I've been doing some tub repair and was curious to know what everyone else uses when fixing their tub plumbing?

I figure I will start off the check list of things I use, and any one else can chime in and build the list:

PVC Tubes of different diameter and size
PVC Angles/Elbows/End Connections/Etc
PVC Primer
PVC Cement - Various thickness

Something to cut the pipes:
Hand Hack Saw
Jig Saw - fine toothed blades

Clear Silicone
Extra Gaskets

Something I haven't used by brand name is WaterLube, but many seem to recommend it.

ANY OTHER THINGS YOU USE?

PVC as necessary per job. Always buy 20% more fittings and pipe than you think you'll need so:
1. You don't have to drive 30 miles for a $.95 piece of @#$# fitting that you were one short of, and
2. You'll slowly build up pvc fittings/pipe inventory over time so you never will run out.

Tools to cut? I've been using these for years and they work fast and quick, cheap to keep too: (I use 14-18 tpi metal blades with these).
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/D ... umber=4095
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/D ... mber=33710


If you lose these tools, destroy them, or they get stolen by some idiot, you've lost nothing. You can afford to buy 2 at a time and always have a spare.

I don't use jaw type PVC cutters as they are more trouble than they're worth at the 1.5" and 2" capacity. Forget using hand held wire saws - well maybe keep one handy for the impossible access points - don't use it unless you have to. And always keep a hack saw on hand.

I always keep a small and large tube (more depending on anticipated job requirements) of ge silicone I or II from home depot... if none available, then I get a HIGH quality substitute from paint or hardware store, definitely not Walmart 2.59 plain label junk.

Any quality pool and spa lube is fine. Waterlube is excellent because it stays put better than most but it is quite nasty though.

Be sure to keep Permatex Number 2 from auto parts store. It'll seal any leak, in any fitting almost, anywhere. A bottle of Isopropyl alcohol in the truck/van will help to clean it off when you're finished with the job.

Other things used?

1. One good hammer. One box/open end sae wrench set. One 3/8" socket set with flex or u-joints. A 1/4" and 5/16" nut driver. One 1/4" socket set... again with extensions and u-joints. Insulated screwdrivers. Beater screwdrivers for abuse when needed. Deck screws, 1 1/4" and some 2".

2. Drills etc...
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/d ... mber=95094
(I've been using 2 of the above for the last 5 years with no problems. I always carry 2).
This thing kicks butt when needed:
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/d ... umber=3273

This thing is perfect for heating up pvc joints to normal temperature when it's cold:
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/d ... mber=35776
(No need to wait 24 hours for cement to cure when it's 30 degrees outside).

3. I always carry an extra set of clothes, and some old shoes that my wife hadn't thrown away yet. Some jobs can be really crap and it's good to have spare clothes and unmuddied shoes.

4. Minimum 50' extension cord with multiple outlet extension - I usually keep one of those computer 5 plug extension boxes in the truck.. works fine. Contractor size cords (big monster heavy ones) are too much. GP orange weedwacker extensions do ok unless you plan on using heavy duty electric saws a lot.

5. A digital camera to photograph my work periodically... this gives me a historical record of what I've done, and while I use these on the internet for our customers use, the homeowners think it's a cover thine ass device - which virtually eliminates disputes about work being completed before even getting started. Before and after shots can be a legal lifesaver when you least expect it.

6. WASP spray. The kind that kills at 20 feet.
OFF Insect repellent!

That's it for now. You'll determine what's best for you based on your market and service capability.

Talk about a thorough post!!!:) Thanks for putting this all out there.

I've been building a list of things over the years and you pretty much hit all of mine items right on the head, and added plenty more.

So Harbor Freight's tools hold out for you? I've purchased a few in the past and they've done a 'good enough' job. It sounds like they've done you well lasting many years so that is promising to hear. At the price even if they last just a while guess they are worth it to not have to bring high priced tools out there to roll around in the water and the mud. I will be placing a nice hefty order for all the things you've suggested to keep a separate collection of tools from my home tools.

Here are a few questions.

For the saw blades, do you also buy these from Harbor Freight? Or do you get the standard kind at Home Depot? If you buy from Harbor Freight, please send a link to the different blades used on each of the 2 saws.


For the silicone's, yes, I too use the Home Depot better stuff. With such a critial job it seems like this is where others may slip up.

Why is WaterLube nasty? Just thick and gunky?Smelly?Stain your hands?

Thanks for the tip on the Permatex #2. I've used it on other applications but never a tub yet. Where do you put this? On the tubing, or in shell leaks from the back? Curious to know what types of leaks it actually has done well for you.

How is the cordless drill from HF? Do the batteries hold a decent charge?

I like your idea of a heat gun. Ha Ha, today my hands sure would have loved a heat gun when the high was about 37 degree's and my hands were in the water a lot while diagnosing. I typically wasn't doing as many winter repairs since most people locally like to winterize their tubs, yet this year seems like people are enjoying their winter tub time. A heat gun is def on my list, thanks!


I hear you on the spare clothes. I seem to attract water like crazy so I always have a back pack packed up with spare everything.


Great tip on the Digital Camera. I have found myself bringing my camera and doing before's as well since it seems like customers always seem to think that a tub was good before. They don't realize that when they have a tub sitting without water or in motion the tub has a huge question mark over it as the pumps turn on, pressure builds, and leaks may show. You know the deal, great tip.

