February 26th - ...and one step back
Last week, I installed the new bathroom vanity and sink. This weekend, I hooked up the supply lines and drain. I let the water run for about 10 minutes to make sure there were no leaks, and things were looking good. The final test I like to do is to fill the sink basin two or three times to nearly overflowing, and then let it all go down at once. Unfortunately, it failed this test - there were a few drips. Once I got a light and my head under the sink, I found that the leak was where the drain fitting threaded onto the iron pipe nipple from the wall. That suprised me, considering that I used telfon tape on the threads to seal everything up.
I took the fitting off the nipple, and the problem became apparent - a little of the bottom part of the pipe nipple had broken off. This means that when the drain fitting was threaded on, it would catch a good 6 or 8 threads on the top of the nipple, but only 2 or 3 on the bottom. Pipe threads are tapered, so the more a fitting screws on, the tighter it seals. With only a few threads catching on the bottom, the water could seep through. So out came the vanity and sink. Once the vanity was out, I tried to cut new threads on the nipple, but my die bottomed out against the wall before it could cut enough to make a difference. The only other option was to remove and replace the nipple. I usually try to avoid removing pipe nipples, as I have had them break off in the wall before. Not fun. So I was feeling a little trepidation as I leaned on the pipe wrench, but luckily the offending critter came out without snapping off.
After replacing the nipple and re-installing the vanity, I performed the same tests again and was rewarded with no leaks.
February 27th - cabinets and paint
The most significant thing I accomplished today was getting a coat of paint on all of the cabinets, inside and out. They are looking much better and brighter now!
Once the paint has had a few days to "harden up", they will be ready to install.
My middle son, Casey, came with me today and helped me by painting some trim that I need to install. It's easier to paint it on the sawhorses before it gets installed! Of course, I'll still have to go back and touch it up after nailing it.
Well, that's the end of another update. Come back next week to see updates on the progress!