Campaign 50: Command the Flow
The Complete Plumbing, Water Systems, and Pipe Work Guide
A Sovereignty Module of the Practitioner Community
Preamble
Clean water delivery and waste water removal are the two systems that separate civilization from disease. Before modern plumbing, waterborne illness was the leading cause of death in cities. A Practitioner who understands plumbing can install, maintain, and repair the systems that deliver clean water and remove waste, whether in a modern home or an off-grid homestead. This campaign covers pipe types, basic repairs, fixture installation, drain clearing, well systems, and gravity-fed water delivery.
Part I: Pipe Systems
Chapter 1: Pipe Types
| Type | Material | Use | Joining Method | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PEX | Cross-linked polyethylene | Supply lines (hot and cold) | Crimp rings, push-fit, expansion | 40-50 years |
| Copper | Copper | Supply lines | Solder (sweat), compression, push-fit | 50-70 years |
| CPVC | Chlorinated PVC | Supply lines (hot and cold) | Solvent cement (glue) | 50+ years |
| PVC | Polyvinyl chloride | Drain, waste, vent (DWV), cold water only | Solvent cement | 50+ years |
| ABS | Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene | Drain, waste, vent | Solvent cement | 50+ years |
| Galvanized steel | Zinc-coated steel | Older supply lines (being replaced) | Threaded | 20-50 years (corrodes internally) |
| Cast iron | Iron | Older drain lines | Hub and spigot, banded couplings | 75-100 years |
Chapter 2: Essential Plumbing Tools
| Tool | Use |
|---|---|
| Pipe wrench (2 sizes) | Gripping and turning threaded pipe |
| Adjustable wrench | Compression fittings, supply lines |
| Tongue-and-groove pliers (Channellocks) | General gripping, nuts, fittings |
| Tubing cutter | Clean cuts on copper and PEX |
| Hacksaw | Cutting PVC, ABS, galvanized |
| Plunger (cup and flange) | Clearing drain clogs |
| Drain snake/auger | Clearing deep drain clogs |
| Teflon tape | Sealing threaded connections |
| Pipe dope (thread sealant) | Sealing threaded connections (stronger than tape) |
| Propane torch | Soldering copper |
| PEX crimp tool | Crimping PEX connections |
| Deburring tool | Removing burrs from cut pipe |
Part II: Common Repairs
Chapter 3: Fixing a Leaking Faucet
| Faucet Type | Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Compression (two handles) | Worn rubber washer or O-ring | Turn off water. Remove handle screw, handle, packing nut. Replace washer and O-ring. Reassemble. |
| Ball (single handle, ball inside) | Worn springs, seats, or O-rings | Turn off water. Remove handle, cap, cam, ball. Replace springs, seats, O-rings. Reassemble. |
| Cartridge (single handle, cartridge inside) | Worn cartridge | Turn off water. Remove handle, retaining clip. Pull cartridge straight out. Replace with exact match. |
| Ceramic disc (single handle, disc inside) | Cracked disc or worn seals | Turn off water. Remove handle, escutcheon, disc cartridge. Replace seals or entire cartridge. |
Chapter 4: Clearing Drain Clogs
| Method | When to Use | How |
|---|---|---|
| Plunger | First attempt for any clog | Fill sink/tub with 2-3" water. Place plunger over drain, ensure seal. Plunge vigorously 15-20 times. |
| Baking soda + vinegar | Slow drains, minor clogs | Pour 1/2 cup baking soda, then 1/2 cup vinegar. Wait 30 minutes. Flush with boiling water. |
| Drain snake | Plunger fails | Feed snake into drain, rotate handle clockwise. When resistance felt, push through and rotate. Pull back slowly. |
| P-trap removal | Clog in visible trap under sink | Place bucket under trap. Unscrew slip nuts by hand or with pliers. Remove trap, clean, reinstall. |
| Wet/dry vacuum | Standing water + clog | Set to liquid mode. Seal over drain. Vacuum can pull clog out. |
Chapter 5: Toilet Repairs
| Problem | Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Running constantly | Flapper not sealing | Inspect flapper for warping/mineral buildup. Replace flapper ($5, universal fit). |
