Redoing a guest bathroom often uncovers old plumbing problems. One common issue is a shut-off valve that will not fully close. That was the problem under this bathroom sink. The old valves were sweated onto copper pipe. They were removed and replaced with new compression shut-off valves. At first, everything looked simple. The new valve… Continue reading Can a Compression Valve Leak Fix Itself?
Tag: fix
Toilet Waste Pipe Too Short? Easy Fix
Fitting a new toilet can seem simple at first. Then one small problem can stop the whole job. A common issue is a short toilet waste connection. The toilet outlet may not reach the pan outlet pipe. This often happens when a new toilet has a different shape. It can also happen after new flooring… Continue reading Toilet Waste Pipe Too Short? Easy Fix
Leaking 2nd Floor Kitchen Drain Fix
Question My second-floor kitchen drain is leaking behind the wall. The drain is a 2-inch galvanized pipe. The leak is between the first and second floors. An inspection camera showed a seam opened about 1/8 inch. Should I wrap the pipe with epoxy tape or replace the bad galvanized drain with PVC? Answer The safer… Continue reading Leaking 2nd Floor Kitchen Drain Fix
The $5 Fix for a Leaking InSinkErator Disposer
Your InSinkErator has been working for decades. It came with the house about 25 years ago. It is an Essential model at 3/4 HP. A plumber says the unit is still in good shape. But you have a small crack and a steady drip. The crack is at the “anti-vibration tailpipe” area. You do not… Continue reading The $5 Fix for a Leaking InSinkErator Disposer
Toilet Gurgling Under Floor? Fix This Fast
You have two bathrooms in a mobile home. The front toilet flushes with no noise. The back toilet flush causes gurgling under the living room floor. You cleared both roof vents and found no blockages. The washer does not back up into tubs. Everything seems to drain fine. So why the gurgle? Quick Q&A Q:… Continue reading Toilet Gurgling Under Floor? Fix This Fast
Toe-Tapper Won’t Seal? Quick Fix Guide
You want a long, hot soak. Your tub should hold water. A worn stopper can drain the fun fast. This is common on older American Standard soaker and whirlpool tubs. Many use an “over-the-rim” waste and overflow kit with a toe-tapper plug. What “free spinning” usually means You twist the toe-tapper, and it just spins.… Continue reading Toe-Tapper Won’t Seal? Quick Fix Guide
No Aerator? Fix a Slow Bathroom Faucet Fast
Your bathroom sink flow is weak. Your faucet has no aerator to unscrew. That is common on some faucets. The good news is you can often clean it. Why does the flow drops Many “no aerator” faucets still have tiny outlet holes. Some have a hidden screen in the spout. Hard water leaves mineral crust.… Continue reading No Aerator? Fix a Slow Bathroom Faucet Fast
Fix a Leaking Reducing Valve at the Threaded Connection
Question:I have a reducing valve that’s leaking at the threaded connection. Is it as simple as loosening the connection and rethreading with Teflon tape or dope, or should I replace the valve and male fitting? Answer:Fixing a leaking reducing valve can be straightforward, but it depends on the condition of the valve and fitting. Here’s… Continue reading Fix a Leaking Reducing Valve at the Threaded Connection
How to Fix a Creaking Bathroom Faucet Cartridge
Question:My bathroom faucet was installed six years ago. Recently, it became difficult to turn on and off, and now it makes a horrible creaking sound. I found some advice online about using silicone lubricant on the o-rings in the cartridge, but I couldn’t find anything for my exact model. I managed to remove the handle,… Continue reading How to Fix a Creaking Bathroom Faucet Cartridge
How to Fix a Leaking Reducing Valve with Hard Water Crust
Question:My reducing valve is leaking at the threaded connection, and there’s a lot of hard water crust. Can I just unthread it, apply new Teflon tape, and tighten it, or do I need to replace the fitting and the valve? Answer:You may be able to fix the leak with new Teflon tape, but there are… Continue reading How to Fix a Leaking Reducing Valve with Hard Water Crust