Repair Clamp on a Leaking Piece of Galvanized Pipe

MUST HAVE THE WATER OFF AND THOUROUGHLY DRAINED BEFORE WORKING SO YOU DO NOT GET BURNED, HURT, OR CAUSE DAMAGE
If the leak is not bad you may use a Stainless Steel Repair Clamp Sizes 1/2″-3″
Loosen hose clamps or hardware on Clamp
Place the leak in the center of the rubber gasket
Hold clamp to ensure it does not move while tightening the hardware

Drain Line Replacement – Plumbing Examples

How to Replace a P-trap and Sink Drain Assemblies

Place Small Bucket under P-trap
Loosen Compression nuts on the U part which is referred to as the p-trap
If other tubular Compression drain Parts are Bad Loosen and take off
Make sure new parts are the same size and length
Put all tubular parts in place and catch threads on the fittings but do not tighten thoroughly
You may now place install the p-trap and catch the threads but do not thoroughly tighten
Make sure the piping is centered in alignment like the original before tightening
NOTE TAPERED NYLON WASHER GO INTO THE FITTINGS AND THE FLAT SIDE GOES AGAINST THE COMPRESSION NUT THAT TIGHTENS TO THE FITTING

Backed-up Drain/ Clogged Drain – Plumbing Examples

HOW TO CLEAR A MAIN LINE STOPPAGE / HOW TO CLEAR MY HOMES MAIN SEWER LINE

Rodding / Snaking My Main Sewer Line From a Outside Clean-out

POWER RODDING IS DANGEROUS AND ONLY TRAINED PROFESSIONALS SHOULD HANDLE THESE LARGE MACHINES
Find the outside clean out
Remove cover
If it is holding water blockage is towards the street when the water is backed up in the home at that time
USE A MINIMUM 11/16″ POWER ROD AND ROD THE LINE OUT TO THE STREET WITH A SINGLE OR DOUBLE CUTTER
If it is not holding water when the home is backed up at that time the blockage is back towards the home
USE A MINIMUM 11/16″ POWER ROD AND ROD THE LINE BACK INTO THE HOME WITH A SINGLE OR DOUBLE CUTTER MUST BE CAUTIOUS HOW FAR IN YOU GO IN MAKE SURE YOU DO NOT COME UP A FLOOR DRAIN OR TOILET NEVER FORCE THE ROD
Line is still backed up after the 1st attempt repeat the steps and try again

Rodding / Snaking My Main Sewer Line From an Inside Clean-out

Beware Removing the Clean-out Cap from inside the home may cause severe damage and pose a health concern using a qualified professional is recommended. When removing the cap the line may be charged with sewage water so upon removal pressurized sewage water will come out.

Make sure any pump running into the sewer line is disconnected before working on the line
Remove Cap once there is no water in the line
USE A MINIMUM 11/16″ POWER ROD AND ROD THE LINE GOING OUT WITH A SINGLE OR DOUBLE CUTTER
MUST BE CAUTIOUS IF THE CABLE GETS BOUND TURN OFF MACHINE AND MANUALLY FREE THE CABLE BEFORE CONTINUING MAY HAVE TO PULL THE CABLE ALL THE WAY BACK OUT TO SEE IF THERE IS ANYTHING ON THE END OF IT BEFORE RODDING MORE
Drain Still backed up after the first attempt rod the line again and see what happens
Once it is cleared and your clean-out cap does not leak plug back in any pump that ties into your sewer that you unplugged prior to the work

Faucet – Plumbing Repair/Installation Examples

How To Replace my Kitchen and Bathroom Sink Faucets

How to Remove old Bathroom or Kitchen Sink Faucet

Place towel underneath the cabinet you are working in
Turn water off to the faucet from the stop valves underneath the sink
Use a Basin Wrench or a Ridgid Multi-tool to loosen and break the connection from the supply line to the faucet water inlets
Use the Basin Wrench to remove the nut or nuts holding the faucet to the sink
Disconnect and remove the side hose sprayer IF YOU ARE WORKING ON A KITCHEN SINK FAUCET WITH A SIDE SPRAYER
Normally a quick disconnect to push a button, slide a clip, or unthread the connection of the hose sprayer
Remove the Faucet, Hose Sprayer, and clean underneath where the old faucet was

How to Install a New Bathroom or Kitchen Sink Faucet

Place the faucet in the appropriate holes on the sink for installation
Tighten fastening nuts from underneath with a basin wrench
Connect Water Supply lines to the sink faucet with a Basin Wrench
If working on a Kitchen Sink you may have to hand thread the spout onto the body of the faucet once everything else is done
If your faucet has a sprayer you must feed the hose through and connect to the body of the faucet from underneath by means of a push ‘n’ click style, cotter pin construction, or by threaded means
You may turn the water on now to test the faucet and make sure there is no leaks
If leaks occur you may have to apply some thread sealant or Teflon tape to the threads of where the water line attach or Replace the supply lines leading from the stop valve to the faucet
Unscrew the aerator and clean if you are experiencing pressure issues after the installation

Toilet - Plumbing Repair/Installation Examples

How to Replace my Toilet

How to Remove a Toilet

Place large towel on floor
Turn water off from the stop valve on the left side of the toilet to the back on the floor/wall.
Flush Toilet to drain as much water as possible
Use a Wet Vacuum to suck the rest of the water out of the bowl and tank of the Toilet
Once you know the water is completely shut off to the Toilet Loosen and Remove Water Supply line leading to the Toilet
Remove the nuts and washers fastening the toilet to the floor
Remove tank from toilet and carry out in 2 pieces or use 2 people to carry the whole toilet out of the home
Make sure the Toilet Flange / Closet Collar is clean and remove any old toilet bolts