Ha Ha! I like the WASP spray tip.


Any additional details will be great, thanks.

(Edited Post and opened a new post on pump question)

Man you want all my sekertz! (lol)

Regarding Harbor Freight tools:
I KNOW they are NOT Makita, or Fluke - thing is - they don't NEED to be! My freakin gasoline bill to drive from one side of town to the other and back cost more than some of the cheap throw away tools I use.

When I see a guy in the biz with his prize bazillion dollar portable tool set, meters, and Craftsman sockets and such - I just gotta laugh.

He spends more time being concerned about his tools than he does being concerned about the results of the job.

It doesn't take a $1000 fishing pole to catch a prize fish. It just takes a stupid pole.

The cost of the pole, or the truck you drive does NOT make you a professional. It's how you deal with your customers that does. It's whether or not you can accept the idea that 'every job can be a learning experience'... or not. A real pro - will always be learning, and adjusting every day. Things change.

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Only when I'm in there and I actually remember I need them. Otherwise it's good old home depot. Everything they got (bimetal) works just fine in what I use.

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Buy some from us... use it.

http://spapartsnet.com/Accessories/MIWLUBE_368_3_1.html

It's ugly. Thing is... it has solids in it that look awful, and it stinks too - but imo it's still the best.

For an alternative If you have a Leslie's around you... get a large tube of their lubricant - nice and clean.

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Permatex #2 is the GOD of sealant. Period. Number 1 hardens, Number 2 doesn't. Use this when Waterlube (or other) fails. I always use this in any application where there's the slightest hope of fixing something I don't have a gasket for... and don't want to drive 40 miles to get it. Read the specs on a tube of Permatex #2. I've used it on everything from long natural gas piping runs to crapped out pump or heater gaskets to my car's radiator water outlet. Permatex is rated for just about everything under the sun. Be sure to keep rubbing alcohol on hand to clean up with if you're sloppy.

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Heat Gun

I used to use a propane torch instead. Man was I dumb. I can't count the number of times I got impatient and had to blow out the flames on a newly cemented pvc pipe fitting.

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Pump to get the bottom water out.

I have NO earthly idea. AFAIK, there IS NO cheap dog pump to get below the levels that you're mentioning. I've never had a need as I'm down south here. You might be better off finding an old foam mattress and cutting a big fat piece out to suck up, wring/squeeze and finish it up with instead.

It's the design/vanes on the pumps that are at issue. At those levels, it's just not necessary imo. Even in freezing climates.. the residual will always expand UP... the easiest way. Freezing water will follow the path of least resistance, which is why the ENDS of pvc piping (freeze) blow out before the pipe does.

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Regarding the rechargeable drills.. the cheap ones...

They work. The batteries will NOT live up to your expectations if you use them daily. Me, I don't. But yet sometimes I do. But after all these years, they still hold up ok.

These cheapies don't use lithium ion, or even nickel metal hydride batteries - they use plain old nicad batts...

That said, whenever I grab someone elses newer and better top of the line rechargeable drill - I do find myself thinking... "man this thing is awesome compared to mine". So it's more of a frequency of useage issue than anything else.

If you got to use the thing every day, then it would probably be a good idea to buy a premium tool for the need. Even the most hated drill in the rechargable biz... (Ryo something or other to remain nameless)... is better than the HF version by a LONG SHOT.

I'm not for cheap tools, but I am for being reasonable.

Thanks again for all of the experience and knowledge in your response. You definitely sound like a man of your word, and a great repair guy. I agree that tools should never be slacked IF you use them regularly and frequently enough.

I am slowly starting the build of a nicer collection that will be used for my home use and kept for many years to come. Craftsman has a great warranty, and their tools hold strong. For now and on the site, the Harbor Freight tools will probably cut it.

About the pump, I edited right after I posted and started a separate thread on this since it seems like it was better off with its own title and topic so it could later be searched by others. Please check that thread out and let me know what you think of a 'non-submersible' pump which may be the answer to what I am looking for. That thread can be found here:http://spaforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=3978&highlight=

Yeah well, you oughta ask Swine some stuff too. He's older'n dirt in this biz... and always has a few extra hints and additional wisdom that I fail to mention. Charger, Dr Spa and the rest are really keen on this game too - there's some smart people here.

I just have the honor of keeping the spammers out.

Page up wrote

That said, whenever I grab someone elses newer and better top of the line rechargeable drill - I do find myself thinking... "man this thing is awesome compared to mine". So it's more of a frequency of useage issue than anything else.

A buddy of mine do construction work and have used lots of the harbor freight stuff. As Pageup mentioned, it does work fine, but not as good as the higher dollar stuff. Even Harbor Frieght has 2 levels of tools sometimes. They have the blue drills, and tools, and they have Chicago Eletric tools also. We have found that the Chicago Cordless drills hold up well and are a step above the blue stuff.

Also be on the lookout at Christmas time for tools. You can get some good deals. There was a great blaci Friady deal for the Ryobi 18 volt cordless drill, circular saw, light and radio. I picked up some Ryobi 18 volt driless last year for 19.99. I didn't see those this year and they went fast. I do have a Ryobi and it is awesome. I still have some of the Barbor frieght stuff too.

Take Care, ...Ray