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by
Gary Rudy
photos by Daniel Harrison |
ESSENTIAL PLUMBER'S TOOL KIT |
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All you need to fix leaks, clogs and other plumbing disasters |
A
very efficient contractor I know organizes his tools into several
different kinds of kits. He has a different tool kit for each
kind of job: a plumbing kit; an electrical kit; a drywall kit.
He says arranging his gear in specific job-related kits keeps
him from having to carry a bunch of unnecessary stuff around,
and ensures everything will be close at hand when he needs it.
It sounded like a good idea to me and, ever since, I’ve
been organizing my tools the same way. v While some plumbing
projects require only common hand tools, others are made much
easier with specialized tools. As you expand the scope of the
jobs you’re willing to take on, the tools you have in
your kit will also grow. Here are the essential tools and techniques
to get you started on basic plumbing fixes.
COPPER
PIPE REPAIR
Tools
Required: Propane torch, flame shield, pipe cutter, tape
measure, extra lengths of copper pipe and fittings, including
elbows, unions and caps. You’ll also need solder paste
and brush, solder wire, emery cloth and safety glasses.
Technique: Turn off the water supply and open any nearby
valves or faucets. Remove burrs from the inside and outside
edges of the pipe using emery cloth or a de-burring tool. Use
emery cloth to clean the outside and inside of the two pipes
being joined. If the copper isn’t clean, the solder might
not bond properly and the joint may leak. Brush acid-free flux
on both the outside of the male fitting and the inside of the
female fitting. The flux cleans the copper and helps prevent
oxidation as the pipe heats up. If the pipe becomes oxidized,
it might leak.
Dry-fit the two pieces of pipe together, then unroll and straighten
about four inches of solder wire, using the roll or container
as a handle when applying the solder.
Heat the joint using a propane torch, moving the flame around
to ensure that the whole pipe is heated. You’ll know the
joint is hot enough when the flux begins to bubble. Now touch
the tip of the solder to the joint. The solder should melt immediately
and disappear into the joint. Remove the heat. Move the remaining
solder wire around the entire joint to fill it in all the way
around. If the pipe cools before the whole joint has been soldered,
reheat it gently as required.
If you’re working close to potentially flammable material,
use a flame shield to protect the surrounding surfaces from
catching fire, and always keep a fire extinguisher nearby.
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INTRODUCTION,
COPPER PIPE REPAIR
PLASTIC PIPE REPAIR, DRAIN CLOGS
SPECIALTY TOOLS, WHAT'S IN YOUR KIT? |
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