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Tricks
of The Plumbing Trade
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List of Tricks
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All posted tricks are from
individuals and have not been tried and proven by us.
Use your best judgment and caution
and proceed at your own risk attempting to use any trick listed below -
The email addresses
of the individuals are listed so you may attempt to contact them for
clarification.
CAUTION: These tricks are postings from
numerous individuals and not tried and proven methods from us. Use at your own
risk.
Be safe and please share your
tricks with others. Posted
By: Marc Hess marchess@sbcglobal.net
Subject: Draining a water heater quickly
CAUTION: Be sure not to try this if the heater is in an
area that damage can occur if the process fails. Many newer heaters have a
plastic-type boiler drain and can snap off while attempting to remove. Also do
not attempt this if the water is hot in the tank to avoid getting burned. All
electrical or gas supply must be off and you can open a hot water faucet to cool
the tank temperature before beginning.
Trick: After cooling the tank and shutting off the faucet, shut off the water supply and
do not open any faucets or relief valve (this will eliminate air entering the tank or piping
system), remove the boiler drain from the tank (be sure to have the next step
fabricated and have pipe dope or teflon tape applied). Quickly screw a properly
sized (usually 3/4") pipe nipple with a valve and another nipple into tank
opening where boiler drain was removed. Install a 7/8" hose over nipple and
open valve to drain the tank. This eliminates debris in the tank from plugging
the boiler drain or simply to quickly drain a tank.
Posted
By: Arthur Wentzel awp35@jcn.net
Subject: Color-coding blueprints
Trick: When working from a set of plumbing plans, color-code the Waste
& Vent, CW, HW, HWR, Fixtures, etc. When you want to look at the plan for a pipe
or system they are easy to find. I use yellow for CW, red for HW, orange for HWR,
green for Waste, pink for Vent, orange for Storm Drain and yellow for fixture,
which makes it easy to view.
Posted
By: Dick Turzak RTurzak@att.net
Subject: Checking Pitch of Piping
Trick:If you want to check the pitch of a pipe but don't have a Plumbers Level, you can cut a
block of wood that is the pitch times the length of the level. Put the one end of the
level on the pipe and the other end of the level on the block of wood, and when the
level is leveled, you have your pitch. Example: if you want a pitch of 1/4 inch
per foot and you have a four foot level, cut a block of wood one inch thick. Put one
end of the level on the upstream end of the pipe. Put the block of wood under the end
of the level on the downstream side. When the level reads level, you have your 1/4 inch
per foot pitch. Posted
By: Jack Booze jwbooze@lexcominc.net
Subject: Easy Floor drain and cleanout adjustment after concrete is
poured
Trick: I am a general contractor, not a plumber, but I have a "trick" that makes life easier
on all of us.......When setting floor drains, place some of a toilet wax ring around the threads
before the concrete floor is poured. Concrete will not stick to the threads and
it can be adjusted for most types of floor finishes. Posted
By: Ed Leahy cleahy3699@msn.com
Subject: Making your own stem packing
Trick: If you have packing nut leaking and do not have any string
packing, you can use an o-ring or some teflon tape.
Added: By Michael A. Joyce
You can also use a strand of mop string from a floor mop. I apply some plumbers
grease to the strand. If I do not have any grease, I will apply some pipe dope
instead. Posted
By: Ed Leahy cleahy3699@msn.com
Subject: Temporarily sealing a leaky tank flapper
Trick: If you have a flapper that won't sit right, put a small amount of plumbers grease or vasoline
around the flush valve. Posted
By: JD Adams Cary, NC
Subject: Portable and reusable bucket for mixing small amounts of
concrete
Trick: I am not a plumber, but have used this self-made tool for many
years. Take a child's rubber play ball and cut it in half. Use each half to mix
small amounts of concrete, grout or other patching mixtures. When you are done,
simply let the mixture dry, turn the ball inside-out, remove dried mixture and
reuse. Sure beats having to track down a bucket every time you need one and it
fits snuggly anywhere in your truck or shop. Posted
By: Mauricio romeo22305@yahoo.com
Subject: Replacing a temperature and pressure (T & P) relief valve on
a water heater
Trick: When a 40 or 50 gallon gas water heater relieves from the safety (
T & P) relief valve and it needs to be replaced, set gas thermostat on
pilot, shut the water off (even the return water valve from the inside heating
system). Start draining the water from water heater through the boiler drain
with a hose. While water is draining, remove the relief valve piping, then
carefully begin remove existing relief valve, if the water level is lower than
the relief valve opening of the water heater, shut off the drain hose and remove
the relief valve. Then replace with a new relief valve (be sure to apply pipe
dope on the relief valve). After you are done, turn water back on, flush out air
and turn thermostat on to the desired set temperature. Posted
By: Mike Mayo budha1680@aol.com
Subject: Draining copper riser to repair a solder joint
Trick: I know this is probably common sense, but when you have to repair
joint on a copper riser, turn water off at curb or main valve, connect a water hose to hose bibb, run hose lower than slab
or floor, if possible open a lavatory or other faucet for venting purpose, open hose bibb,
wait awhile and riser will be dry enough in a short time. Posted
By: Mike Mayo budha1680@aol.com
Subject: Cutting cast iron pipe
Trick: Use a chop saw to cut cast iron makes fast, easy, accurate, dummy proof cuts
Added: By Michael A. Joyce
Safety: Be sure to use the proper cutting blade. It should state that it
is safe to cut metal.
