Plumbing is a career option that can offer good wages, stability and the opportunity to learn. However, it is important to note that this is a physically demanding profession.

Plumber Northridge installs and repairs pipes and fixtures that provide potable water, waste disposal and heating. They follow blueprints and building codes to ensure their work is safe and functional.

A leaking faucet can create an ideal environment for mold and mildew to grow. These fungi can cause respiratory problems for your family, especially those with weakened immune systems or pre-existing conditions. In addition, the constant flow of water can also wear away at fixtures and lead to rust and degradation over time.

While some DIYers are able to fix a leaky faucet, it’s often best to hire a professional plumber for this task. They’re able to look at the entire system and tighten parts that are difficult for homeowners to reach.

When repairing a leaky faucet, it’s important to first turn off the water supply. This prevents water from gushing out as you remove the old or new parts. Then, cover the sink drain with a rag or something similar to keep small parts from falling down the drain. You’ll also want to have a wrench, a screwdriver, and a pair of pliers on hand. Lastly, make sure to have some distilled white vinegar and a soft scouring pad on hand to clean any mineral deposits you may discover as you disassemble the faucet.

Begin by removing the handle screws and then pulling off the handle. Next, unscrew the packing nut and stem nut with a wrench. You’ll then be able to remove the stem and inspect it for damage. Replace the seat washer and O-ring if necessary. It’s important to note that the O-ring can range in size from 3/8 – 5/8 of an inch, so be sure to buy the right replacement and coat it with plumber’s grease before installing it.

It’s also a good idea to check the valve seat for mineral buildup. White vinegar can be used to clean it, but if the problem persists, you’ll probably need to call in a plumber for further inspection and repair. A plumbing professional can install the correct washers to prevent future leaks. A plumber can also help with other problems that are too far down in the system to be repaired by a homeowner, such as corroded inlet and outlet seals.

Clogged Drains

Clogged drains can be very frustrating, especially if they prevent water from flowing properly through your home. If you find yourself dealing with a clogged drain on a regular basis, it might be time to call a plumber to take care of the problem. However, before you do, there are a few things you should know.

First, keep in mind that clogged drains can be caused by a number of things. Some of these include food waste, hair, grease and other solids. It is important to avoid putting these items down your drains as they can cause a build-up that is difficult or impossible to break up. Other common causes of clogged drains include the use of chemicals in the kitchen and bathroom, as well as overly tightened or broken pipes.

The good news is that there are several ways to clear a clogged drain on your own before calling a professional. For example, you can try using hot water or a plunger to dislodge the blockage. You can also purchase a special tool called a snake, which has a coiled wire that can reach down into the drain and grab the clog. There are handheld options available, as well as electric snakes that offer more power to tackle a serious clog.

Regardless of what tool you choose, it is crucial to go slowly and not push the clog further down the pipe. If possible, work on one section of the drain at a time. If your clog is severe, you may need to purchase a chemical drain cleaner and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper use.

Another handy DIY tool is a simple wire coat hanger. To use it, straighten out the end of the hanger to form a long piece of wire with a hook at the end. Feed the hook down into your clogged drain and wiggle it around to see if you can catch the clog. Once you do, pull it up and dispose of the clog.

Clogged drains are no fun, and if they are left unchecked, can lead to expensive repairs. By taking a few preventive measures, you can ensure that your drains flow smoothly for years to come.

Faucet Parts

Faucets are essential to our daily routines, but like all mechanical devices, they’re subject to wear and tear over time. Understanding how to troubleshoot and repair common faucet problems can help keep yours in good working order and prevent minor issues from escalating into major plumbing disasters.

There are a few basic types of sink faucets. The most popular are cartridge-type, which have a plastic or metal control mechanism inside that regulates water temperature and flow. Some have a metal ball that restricts water flow, while others have ceramic discs that don’t rust and are less susceptible to hard-water deposits.

Another type of faucet is called a compression faucet, which has a metal stem that compresses against a rubber seal to shut off the water. This type of faucet is more likely to experience leaks, but can still be fixed with the right tools.

Both types of faucets may have one or two handles. Most kitchen faucets feature a single handle, while bathroom faucets usually have double handles. The handles control water flow and temperature by moving side to side, so it’s important to maintain the proper alignment of the handles for proper function.

When the handles start to leak, it’s often caused by worn out O-rings, which can be replaced with a kit that’s typically included with the faucet. The spout may also have an O-ring on it, which can be accessed by removing the handle and other parts on the faucet.

Leaking around the spout can be caused by damaged or misaligned washers, which are easy to replace. If the spout is leaking at its base, there could be a worn nut or a loose washer, which can be tightened using a wrench or water-pump pliers.

If your faucet is leaking at the base of the spout, there could be an issue with the escutcheon plate or supply line adapter. These are relatively easy to replace, and can be done with a wrench or screwdriver. It’s always a good idea to turn off the water at the main shut-off valve before attempting any repairs, to avoid a flood.

Ceramic Disc Valve

The advent of tap cartridges containing ceramic disc valves changed the way water is controlled in faucets. Before this innovation, many types of taps relied on rubber or neoprene washers to control water flow and prevent leaks. The washers would wear out over time and cause the tap to drip. Taps with ceramic disc valves use no washers and are therefore much more efficient, minimizing the amount of water wasted by leaking faucets. They also have a longer lifespan than traditional faucets and require less maintenance.

The ceramic disc valve eliminates all friction against rubber. Instead, the handle rotates to open or close the flow of water through a system of nearly indestructible ceramic discs that rest against each other. The ceramic discs are usually coated with a lubricant to help them move smoothly together without rubbing against each other. This lubrication helps ensure that the faucet can be turned on and off with ease and that the valve will remain leak proof.

However, abrasive minerals and other substances in the water will eventually wear down the ceramic discs. Manufacturers have been working to improve lubrication, but there is still a limit to how long the discs can last without needing replacement. The newest cartridges have found a way to reduce this need by coating the discs with a material that is even harder and smoother than the ceramic itself. One such approach is using a technique known as physical vapor deposition to deposit a layer of diamond-like carbon on the discs.

In most cases, replacing the valve is an easy task and well within the capabilities of a do-it-yourselfer. First, the handle needs to be removed from the tap. It’s best to loosen the button that marks hot and cold using a blade like a Stanley knife. Underneath this there is often an Allen screw that holds the handle in place. Unscrewing it by turning anticlockwise will allow the handle to be pulled away from the tap body.

Then, the cartridge itself can be accessed by loosening the cap (packing nut) with a wrench. This should be done with care so that you don’t damage the finish of the tap or surrounding components. Once the cartridge is exposed you can replace it by tightening the retaining nut clockwise. Be sure to use the correct size nut as otherwise it won’t seal properly. Once the new valve is in place you can test it by turning on and off the tap multiple times to make sure that everything works as it should.