Fixing Your Sink
The level of difficulty of repairing a bathroom or a kitchen sink will depend on the valves and the hoses that are connected to the sink.
Before beginning a sink repair always be sure to shut off the water valves. Typically this is an easy task; however, if the valves are old and have not been turned in a while, they may break and cause a leak to occur.
To avoid major leaks, always have another individual standing by in the even that you need to shut off the water supply to the entire house.
Main shutoff valves for most tract homes are near the curb, covered by a cement lid with a small rectangular hole. The hole allows public utility workers to lift the lid with a small metal rod with a hook at the end. But they can usually be lifted manually.
Rural homes often have a well house or other exterior assembly where the main valve is located. Locate it prior to starting the repair job.
Once the water is shut off, there can only be a small amount of spill from any remaining water in the hoses and pipes. Clear the area under the sink and put down towels in the even of a leak.
Once the water is shut off, you will need to undo the connectors. These can be brass nuts or small tin clamps. The variety of connectors may be extensive.
Examine the valves and hoses and replace as needed. Be sure to have all the replacement parts ready ahead of time. Also have a lot of Teflon Tape of hand.
In rare cases, older valves may need to be cut off with a hacksaw or small torch. In very rare cases, older valves may have been welded on. The case that they were welded on be sure to replace them with the threaded type for easy removal. Try to leave enough pipe to re-thread, using a rethreading tool. All this may be done without a plumber; however, if you’re not very familiar with the plumbing systems, it may be a good idea to hire a professional to do the job right.
Typically, valves and hoses that have been in place for several years will usually have some calcium carbonate build up. That’s the white, chalk like substance that forms on the surface of cups in the bathroom or shower stalls.
Calcium carbonate build ups is typically responsible for valves sticking; however, with a few sharp turns it can be loosened. Be sure not to twist very hard as that can cause loosening and breakage of pipes. If a pipe does break, it will need to be re-sealed or replaced.
Once everything is removed, clean the surfaces well with fine sandpaper and/or steel wool sponge.
Wrap several layers of plumbers tape to the threaded and smooth surfaces where valves and hoses will be replaced. It is very important to apply the tape in the same direction as the direction in which the valve turns. You will want to tighten the tape when screwing on the valve or hose, not loosen it.
You will need to screw on the valve, attach the hose and tighten any clamps. Don’t over tighten as that may cause bursting or breakage of the pipes.
As you slowly turn the valves back on, inspect the pipes to make sure they are not leaking. Typically, if everything was done correctly, the combination of well fitting threads and carefully laid tape will be fully sufficient to prevent leaks.
Sometimes you will need to attempt this method two or three times in order to get the technique right. Don’t be frustrated if you have to take it off and repeat the steps again. Usually, such odd jobs need to be preformed once every few years.
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