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Home » Topics » Tool Tips

Tool Tips
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Tool Tips
TOOL TIPS

Pressure-testing PEX plumbing, ergonomic pipe wrenches, repairing nut driver magnet

Tool Tips: November 2014
November 26, 2014
When pressure-testing a Manabloc and PEX system with air, after rough-in, I shut off all valves on the Manabloc, leaving pressure in each individual line.
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Basement cleanout, PVC spacers, pipe storage

Tool Tips—August 2014
October 25, 2014

When opening an overhead cleanout in the basement, tie a heavy-duty plastic trashbag around the cleanout, leaving room to get your hand in to remove the cleanout plug that you previously loosened. Cut a small corner of the trashbag bottom and put a 5-gal. bucket under the hole.


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Tool Tips

Compression gasket install, cutting oil with dawn, try a compact

Tool Tips—July 2014
October 17, 2014

When installing a no-caulk shower drain, I found the best way to install the compression gasket is to use a 2-in. PVC coupling and a rubber mallet.


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Tool Tips

Saving fasteners with Teflon tape, emery cloth for threaded tailpieces, new use for worn-out gloves

September 25, 2014
Tool Tips—September 2014


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Tool Tips

Saving clean-outs, removing posi-temp cartridges, clearing house traps

Tool Tips—June 2014
June 26, 2014

It’s good to have a run of PVC male adapters from 1 1/4 in. to 4 in. on hand when on a drain-cleaning job to remove the clean-out plug.


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Tool Tips

Water closet wax rings, fitting brushes, Teflon tape

Tool Tips—May 2014
May 21, 2014

To reduce the worry of leaks in the ceiling from an upstairs water closet installation, I have found that if the closet ring is set too high, the space between the toilet and the wax ring is minimized, causing the wax to thin out.


Read More
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Replacing toilet handles, water closets, tub spouts

Tool Tips—April 2014
April 22, 2014

When replacing the toilet handle on 90% of the toilets out in the field, it seems like all aftermarket handles and sometimes even OEM handles don’t fit in the square cutout of the porcelain all the time.


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Shower valves, magnets, containing pipe dope spills

Tool Tips — March 2014
March 17, 2014

Shower valves, magnets, containing pipe dope spills- Tool tips for March 2014


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Tool Tips

Hydronics systems, seats and springs, drain cleaning

Tool Tips—February 2014
February 20, 2014

February's Tool Tips include hydronics systems, seat & springs, and drain cleaning.


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Smoke-testing waste, smartphone tricks, faucet replacement

Tool Tips—January 2014
January 23, 2014

Smoke-testing waste, smartphone tricks and faucet replacements are part of the January 2014 Tool Tips.


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    • PMC COLUMNS
      • Dave Yates: Contractor’s Corner
      • John Siegenthaler: Hydronics Workshop
      • Kenny Chapman: The Blue Collar Coach
      • Matt Michel: Service Plumbing Pros
      • Scott Secor: Heating Perceptions
  • ENGINEERS
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    • DECARBONIZATION | ELECTRIFICATION
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    • GEOTHERMAL | SOLAR THERMAL
    • PIPING | PLUMBING | PVF
    • PME COLUMNS
      • Christoph Lohr: Strategic Plumbing Insights
      • David Dexter: Plumbing Talking Points
      • James Dipping: Engineer Viewpoints
      • John Seigenthaler: Renewable Heating Design
      • Lowell Manalo: Plumbing Essentials
      • Misty Guard: Guard on Compliance
  • RADIANT & HYDRONICS
    • RADIANT COMFORT REPORT
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