Most good drain repipe will recommend replacing a gate valve regardless of its condition. The time to discover if it will work is not during a flood in your bathroom. If you have it replaced with a ball valve then check your water heater and laundry valves, too. Have them replaced at the same time with premium ball valves. Ball valve laundry bibbs make it easy to shut off the water to the washer after each use which may help to prevent floods in the future.
Turn off the water to the water line repair heater or if the valve is not working turn off the water to the house. If the valve is not working it will need to be replaced. In a future article we will discuss how to replace your valve.
81. Ever since I heard of a crew member cross threading the regulator whilst changing the gas bottle and causing a gas explosion, I have made it a two man job. One man does the actual change, and a second checks that it has been done properly.
Depending on your repair job you might need a bucket that will fit below the sink trap, as well as some rags and newspaper. Masking tape is useful for labeling and for wrapping around the heads of the wrench to protect your chrome tap handles. Rubber gloves are recommended, particularly when working with the toilet, but there are greases and glues that you may not want on your hands.
One tip is to avoid hiring a plumber, who is a part or who is representing a company. They usually work on a commission basis. The company usually has a flat rate for every plumbing service and the plumber's commission will be added up to the company's charge. This is one of the main reasons why some plumbers charge you with a ridiculously high amount of money for their services. Opt for freelance water line repair plumbers instead. They work for themselves, so the price is usually negotiable.
I bought a new kitchen sink from a brand name building supply company and hired a plumber to install it. After he had left and I filled up my new sink to wash my first load of dishes in it, I noticed the water level had dropped. You wouldn't want to feel my shock and imagine the angry words that came out of my mouth! I couldn't believe that I had spent $300.00 on a brand new sink that couldn't hold water!
Once you've located the water shut off, turn it off. Now, you can turn your attention to trying to contain the water damage caused by any leaking. Get towels, fans, blankets, or anything else to try and sop up water that is sitting on carpet or wood floors. Linoleum floors usually don't undergo much damage from having water sitting on them, unless there are cracks in the linoleum (often invisible) where the water can seep in. When your Queens plumber arrives, you will be one step ahead by following these instructions.