Hints from Handyman Dan — plumbing

It's my pleasure to share with you a few things I learned recently — things I wish I'd known, oh, maybe 20 years ago.

• Quick-connect fittings on garden hoses are wonderfully convenient.  They're also leaky as all get out unless you use teflon tape and an extra rubber washer and make sure that both parts of the quick-connect are made by the same manufacturer.
• That spigot where the hose connects?  Dripping, is it?  Give that packing screw a good twist.  Problem solved!
• Replacing the washer and o-ring on the stem of the spigot at your laundry tubs is very easy,  Especially if you remove the stem and take it to Booz Plumbing to make sure you get the right sizes.  Who knows, the friendly guy behind the counter might just replace them for you!
• Did you get no sleep last night?  Instead, did you spend the night listening to the toilet refill every 2 1/2 minutes?  Maybe a new flapper is all you need.  The Kohler hinged flapper, model 84995, is waaaaay more complicated than a flapper needs to be, but be brave.  If I can do it, you can do it!
• Finally, know your limits.  If you removed the set screw from the single lever shower control and then spent 20 minutes trying to pull that thing of the stem, admit defeat.  Call a plumber.  It's worth the outrageous bill just to to hear him grunting and talking to himself and cursing as he spends another 20 minutes on it.