How to Install a New Toilet

Place Wax Ring on Toilet Flange / Toilet Collar
Place new Toilet Bolts / Closet Bolts in place
Lifting and Placing just the Toilet Bowl into place gently making sure the Toilet Bolts / Closet Bolts slid through the Mounting Holes in the Toilet without displacing them
Center the Toilet
Sit on the bowl and rock back ‘n’ forth as the wax ring compresses to the floor and the toilet sits flat
Un-level surfaces require shimming of the Toilets
Use new Toilet Cap bottom, Stainless Washer, and Brass nut to tighten the Toilet to the Floor
Now place the spud gasket onto the bottom of the Toilet Tank
Set Toilet Tank on to Bowl and Use provided Hardware to fasten the tank to the bowl
Inside of the tanks are adjusted at the factory no work required on the inside of the tanks unless noted
Connect a new Water Supply line
Install new toilet seat per instructions
CAREFULLY Turn water on and test by flushing TURN OFF SHOULD ANYTHING IMMEDIATELY LEAK
IF WATER LINE IS LEAKING- TEFLON TAPE, THREAD SEALANT, OR A NEW SUPPLY LINE MAY BE NEEDED.
LEAKS COMING FROM THE BASE WHEN FLUSHED- YOU MUST TURN OFF, DRAIN, DISCONNECT, AND REASSEMBLE WITH A LARGER WAX RING
WHEN FLUSHED IF A LEAK COMES FROM INBETWEEN THE TANK AND THE BOWL- YOU MUST TURN OFF, DRAIN, LOOSEN TANK TO BOWLS SET, ADJUST POSITION, AND/OR MAKE SURE YOU INSTALLED THE BLACK RUBBER WASHER ON THE INSIDE OF THE TANK AND THE HARDWARE IS TIGHT BEFORE TESTING AGAIN

Sink Plumbing Examples

How to Replace a Kitchen Sink Basket Strainer

How to Disconnect a Kitchen Sink Basket Strainer

Place Towel in the cabinet you are working in
Disconnect drain piping attaching to the Basket Strainer
If Thumb Screw style loosen thumb screws
Hold back on the strainer with a Strainer Wrench as you unthread the thumb screw harness from the Basket Strainer
If Single Nut Style Basket Strainer hold back the strainer with a Strainer Wrench and unthread the fastening nut on the basket strainer.
Make sure the rubber gasket is removed from underneath
Push up on the strainer from underneath to dislodge it from the sink
Clean old putty from sink and throw out the old basket Strainer

How to Install a New Basket Strainer

kneed a roll of putty as thick as a large pen and place around the under edge of the basket strainer slightly push flat and only make a complete circle put the rest back Putty less seals are used as well as 100% silicon inside of putty for various reasons most being is the putty less, no stain putty, or silicon will not stain hard surface material
Push strainer seating it in the recessed part of the sink made for the Basket Strainer
Place black washer than paper washer before you thread the fastening nut on or Thumb Screw harness onto the Basket Strainer
Use Strainer Wrench to hold back the Strainer as you either tighten the single fastening nut or the tightening thumb screws to secure the Basket Strainer to the Sink
Peel excessive putty back from the strainer inside of the sink
Connect Drain Pipe Under the sink
Place bucket or pan underneath the sink
Test by slowly running water looking for leaks
If all is good then plug and fill the sink to check for further leaks
If leaks occur you may not have been tight enough, had to much or to little putty, or needs adjusting. Only way to correct it is by disassembling and re-installing the strainer test in the same fashion

Bath Tub & Shower Base Plumbing Examples

How to Replace a Bath Tub

How to Remove a Bath Tub

Remove Drain Strainer with a Tub Strainer Wrench
Use a Screw Driver to Remove the bolted Overflow Cover from the Bath Tub
Wall to Wall Standard Tubs need at least 3 rows of tiles removed or all of them for the walls or the surround if applicable and a full tub length of Clarence to slide the tub out of the wall 2 wall section or the tub will have to be lifted from one end standing it up for removal- May require removal of toilet and vanity from bathroom depending on the proximity to the Bath Tub
Other tubs just need the caulk seem cut and for a way to lift the tub out of place
Claw Foot Bath Tubs and Drop-in Bath Tubs may require Faucets to be disconnected during Removal

How to Install a New Bath Tub

Ensure Piping and the Waste and Overflow is in good condition if not replace prior to the installation of the new Bath Tub
Put Bath Tub into place in-line with the drain
Place gasket in-between Bath Tub and the connecting drain piece
Kneed some putty roughly the size of a fat pen and gently press into the underside of the Tub Drain Strainer
Using a Tub Wrench gently catch and thread the strainer into the Female drain part on the Waste and Overflow ensuring a water tight seal
Place overflow gasket in-between the Bath Tub and the Connecting Drain Pipe from Waste and Overflow
Install Overflow harness to the bathtub secures piping to the Bath Tub and Ensures a Water Tight Seal
Install Overflow Plate
Test Tub By running water, then filling it so it can prove water tight full, and then run water down the overflow tub
Leaks occur you may have to replace parts or disassemble and adjust and re-install
No leaks present you may finish walls if applicable