Replies

1. 
   goldhiller | Jun 05, 2003 05:33am | #1

   Hopefully there are working supply stops. Close them and remove the part in question. Take it with you to a bonafide plumbing supply house. They'll likely know what they're looking at and will likely have the part you need in stock. If they don't recognize it, it probably means you have a cheapy fixture from HD or Lowe's. That's your next stop.......either for parts or a replacement fixture. Frequently, replacement is cheaper than spending your time and the HO's money hunting down parts.

   Knowledge is power, but only if applied in a timely fashion.
2. 
   goldhiller | Jun 05, 2003 05:50am | #2

   I didn't word that correctly. Didn't mean to imply you should buy another cheapy at HD or Lowe's.

   It might be best to confer with the HO before you take off with the part and ask how much they want to spend on a replacement fixture if you can't get parts or if repair is out of the question.

   Knowledge is power, but only if applied in a timely fashion.
3. 
   RichBeckman | Jun 05, 2003 06:27am | #3

   Take the part(s) with you. Even if you know the brand of the faucet, take the parts with you. I agree that you are better off taking the part to a plumbing supply or to a real hardware store.

   Rich Beckman

   Another day, another tool.

4. 
   goldhiller | Jun 05, 2003 05:12pm | #4

   My advice assumes that the part in question isn't simply a washer,o-ring or the like. You should have one of the assortment packs (usually abut 100 misc parts in there) at all times. And I assumed you already have some string packing with you. You know......the basics.

   Knowledge is power, but only if applied in a timely fashion.
1. 
   Elijah | Jun 06, 2003 02:11pm | #5

   Thankyou for replying.  I also have rental units and always take the faucet of parts to the plumbing store.  But with a customer, I'd hate to charge them for time to their house, then to the store, then back to their house again just for a $5 part.  An assortment pack sounds like good advise.  I never thought of that.  What is string packing?  Never heard of that.  Again thanks to you and all who replied.

1. 
   goldhiller | Jun 06, 2003 04:28pm | #6

   Packing string = graphite impregnated string (or at least that's the old standard stuff for this purpose and is still my favorite).

   On most older faucets/valves it is responsible for preventing water from leaking out at you around the valve stem. The packing nut which compresses the packing is located at the "bottom" of the visble part of the valve stem. If you have water leaking around this stem, you can frequently stop the leak by tightening this nut just a tad which compresses the packing around the stem a little tighter. There's a limit as to how tight you can turn this and expect it to work, so if that doesn't work, you're in for replacing the packing string. It doesn't last forever. Doesn't take a big bunch as a rule, just a few wraps is enough.

   Newer faucets/valves can have either a rubber washer in there or an o-ring instead of packing.

   Sounds like you may need to pick up a general "fix-it" DIY manual.

   As far as charging goes, you have to realize that you're providing a service. If you or someone else didn't do the trip to the store, they'd have to do it themselves. Your time or theirs, it's all worth something isn't it?

   Sure, it's best if you can handle most repairs like this in a few minutes because you have the necessary parts with you, but you can't be expected to have an entire inventory of parts with you for all makes and models of plumbing fixtures.....at all times. When you need a specific part for a specific fixture, it's time to head to the store. If you aren't prepared to charge them for your time, you'd best stop deluding yourself that it's a business cause it just became a pass-time.

   That guilt you feel about charging for all that time it takes to get the part for an already worn fixture is why I suggested that in some instances, particularly where a cheapy fixture is involved, you might want to confer with the HO about just replacing the whole thing, if that seems like less hassle and final expense. Try to pick a new fixture that doesn't require altering the supply lines or fittings if you want this to go quickly.

   There's nothing wrong with a little "seeding" by doing repairs for less than they're worth, particularly while you're still learning.......BUT sooner or later you have to start haulin' the fish up into the fryin' pan or you're gonna get mighty hungry.

   Edit: while you're acquiring a assortment package of washers and o-rings.....pick up at least one repair kit for a Delta single handle kitchen faucet and one kit for a Delta single handle shower valve. These are quite common and sooner or later you're gonna need one. The kitchen set can be found two ways.........partial set of stuff (the things that usually go first) and the complete set. If I was only going to have one of those with me, it's be the complete set.

   Knowledge is power, but only if applied in a timely fashion.

   Edited 6/6/2003 9:36:35 AM ET by GOLDHILLER

1. 
   RichBeckman | Jun 08, 2003 06:16am | #7

   "As far as charging goes, you have to realize that you're providing a service. If you or someone else didn't do the trip to the store, they'd have to do it themselves. Your time or theirs, it's all worth something isn't it?"

   If you think about it, even if you have the part with you, you should be charging enough to pay for going to get the part. After all, you did go get it.

   Rich Beckman

   Another day, another tool.

1. 
   goldhiller | Jun 08, 2003 06:23am | #8

   Good point that I should have included. But now I don't have to feel lax because you have. :-)

   Knowledge is power, but only if applied in a timely fashion.

2. 
   Elijah | Jun 12, 2003 04:38pm | #9

   Thanks for the good advise.  I will pick up some Delta sink and tub repair kits.  God Bless you.