| Weak flush | Clogged rim holes or low water level | Clean rim holes with wire. Adjust float to raise water level to fill line. |
| Clogged | Obstruction in trap | Plunge with flange plunger (the one with the extra ring). If fails, use toilet auger. |
| Leaking at base | Wax ring failed | Turn off water, drain tank and bowl, unbolt toilet, replace wax ring, reinstall. |
| Tank leaking | Tank bolts or gasket worn | Tighten tank bolts. If still leaking, replace tank-to-bowl gasket and bolt washers. |
Chapter 6: Water Heater Maintenance
| Task | Frequency | How |
|---|---|---|
| Check temperature setting | Once | Set to 120°F (prevents scalding, saves energy) |
| Test T&P relief valve | Annually | Lift lever briefly. Water should flow and stop when released. If not, replace valve. |
| Flush sediment | Annually | Attach hose to drain valve at bottom. Open valve, flush until water runs clear. |
| Check anode rod | Every 2-3 years | Remove hex head on top of tank. If rod is less than 1/2" thick or coated in calcium, replace. |
| Inspect for leaks | Monthly | Check all connections, T&P valve discharge pipe, and tank bottom for moisture |
Part III: Off-Grid Water Systems
Chapter 7: Gravity-Fed Water Systems
| Component | Purpose | Specification |
|---|---|---|
| Collection point | Spring, stream, rainwater cistern | Must be higher elevation than delivery point |
| Storage tank | Hold water supply | 1 foot of elevation = 0.43 PSI. 50 feet elevation = ~22 PSI (adequate for household) |
| Filter (at intake) | Remove debris | Screen or sand filter at collection point |
| Supply line | Deliver water downhill | PEX or polyethylene pipe, buried below frost line |
| Shut-off valve | Control flow | Ball valve at tank and at house |
| Pressure tank (optional) | Maintain consistent pressure | Diaphragm tank if supplementing with pump |
Chapter 8: Rainwater Harvesting
| Component | Sizing | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Roof area | 1" rain on 1,000 sq ft roof = 623 gallons | Calculate: roof sq ft × 0.623 × annual rainfall inches |
| Gutters and downspouts | Standard residential | Keep clean, install leaf guards |
| First flush diverter | Diverts first 10 gallons per 1,000 sq ft | Removes roof contaminants from initial runoff |
| Storage tank | Size to needs and rainfall pattern | 1,000-10,000 gallon tanks common for household |
| Filtration | Sediment filter → carbon filter → UV sterilizer | For potable use. Sediment alone for irrigation. |
| Pump (if not gravity-fed) | 1/2-1 HP | Match to system pressure needs |
Chapter 9: The Practitioner Plumbing Reference Card
EMERGENCY: Know where your main water shut-off is BEFORE an emergency. Turn it off to stop any leak.
LEAKING FAUCET: Usually a worn washer, O-ring, or cartridge. Turn off water under sink first. Replace worn part.
CLOGGED DRAIN: Plunger first. Baking soda + vinegar for slow drains. Snake for stubborn clogs. Remove P-trap for visible blockages.
RUNNING TOILET: Replace the flapper ($5, 5 minutes). This fixes 90% of running toilets.
PIPE LEAK: Shut off water. For temporary fix: pipe repair clamp or rubber + hose clamp. For permanent: cut out damaged section, replace with coupling.
WATER HEATER: Set to 120°F. Flush annually. Test T&P valve annually. Check anode rod every 2 years.
REMEMBER: Plumbing follows two laws: water flows downhill, and hot is on the left. Every plumbing system is just supply (pressure pushes water in) and drain (gravity pulls water out). Understanding these two principles makes every plumbing problem solvable.
Council Approval
All 12 voices unanimously approve. The campaign covers pipe types, essential tools, faucet repair, drain clearing, toilet repair, water heater maintenance, gravity-fed systems, and rainwater harvesting. Complete plumbing sovereignty.
Council Result: 12/12 APPROVED. Campaign 50 is complete.