Additional Methods: I have also cut ductile iron and cast iron with a gas
powered concrete saw with the appropriate blade. Another method to cut cast iron
pipe is with a portable band saw, which is not productive, but is great when
cutting old pipe that crumbles when a chain cutter is used. Posted
By: Doug Plumbing Layouts grimebusters@msn.com
Subject: An easy way to convert gas BTU to cubic feet for sizing a gas
system.
Trick: Example: If you have a 50-gallon water heater at 50,000
BTU's, you multiply 50,000 X .09, which equals 4500, that is 45 cubic
feet. Most people over think and over size. Posted
By: Michael A. Joyce joyce01@bellsouth.net
Subject: Removing clean water from a toilet
Trick: This does not apply to a plugged toilet, but rather a toilet being
replaced for a new installation or to change a wax seal. I use a siphon-type
pump similar to one used on a boat or one that is used for kerosene type heater
refilling. It works for the bowl or the tank and I pump the water into a bucket.
In the old days, I used to use a sponge, and that still is OK for the tank, but
with the scare of blood borne pathogens, unless I use rubber gloves, I will not
place my hands in the bowl. In a worse case, I cut a plastic soda bottle, soda
can, paper cup, styrofoam cup or plastic cup and with gloves worn, I use the cut
item as a scoop. Posted
By: Bill Campbell lcamp10517@aol.com
Subject: Using a wet/dry vacuum to remove object from a toilet
Trick: I've found my wet/dry vacuum a most valuable tool. With young children in the
home, something always finds its way to the toilet. Before lifting the toilet from the floor,
I vacuum all water from bowl and tank. If some plastic toy is lodged inside, I
vacuum from the bottom and allow string to be vacuumed through the works. Once the string is all the
way through, I can tie something heavier to it, and work it through the other way. When
all else fails, and I can see the object, I use my torch to melt it, being careful not to let
the heat build up too much. The fumes are noxious, but it saves on buying a new toilet. Posted
By: Mark Winslow MWIN228070@aol.com
Subject: Repairing a Delta single handle shower valve that has been twisted
off
Trick: To repair a Delta single handle shower valve that has been twisted
off, disassemble the valve and remove the ball, seats and springs. Heat up the valve and remove the three 3/8" copper
tubing. Cut three pieces of 3/8 refrigeration tubing (hard copper) 1-3/8" inches long. Insert them
in the part of the valve that twisted off and solder, making sure they are straight. Clean the valve
body and pipe, assemble and solder together. Replace the ball, seats, springs,
etc and test for leaks. On some models if the third tubing doesn't align straight, you need to use soft tubing and play
with it until you get them to assemble correctly. This method is beneficial if replacing the
valve would mean opening the shower wall. If refrigeration tubing is hard to locate you can use
soft tubing or a lavatory or tank supply (however, sanding off the chrome is time consuming). Posted
By: Mark Winslow MWIN
Subject: Removing a Delta shower faucet "cap"
Trick: To remove a frozen Delta shower valve "cap". Tap the knurled edge of the cap with the back of
your crescent wrench or pliers until you can remove it by hand. Tap around the outside of the
cap in a circular motion, occasionally trying to remove it by hand until it comes loose.
Sometimes this requires patience, but I have never had it fail on me. The cap will
eventually come loose. Posted
By: SJ MIKE DWKPLM@AOL.COM
Subject: This trick was lost during a computer glitch, SJ Mike if you
remember what this pertained to, please lets us know so we can post it again.
