Lesson 4: Basic Plumbing Repairs - Template
Plumbing System Inventory
Fixture Inventory
Fixture | Location | Make/Model | Age | Shut-off Valve Location | Common Issues |
Tap Inventory
Location | Type | Make/Model | Age | Common Issues | Repair Parts Needed |
□ Compression □ Ceramic disc □ Ball □ Cartridge □ Mixer | |||||
□ Compression □ Ceramic disc □ Ball □ Cartridge □ Mixer | |||||
□ Compression □ Ceramic disc □ Ball □ Cartridge □ Mixer | |||||
□ Compression □ Ceramic disc □ Ball □ Cartridge □ Mixer |
Toilet Inventory
Location | Make/Model | Flush Type | Age | Common Issues | Repair Parts Needed |
□ Single □ Dual □ Push button □ Lever | |||||
□ Single □ Dual □ Push button □ Lever | |||||
□ Single □ Dual □ Push button □ Lever |
Pipe Inventory
Area | Supply Pipe Material | Drain Pipe Material | Visible Issues | Accessibility |
Kitchen | □ Good □ Fair □ Poor | |||
Bathroom(s) | □ Good □ Fair □ Poor | |||
Utility Room | □ Good □ Fair □ Poor | |||
Basement/Crawlspace | □ Good □ Fair □ Poor | |||
Exterior | □ Good □ Fair □ Poor |
Plumbing Repair Log
Tap Repairs
Date | Location | Problem | Solution | Parts Used | Cost | Notes for Future |
Toilet Repairs
Date | Location | Problem | Solution | Parts Used | Cost | Notes for Future |
Drain Clearing Log
Date | Location | Severity | Method Used | Effectiveness | Preventive Measures |
□ Slow □ Partial clog □ Complete blockage | □ Poor □ Fair □ Good □ Excellent | ||||
□ Slow □ Partial clog □ Complete blockage | □ Poor □ Fair □ Good □ Excellent | ||||
□ Slow □ Partial clog □ Complete blockage | □ Poor □ Fair □ Good □ Excellent | ||||
□ Slow □ Partial clog □ Complete blockage | □ Poor □ Fair □ Good □ Excellent |
Other Plumbing Repairs
Date | Issue | Location | Solution | Professional Help? | Cost | Notes |
□ Yes □ No | ||||||
□ Yes □ No | ||||||
□ Yes □ No |
Tap Repair Worksheet
Compression Tap Repair
Tap location: _______________________________________
Tools needed: - [ ] Adjustable spanner - [ ] Screwdriver - [ ] Replacement washers - [ ] Replacement O-rings - [ ] Plumber’s tape - [ ] Penetrating oil (if needed)
Procedure checklist: - [ ] Turn off water supply - [ ] Open tap to release pressure - [ ] Remove decorative cap - [ ] Remove handle screw - [ ] Remove handle - [ ] Unscrew valve body - [ ] Inspect and replace washer - [ ] Check O-rings and replace if needed - [ ] Reassemble in reverse order - [ ] Turn on water and test
Notes on repair: _______________________________________
Ceramic Disc/Cartridge Tap Repair
Tap location: _______________________________________
Tools needed: - [ ] Allen key/hex wrench - [ ] Adjustable spanner - [ ] Replacement cartridge - [ ] Replacement O-rings - [ ] White vinegar (for cleaning) - [ ] Plumber’s tape
Procedure checklist: - [ ] Turn off water supply - [ ] Open tap to release pressure - [ ] Remove handle (usually requires Allen key) - [ ] Remove retaining nut - [ ] Extract cartridge - [ ] Clean or replace cartridge - [ ] Replace O-rings - [ ] Reassemble in reverse order - [ ] Turn on water and test
Notes on repair: _______________________________________
Toilet Repair Worksheet
Running Toilet Diagnosis
Toilet location: _______________________________________
Symptoms: - [ ] Constant running - [ ] Intermittent running - [ ] Phantom flushes - [ ] Incomplete flush - [ ] Water level too high - [ ] Water level too low - [ ] Other: _______________________________________
Diagnosis checklist: - [ ] Remove cistern lid - [ ] Check water level - [ ] Inspect fill valve operation - [ ] Check flush valve/flapper seal - [ ] Verify flush handle/button operation - [ ] Look for visible cracks - [ ] Check for overflow into tube
Diagnosed problem: _______________________________________
Toilet Repair Plan
Parts needed: - [ ] Fill valve assembly - [ ] Flush valve/flapper - [ ] Handle/button mechanism - [ ] Wax ring - [ ] Supply line - [ ] Bolts/hardware - [ ] Other: _______________________________________
Tools needed: - [ ] Adjustable spanner - [ ] Sponge - [ ] Bucket - [ ] Pliers - [ ] Screwdriver - [ ] Putty knife - [ ] Other: _______________________________________
Procedure checklist: - [ ] Turn off water supply - [ ] Flush to empty cistern - [ ] Sponge out remaining water - [ ] Make repairs as needed - [ ] Reassemble components - [ ] Turn on water supply - [ ] Test flush and check for leaks - [ ] Monitor for 24 hours
Notes on repair: _______________________________________
Drain Clearing Worksheet
Drain Problem Assessment
Drain location: _______________________________________
Symptoms: - [ ] Slow drainage - [ ] Complete blockage - [ ] Gurgling sounds - [ ] Odors - [ ] Water backing up - [ ] Multiple fixtures affected - [ ] Other: _______________________________________
Possible causes: - [ ] Hair buildup - [ ] Grease accumulation - [ ] Foreign objects - [ ] Tree roots - [ ] Pipe scale buildup - [ ] Collapsed pipe - [ ] Other: _______________________________________
Drain Clearing Plan
Method selection: - [ ] Plunger - [ ] Drain snake/auger - [ ] P-trap cleaning - [ ] Baking soda and vinegar - [ ] Zip-it tool - [ ] Hot water flush - [ ] Chemical cleaner (last resort) - [ ] Call professional
Tools and materials needed: - [ ] Plunger - [ ] Bucket - [ ] Drain snake - [ ] Adjustable spanner - [ ] Protective gloves - [ ] Baking soda/vinegar - [ ] Other: _______________________________________
Procedure notes: _______________________________________
Results: _______________________________________
Future prevention plan: _______________________________________
Plumbing Emergency Plan
Emergency Contact Information
Plumber: _______________________________________
Phone: _______________________________________
Alternative plumber: _______________________________________
Phone: _______________________________________
Water company emergency: _______________________________________
Insurance company: _______________________________________
Policy number: _______________________________________
Emergency Shut-off Locations
Main water shut-off: _______________________________________
Instructions: _______________________________________
Water heater shut-off: _______________________________________
Instructions: _______________________________________
Individual fixture shut-offs: - Kitchen: _______________________________________ - Bathrooms: _______________________________________ - Outdoor: _______________________________________ - Appliances: _______________________________________
Emergency Supplies Inventory
Item | Location | Quantity | Condition | Replacement Date |
Pipe repair clamps | ||||
Plumber’s tape | ||||
Spare supply lines | ||||
Bucket/containers | ||||
Towels/mops | ||||
Wet/dry vacuum |
Emergency Response Procedures
Burst pipe: 1. _______________________________________ 2. _______________________________________ 3. _______________________________________
Overflowing toilet: 1. _______________________________________ 2. _______________________________________ 3. _______________________________________
Water heater leak: 1. _______________________________________ 2. _______________________________________ 3. _______________________________________
Sewage backup: 1. _______________________________________ 2. _______________________________________ 3. _______________________________________