Household Repairs Basic Plumbing Knowledge Can Keep A Minor Problem From Becoming A Major Disaster

When it comes to household repairs, I firmly believe that information is the best tool you can have. Whether you own a home or rent an apartment, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the things in it and how they work. Knowledge makes us confident and capable.

Plumbing, for example, may not be exciting or glamorous, but it is well worth learning the basics. That way, a minor problem won’t seem like a major crisis. Here’s how to handle a few of those common problems.

The plumbing system

The plumbing system in any house is made up of networks of pipes. When a problem occurs, the water that flows through the pipes can always be shut off.

The main shut-off valve controls the supply of water to your entire house; it can be found next to the water meter, which is usually in the basement.

In an emergency, you can stop the flow of water into the house with this valve.

Local shut-off valves are located under or adjacent to fixtures throughout the house. So when you’re working on the bathroom sink, shut off the supply to that sink only.

Every shut-off valve works the same way: To stop the flow of water, turn the knob clockwise.

Tool kit

Don’t wait for a stopped-up sink or leaky pipe - have the important tools ready when you need them. It’s a good idea to have a funnel-cup plunger, a pipe wrench, a standard adjustable 10- to 12-inch wrench, tongue-and-groove pliers, an assortment of washers and O-rings, hose clamps, Teflon piping tape, masking tape, a small piece of thin rubber sheeting, a flashlight, rubber gloves and a flexible drain auger (also called a snake).

A clogged sink

A clogged sink drain is a nuisance, but often quite easy to fix. If water is standing in the sink, start by bailing out as much of it as possible into a bucket.

The next step is plunging. (In a twin sink, plug the other drain with a rag or sponge before attacking the clogged one, and hold it in place while plunging.) Place the cup of the plunger over the drain and plunge vertically; hold the plunger firmly in place for the best seal around the drain.

If the drain isn’t clear after about 10 minutes, the clog is probably more solid, and you’ll need to try the following techniques.

In drains with a built-in plug, remove the lever that controls it and pull out the stem - a clog may be hanging from it. On a strainer-style drain, pull out the strainer or unscrew the plate; the clog may be just beneath it.

If these methods still don’t work, use the auger. Insert the end into the drain and work it through slowly, twisting and bending it as necessary to move through the pipe. When it reaches the clog, push it through, then pull it back; repeat, loosening the clog. Plunging and water pressure should clear it now.

In a sink, the pipes are exposed and accessible beneath the fixture. It may be easier to remove and clean the U-shaped drainpipe, which is known as the trap.

To do so, turn off the water supply and place a bucket beneath the trap. Use a pipe wrench to loosen the slip nuts at either end of the trap, then remove it. Clear the trap of the clog and clean it thoroughly with a bottle brush.

Leaky faucets

When you turn the sink’s handle to stop the water flow in a standard compression faucet, the faucet stem is lowered into the seat, and a watertight seal is formed by the rubber washer. A leaky faucet usually indicates that the washer is old and has begun to disintegrate. Replacing it should solve the problem.

Begin by shutting off the sink’s water supply. Turn on the faucets to drain any water in the pipes of the fixture. Close the drain, then line the sink with a towel to protect it.

Whenever you work on a faucet, always lay out all the parts on a towel in the order you remove them. This provides you with a guide for reassembly.

Use a screwdriver to remove the handle (you may need to pry off the hot/cold decorative cap first). Remove the faucet’s nut with pliers or a wrench, turning counterclockwise. Then lift or unscrew the faucet’s stem from the seat.

At the end of the stem, you’ll see the washer, which is attached by a screw. Remove the screw, then the washer, and replace it with a new one of the same size. Reassemble the faucet.

Some faucets, such as disc, ball and cartridge models, don’t have a washer at all. These models have one handle that controls the flow of both hot and cold water. If they develop a drip, parts may be worn out. Disassemble the faucet, examine the parts and look for replacements for any worn ones at a good hardware store.

Prevention

Use strainers in all sinks, and never allow food or fat to go down the kitchen sink. Clean all strainers and stoppers regularly. If the sink is draining slowly, don’t ignore it; use a liquid drain cleaner to clear the partial clog.

While it’s always good to be able to handle a plumbing problem, keeping one from occurring is even better.

MEMO: Questions should be addressed to Martha Stewart, care of The New York Times Syndication Sales Corp., 122 E. 42nd St., New York, N.Y. 10168. Questions may also be sent to Stewart by electronic mail. Her address is: mstewart@msl.timeinc.com.

The following fields overflowed: CREDIT = Martha Stewart New York Times Syndicate