Sorry.
Trick: I think it was using a mirror to check the sewer connection at the
street.
Added: By Michael A. Joyce joyce01@bellsouth.net
I use mirrors extensively to inspect solder or brazed joints in tight
situations. I purchase mirrors that have a telescoping handle and have a clip on
the end Return
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A Trick
Posted
By: Mark Winslow
MWIN228070@aol.com
Subject: Removing a plastic cap from a drain
Trick: To remove a plastic bottle cap (shower bottle for example) from a tub drain
use a wire clothes hanger. With a pair of pliers make a small hook on the end of
the hanger. Heat the hook up until it's red hot with your torch. Insert it into the tub drain until you see a small puff of smoke come out. Run
a small amount of water to cool. When you pull out the hanger the bottle cap will be melted to
the hanger. Posted
By: Ken's Plumbing kkram@capecod.net
Subject: Making a clean solder joint
Trick: For soldering large pipes. Clean, flux and put them together. Make a
mark all around the pipe about 1/8" below the joint. Solder up your fitting and you will notice that the solder didn't run down your pipe.
When the solder hits the lead it falls off. Very Cool! It makes for a nice clean fitting. Posted
By: Michael A. Joyce joyce01@bellsouth.net
Subject: Tightening a metal union without using pipe dope
Trick: This
works for metal unions that are designed to seal without pipe dope "gooped"
all of the face of the union halves, but many plumber's insist on putting dope
on everything that has threads. If that is how you were taught, try lubricating
with plumbers grease instead of dope. Many metal type unions will leak because
pipe dope was applied to the face, because they are a "ground joint"
and are designed to seal metal to metal. Posted
By: Tim Cox cox812@netwurx.net
Subject: Bending sift copper or brass tubing
Trick: When bending soft copper or brass tubing, such as a closet supply,
there is a risk of kinking the tube. To avoid this, fill the length of tube with
salt and cover the ends with tape. You can now bend the tube easily and it is
impossible to kink. When you are done, empty the salt out. Any residue will
dissolve and be harmless. Posted
By: Jason Tarleton jtat7679@aol.com
Subject: Removing stubborn toilet ballcocks
Trick: When you're working on them old toilets that have the old brass
ballcock in them and you have trouble getting the nut off without breaking it, here's what you
do: Heat the brass nut up get it hot then get some ice in a rag rub it around it and
wa-la it will pop then you can remove.
Posted
By: Chris Bramlett alphaomegahtgclg@kconline.com
Subject: Soldering with water in pipes
Trick: If you have a problem with water/steam when trying to re-solder a copper joint, you can try
stuffing bread in the end of the pipe to hold back the water. Then when you turn the water back
on the bread dissolves solder joint repaired.
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Posted
By: Jim
Wilson jamnwil@airmail.net
Subject: Draining a water heater
Trick: I have changed out a lot of water heaters, especially electric. One of the most annoying things
is waiting for it to drain down enough to move it, as it takes too much time. I came up with a
tool that probably every plumber has the stuff to make it on their truck. For electric water heater
only.
Get 1 -1" male adapter, About 8" of 1" PVC, 1- 1" PVC glue ball valve, 1- 1" x 3/4" slip by female adapter,
1- 3/4" MIP x hose male thread adapter.
Glue the 1" male adapter onto a piece of 1" PVC about 3 or 4" long. Then glue the ball valve on
the opposite end of the pipe from the male adapter. Get the remainder of the 1" pipe and
glue it into the ball valve. Then glue the 1" x 3/4" onto the pipe. Then screw the 3/4" x hose
thread into the adapter.
What I do: WITH A SHOP VAC, I turn off the electricity to the heater, turn off the water, bleed the pressure off at a hose bib,
then close the hose bib. I take the wires off the lower thermostat and pull the element out,
MAKE SURE THE WATER HEATER POP OFF IS CLOSED, AND THE WATER HEATER SUPPLIES ARE STILL CONNECTED,
NOT ALLOWING THE WATER HEATER ANY AIR, screw in the 1" male adapter (on most water heaters)
with the ball valve off. I normally loose a cup or 2 of water, connect the water hose,
disconnect the supply lines and open up the pop off and open the ball valve and watch that thing drain
in 10 or 15 minutes! Posted
By: Arthur Wentzel
awp35@jcn.net
Subject: Using a vacuum to fix a PVC leak
Trick: If you have a leak on a PVC joint leaving out air and water and keep all openings
sealed, take a vacuum and attach to an opening as close to leak as possible and turn it on and take
the cleaner and let vacuum suck in some cleaner, and then take cleaner away and let vacuum run for a minute and then turn on
vacuum and suck glue in the same way not too much and turn it off and let set for a while and re-test and you have it
fixed, if not try again.
