Plumbing Leak Prevention Inspections

 
 
Many plumbing problems are entirely preventable by easy inspections you can perform. Check that the fixtures are securely mounted by gently grasping the faucet pipe and attempting to move the fixture. It should be securely fastened at the base with no movement and no separation of the sealing gasket from the counter or sink top. If it moves, and you are handy and flexible, there is usually securing hardware on the underside of the sink; however, it is often difficult to access and may best be left to a plumber.
 
Turn both faucets on high. Seepage at the base or from either one of the controls may indicate washer or O-ring problems which, if you are handy, you may be able to repair. Let the water run for a minute or so. Does the sink drain fully and easily? If not, you may have a line blockage which might be cured by the careful and safe application of a commercial drain cleaner.
 
Look under the sinks. Most homes these days have white PVC drain piping and traps (the funny, crooked-looking thing between the drain on bottom of the sink bowl and the pipe that goes out through the wall). Gently grasp the trap and move it a little to determine if any of the trap connections are loose. Most often, drain traps have large PVC securing rings or PVC nuts. If the nuts are loose, gently finger-tighten the connections about ¼-inch past tight. Do not use a wrench or other tool, and do not over-tighten the connections because the PVC is soft and easy to damage.
 

Put a knee to the edges of the commode bowl and gently try to shake it a little to see if it moves. If there is only a little movement (less that a ½-inch or so), and the commode doesn't rock up and down or sway side-to-side, you may be able to secure it by tightening the mounting nuts at the base of the commode.  Tthese are usually covered by a removable porcelain cap. Use caution not to over-tighten them. If the commode lifts up or rocks more than ½-inch or so, you may need to replace the wax ring seal at its base.  Unless you really know what you are doing, you should call a plumber at this point.

 
 
Read more articles at Home Hints eNews.
 
 

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