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Drills Power drills are a fundamental part of a toolkit for use in any apartment, home or job site. One of the most frequently purchased power tools, a good drill can be used for a variety of projects both big and small. When choosing a power drill, you will have two...

Flush-tank mechanisms consist of two control valves. Levers and other parts open or close these valves at the proper time. One of these valves is the flush valve which is seated at the bottom of the tank. This is kept closed by a rubber flush ball, diaphragm or...

MASSAGING SHOWERHEADS Massaging showerheads use water pressure forced through a diverting valve to create one or more pulsating water actions. In most cases, users can vary the amount of pulsing pressure or force to their liking. Massaging showerheads can be hand-held...

Plumbing tools are specialized-they fit the job. For example, if you buy a handle puller to pull tub or shower faucets, you will also need a box end or hollow-core socket wrench to remove packing nuts which are soft brass, easily distorted and practically impossible...

WATER-SAVING DEVICES The basic idea behind water-saving devices is to restrict water consumption rates where heaviest use occurs. Indoor water usage runs at about 40 percent for toilets, 30 percent for baths and showers (more for baths), 15 percent for clothes washers...

FAUCET SPRAYS The heart of a faucet spray is a mechanism called a diverter or butterfly valve located inside the faucet in a chamber just below the base of the swing spout. This valve normally permits water to flow freely through the spout when the spray attachment is...

These materials may be made of metal or plastic. Plumbing components made of bronze and brass contain 3% to 8% lead. Lead serves two purposes in the copper alloys from which these materials are manufactured. First, lead aids in the manufacturing process by providing...

COMPRESSION FAUCETS Water flow in a compression faucet (a common residential faucet) is regulated by turning a lever, T or four-ball handle attached to a threaded spindle. When the spindle is turned down, the washer or disk attached to its lower end is pressed tightly...