Posted
By: Ty
Vinyard Vinyard Plumbing & Drain ravtev1127@earthlink.net
Subject: Removal of stuck wolverine brass
cartridges
Trick:
These are totally plastic cartridges, so removal can be safely
done by running a large wood lag into the center of cartridge and then pull the cartridge out by pulling up on the lag bolt head
... Wal-La! out in seconds!
Posted
By: Ty
Vinyard Vinyard Plumbing & Drain ravtev1127@earthlink.net
Subject: Repairing Old style Mixit Faucets with C clip keeper (Proper
Technique)
Trick: Often these older valves will twist off the last 1/4" of threads on the
Mixit body when you unscrew the outer cartridge tube.
1. Best way is not to brake it in the first place. This is how you prevent this type of damage.
When you begin to turn the outer cartridge tube, hold the flat shank of the
Mixit stem with another wrench and prevent the stem itself from turning with the outer
sleeve. This way the stem will not twist and cause any strain against the faucet body breaking the last 1/4 " of thread
off the valve body.
2. If this has already occurred, a way to repair the valve and get out of a tough spot is to rob a
white or clear spacer out of another Mixit cartridge tube. Each new cartridge comes with a stem and a
chrome tube, which has one spacer or nylon piece inside it, and two brass rings with the addition of another nylon spacer
inside the new tube the Mixit valve will function fine.
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Posted
By: Ron Warren A to Z
Plumbing Eugene Or.
Subject: Out-of-round threaded nipple removal
Trick: If you need to remove an out-of-round threaded close nipple that is
too close to a wall and cannot use a pair of channel lock pliers, a pipe
wrench or use a nipple extractor on the nipple, use a quality basin wrench as
you would under a sink. Grasp the basin wrench handle with an adjustable wrench to apply torque. If your
basin wrench handle is round, use a small pipe wrench to grasp the handle.
It works every time and eliminates cutting the wall. "The Basin Wrench, what a great tool"!
Posted By: Michael A. Joyce
joyce01@bellsouth.net
Subject: Correcting out-of-round copper tubing
Trick: Use a smooth jaw tool such as an adjustable wrench and adjust
onto flattened portion of pipe. Slowly move tool around tubing until it is
round. This may have to be done with many attempts depending on the severity.
Posted
By: Michael A. Joyce joyce01@bellsouth.net
Subject: Cutting cast iron pipe
Trick: When a helper is new at cutting cast iron pipe, they often do not
make a straight cut. Most chain cutters are 2" from each side of the posts that
hold each wheel. Have the helper make marks 1" from the center on both sides of the cut mark all
around the pipe. This acts as a guide to align the wheels on the cut mark.
If the pipe is cut with a "jagged" edge, use an adjustable wrench to
break off the "jagged" piece. Put the wrench over the piece and
sharply strike the adjustable wrench with your hand. This will break it off
fairly even with the desired cut. Posted
By: Billy Tysor
Raleigh, NC
Subject: Making an aftermarket toilet tank handle work on various style tanks
Trick: When a toilet tank handle purchased as an aftermarket style, the
square portion on the handle may not be large enough keep the new handle from
twisting after it is installed in the existing tank. Cut a piece of 3/4"
CPVC pipe the same width as the china tank thickness (typically around 3/8"). Then cut the CPVC in a sectional manner from 10-o'clock to
2-o'clock. This results in having a semi-circular spacer. Insert the spacer from
the inside of the tank and on top of the square portion of the new handle.
Install the lock nut to attach the handle to the tank. This will keep the handle
locked in placed and does not allow it to twist when used. Posted By:
Michael
A. Joyce joyce01@bellsouth.net
Subject: Making a basket strainer flanged tailpiece
Trick: If you need a flanged tailpiece you can make one. Take a scrap piece
of 1-1/2" tailpiece and using a ball-pien hammer, slowly hammer the edge to
create a flange. This was taught to me in apprentice class and I actually had to
make one on a service call.
Added: By Steve Fitiles steve@myplumber.net
You might want to use the back of a slip joint nut to
help create the flare. Posted By:
Arthur Wentzel awp35@jcn.net
Subject: Testing existing below ground drainage piping for leaks
Trick: Create an adequate connection to a 50'-0" air hose to a properly
sized test ball. Insert the test ball through a cleanout or other pipe opening.
