Plumbing Tricks

More than any other type of home improvement work, plumbing can drive a crazy DIYer. Problems arise, projects grow, frustrations multiply. Even professionals are not immune. But one way to manage the failures and achieve a successful pipeline project is to allow plenty of time, at least twice as long as you think the project should take. Another quick step is to learn some tricks of the trade.

Reheat welding When you can not cut a pipe

The best way to shut down a welded tube is cut it. But sometimes you can't-or because you can not get a cutting tool for space or because the court would very short tube to make a new connection. The solution is to heat the joint and remove the accessory as the solder melts.

Have a handy wet cloth and immediately wipe the molten solder before it hardens. (Wear gloves to avoid burning your fingers!) Sometimes a quick wipe will leave the tube ready for a new assembly. More likely, you'll have to scour off any excess solder with sandpaper or emery cloth before you can slip on a new assembly.

Replace drain metal lines with plastic

Metal drain lines under sinks look much more reliable than plastic. But plastic is better in almost all directions. It is cheaper, easier to install and simpler to adjust or tighten if a leak develops. And unlike metal, plastic will not corrode. Thus, when a metal drain leakage often smarter is to replace the whole with plastic.

Release Pipes stuck with heat

When a threaded connection does not yield, heat sometimes does the trick, especially on old connections that were sealed with drug tube that hardened with time. Be patient. Getting hot metal enough can take a couple of minutes. Protect nearby surfaces with a cloth fire resistant. This method is only for water and waste pipes, not by gas or fuel lines.

Hitchhiking stubborn shutoffs

Shutoff valves under sinks and toilets have a history of bad reliability. Sometimes they do not close completely; sometimes they will not close at all. In both cases, there is one alternative to replace the seal. Most home centers carry shutoff valves "superimposed" that connect to existing shutoffs. Just disconnect the power line and install the new valve (a new supply line is a good idea, too). If the old lock closes most of the way, you will not even have to turn off the main water valve; just set a container under the valve to pick up the thread while you work.

Do not overtighten supply lines

It is tempting to crank lines tight supply, just to be safe. But excessive tightening supply lines is actually riskier than under tightening. A loose connection that leaks is easy to squeeze, but excessive tightening may destroy the rubber seals and crack the screw nuts. So get this habit: Make connections at both ends of the supply line with your fingers, then give them again an eighth to a quarter with pliers. If the leak, comfortably them a little more.

Stubborn pieces cut

Mineral deposits and corrosion have an incredible power to block parts together, which makes them almost impossible to disconnect. Often, the best solution is to reduce the stubborn part. Or cut it out or cut kerfs in part so you can break it off. The saw blade works well. Oscillating or rotating tools work better.

Choose Caulk, not Putty

Despite the name, lots of plumbers never use a putty plumber. It damages some types of plastic surfaces and stains, such as natural stone. Also, it tends to dry out, crack and allow leaks. Silicone caulk is a more secure seal, longer lasting in most areas where you can use plumber's putty.

All dope

Thread seal tape (aka "pipe dope") is formulated to seal threads. But it's ideal for almost any connection, even if the wires do not form the seal. Use it in compression fittings, physical connections, and rubber seals. Because it is slippery, which allows connections to slide together properly for a good seal. And if you use a type that does not harden, dismantle and repair will be easier years later. Certain kinds of plastic pieces damaging drug, to check the label.