Rimming the Plumber

Plumbers are well known to engage in strenuous work that involves much squatting and bending, which may leave them with back cracks that not only look unsightly but can be an embarrassment as well as cause discomfort.

Plumber’s putty may be used to seal sink baskets and rims, but it eventually dries out and cracks, creating leaks. Instead, opt for kitchen-and-bath caulk with mildew-resistant additives.

Replace Putty with Caulk

If you have used a plumber’s putty extensively, it may have dried out over time and should be replaced. For optimal longevity and seal protection around fixtures, caulk may provide a better option.

Before applying new caulk, make sure all traces of old putty have been obliterated. A putty knife and several rags should suffice; scrape away hardened putty until it’s gone before using one of the rags to wipe down surfaces like drains or sink basins to eliminate any remaining residue.

Once the putty is off the metal surface, the next step should be preparing it for its new sealant. To do this, clean off any surface dust with mineral spirits or paint thinner and use a rag to wipe it down. These chemicals should be used with caution but will make wiping off dried-out putty much simpler.

Once the rag and mineral spirits are applied, you can start using silicone caulk. After it has been mixed thoroughly, roll a small amount between your palms until it softens sufficiently so you can form it into rope- or cord-like shapes around the underside of flanges on filters, faucets, or pop-up drains.

Clean the Rim

Some regions of the country experience hard water that leaves mineral deposits that clog toilet rim jets. If this appears to be your issue, turn off all water supply to your tank and flush. After doing this, add one part bleach (10 parts water) solution into the overflow tube in your toilet tank for five to ten minutes, let it set, and then flush again to clear the rim jets of any bacteria or mineral buildup before washing again to remove your rim jets of buildup or bacteria growth.

Rim (rimm) noun A border, edge, or margin that is circular or curviform in shape; often found surrounding objects that have circular or curvy surfaces. Verb slang To lick an anus as part of the sexual act.

Install the Faucet

No matter if you’re replacing an old faucet or installing one in a new sink, the first step should always be making sure all components are ready for installation. This includes verifying all parts are included in the box as well as reviewing the manufacturer’s instructions. If any pre-assembly is necessary, such as tightening on a spout cap or adjusting the handle accordingly, do so now; similarly, if it features a lever that allows users to control water flow by pulling up or down, install that, too.

Before beginning, ensure your work area is free from clutter. Search under your sink for two shutoff valves connected to wall-based plumbing, typically located behind the cabinet, before you can uninstall an old faucet from its spot.

Modern faucets often come equipped with flexible PEX hoses that make this part of the job much more straightforward. If your new faucet doesn’t have one already attached, run a flexible hose from it directly to the water valve, adding Teflon plumber’s tape around its threads as an added security measure.

Some may use silicone caulk to seal the rim of their sink, but with most modern faucets, this step is no longer necessary. Modern faucet spouts feature flat bottoms that pack against your counter when tightened correctly and prevent leakage.