Slide the test ball to a desired location and apply the adequate air pressure.
Fill the suspected portion of the system with water and watch the water level.
If the water level drops, the leak is in that portion of the system. Perform
this test as needed to isolate the area to excavate. Posted By:
Joseph Fagan plumbpro@aol.com
Subject: Pumice stone: The Worlds Best Kept Secret for Removing Scratches
and Minor Nicks
Trick: The pumice stone is more course than one used for cleaning your
hands. On top of removing minor scratches and nicks, it removes water/rust
stains from cast and china fixtures or tile. It cleans the build-up under an old
faucet. It removes the minor scratches from a toilet bowls that may be left from
an auger. I have seen the pumice stone remove discoloration that numerous
cleaners failed to remove. This is a must for every service truck. There are
dozens of uses and you will not believe the results.
Added By: Corey S.
In addition to using a pumice stone to remove stains on various fixtures, emery cloth
also works (double-sided). It is also for stainless steel sinks with mineral
build-up. Just be careful to follow the "grain" of the metal in the sink. Return
to our Home Page Posted By: Michael
Yuffa domusglass@hotmail.com
Subject: Drain camera
Trick: If you have difficulty getting a drain camera to travel through the
piping, pour a bucket of hot soapy water into the drain. Posted By: Michael
Yuffa domusglass@hotmail.com
Subject: Faucet seat removal
Trick: If a faucet seat is stripped and a standard seat tool will not work,
use a nipple extractor (Snap-On Products sell them) to remove the seat. Posted By:
Tom Monahann tjmsr@earthlink.net
Subject: Siphoning water from pipe
Trick: If attempting to solder a male adapter, valve or similar circumstance
to a vertical pipe that has standing water and/or the riser valve will not shut
off completely, insert a piece of 1/4" copper tubing into the pipe to a
desired distance and siphon the water from the vertical pipe. The end of the
tubing on the outside of the vertical pipe must be equal to or lower than the
end that is inserted in the vertical pipe. If you lose the siphon during the
soldering process, you will have to create a siphon again (be careful the tubing
and water will be hot after the soldering process begins). Posted By:
Jim Howard jimh@ridgewayplumbing.com
Subject: Soldering in tight spaces
Trick: When making a solder joint close to a finished surface and to
eliminate burning the surrounding surfaces, insert the flame into the piping
instead of heating the outside. This is typically applicable when the joint you
are soldering is near the pipes end such as a valve, brass P-trap, flange, etc. Posted By:
Arthur Wentzel awp35@jcn.net
Subject: Keep your file clean of dirt or debris
Trick: To keep a file clean, rub on some white chalk to fill on the grooves.
This will keep out any dirt or debris that will cause the file to be less
effective. Posted By:
Arthur Wentzel awp35@jcn.net
Subject: Repairing a minor crack in a toilet tank
Trick: Mix egg whites with plaster of Paris to create a toothpaste-like
paste. Clean the interior of the tank in the work area and apply the paste. This
will patch the minor crack. It worked in my house for years. It may sound funny,
but it works! Return
to our Home Page Posted By:
Arthur Wentzel awp35@jcn.net
Subject:
Using a wooden folding rule to layout a 45-degree and
22-1/2-degree angle
Trick: You can layout a 45 and 22-1/2-degree angle using your folding rule.
Bend the wooden rule at the 1st and
2nd swivel point. Set the end of the rule on the dictated numbers listed below
to create the desired angle.
| Angle
Desired |
Set
End Of Rule On |
| 22-1/2"
- degree |
23-23/32" |
| 45
- degree |
22-31/32" |
| 90
- degree |
20-9/32" |
Posted By:
Shawn Lindsay escience777@cs.com
Subject: Use a street 90-degree elbow for rough-in of a lavatory
Trick: Because most lavatories drain openings are located near the rear of
the basin, the P-trap connection can often be difficult when the rough-in is
center of the drain opening location. To keep the P-trap closer to the wall and
using PVC or ABS pipe, use a street 90-degree elbow for the stub-out fitting.
You will have to use a rubber test cap, inside glue type test cap or rubber wing
type plug to test the system. This allows you to glue a trap adapter over the
street 90-degree elbow, which keeps the slip joint nut closer to the wall, which
also keeps the P-trap closer to the wall. Have
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