Question:
I’m changing a stem out of a Sayco two handle faucet. After removing the brass packing nut, do I just remove the packing and the stem comes out or is there anther fitting inside the faucet to remove?
Answer:
You do not need to remove the packing nut, you need to remove the entire stem. Use a socket on the larger hex nut behind the packing nut.
Question:
My toilet had a stoppage because someone threw 1 or 2 sheets of paper toweling down the toilet. The plumber had to remove the toilet to get at the stoppage. My question is how much time can lapse between the “toss” and the “stoppage”? Is it reasonable to think that the toss could have happened 5 or more days prior to the toilet clogging? Could it have even been a few weeks or a couple of months?
Answer:
Normally it would back up on the next use involving toilet paper. It is possible however, that the paper towels could build up until they block the internal trap. This might take someone flushing them down over a few days before they formed a blockage.
Question:
Recently, after we finish showering in the evening, and we’re doing laundry, while the washing machine is filling, the shower faucet drips. Once the machine is done filling, the faucet stops. If laundry is being done without showers, the faucet is fine.
Answer:
There is residual water in the outlet line that is being pushed out by back pressure from the wash machine. Once this water has dripped out it should stop.
Question:
I am getting a new bathroom installed and I’m planning to reposition the sink on the opposite wall. Is it possible to run water and waste pipes under the floor so I don’t have pipes on show. The soil stack is on the opposite wall?
Answer:
Yes pipes can be run under the floor, however the drain and vent stack have to be in the wall. If you are using the existing vent stack to tie into, the new sink needs to be within 5 feet of it.
Question:
When I turn my hot water knob in the bathroom sink as I turn up the pressure it works and then all of the sudden the pressure drops. How do I adjust that? It is a Delta.
Answer:
You need to take the cartridge out - there is probably debris clogging the water inlet.
Question:
I attached a small hose spray to my basement faucet. I attached hose with washer and adapter that fits or came with hose spray. When I turned on the water, water not only comes out of the sprayer but also water comes out at area of attachment. What can I do? Will adding another washer help?
Answer:
The faucet is probably 3/4″ hose fitting which is standard and not 3/4 iron pipe thread which is probably what you are trying to hook up, which is probably why it is leaking. The thread patterns are different from 3/4 pipe fittings to 3/4 hose fittings.
Question:
I have a coffee machine with a 1/4″ flare. How do I hook this up to a 3/8″ compression fitting. I have been to Ace hardware, Home depot and a plumbing supply house and no-one had an answer. I can do the work If I just know what to do. Thanks for any help.
Answer:
You will have to cut the flare end off the copper tubing and purchase a 1/4″ compression X 3/8″ compression brass connector. Put the 1/4 comp side on the copper tubing from the coffee maker, make sure the brass ferrule is seated correctly, then tighten the 1/4 comp nut until the copper line is secure. Now take off the nut from the 3/8 comp side and attach your 3/8 comp line directly to the 3/8 side of the fitting.
Question:
The house I just bought was winterized for at least 7 months. I took a shower there when I moved in on 8/9/10…no noise. However, I noticed a whining noise coming from the shower on 8/11/10. What could be some possible causes for the whining noise?
Answer:
There could be antifreeze gumming up the cartridge inside the valve, as well as the shower head. Both would need to be removed and flushed out.
Question:
When we bought our home 1 yr ago we noticed that when we use our dishwasher or laundry then the intensity of water pressure is less when we shower! But now I have noticed that it is getting worse now…the pressure has reduced a lot lot more…! Why is that happening?
Answer:
You could have sediment built up in the water lines…have a plumber come and check your pressure.
Question:
What is the average wage for an apprentice in plumbing?
Answer:
It varies from state to state. In California, it can be anywhere from $10.00 to 14.00 per-hour for an apprentice/helper.