View:
Sorted by:
How to Remove a Sink Trap
Removing a sink trap releases whatever is caught inside. If you know how to remove the sink trap you’ll be able to retrieve valuables that disappear down the drain. It’s happened to almost everyone:. The [more…]
How to Recognize Different Types of Pipes
To tackle a do-it-yourself plumbing project, you need to know how to recognize different types of pipes. Recognizing the different types of pipes within your house is vital to knowing the right repair [more…]
Figuring Out Why the Toilet Keeps Running
Take a few minutes to figure out why you have a run-on toilet, and then you can repair it. You have a run-on toilet if each flush doesn’t end with a gurgle but instead continues with a hissing sound, with [more…]
How to Replace a Sink Trap
Replace the sink trap to deal with buildup and clogged pipes that a plumber’s snake or plunger can’t fix. Replacing a sink trap is pretty quick work. You'll need groove-joint pliers, a bucket, and a replacement [more…]
How to Fix a Leaky Stem Faucet
Knowing how to fix a leaky stem faucet saves money, and the process is easy. A leaky stem faucet usually means that the packing is worn out or needs tightening. The packing [more…]
How to Sweat Copper Pipe
Sweating a copper water line is relatively easy. Knowing how to sweat copper pipe allows a do-it-yourselfer to install pipe yourself. A properly sweated joint will last for years [more…]
How to Unclog a Toilet with a Plunger
Unclogging a toilet with a plunger usually creates enough suction to free the clog. Knowing how to use a plunger to unclog a toilet can preclude the mess of using a plumber's snake or the expense of calling [more…]
How to Unclog a Drain with a Plunger
Clogged drain? Grab a plunger — knowing how to unclog a drain with a plunger could preclude the use of a caustic chemical drain cleaner. Plunging causes suction to force air through the pipes to push out [more…]
How to Replace a Toilet Seat
Replacing a toilet seat is quick and easy. If you know how to replace a toilet seat, you can make a cosmetic improvement to your bathroom in just a few minutes. Seats get damaged or cracked, but most often [more…]
Green Options for Water Heaters
The typical water heater runs all day and night to keep up to 100 gallons of water hot and ready for use. For a more eco-friendly experience, try alternatives that offer the same hot water without the [more…]
When to Hire a Plumber
Knowing when to hire a plumber can save money in the long run. Hire a plumber when the problem is extensive and requires expertise to pin down, and when there’s a higher risk of doing more damage than [more…]
How to Clean a Faucet Aerator and Sink Sprayer
Cleaning clogged faucet aerators and sink sprayers help faucets function like new. Mineral deposits and sediment slow the water flow, so clean your faucet aerators or sink sprayers to get a full flow. [more…]
How to Fix a Leaky Faucet: Cartridge Filter Type
Cartridge faucets are the easiest kind of faucet to repair. It only takes about an hour to fix a leaky cartridge filter faucet. Leaky faucets waste water, so fix them as soon as possible. [more…]
How to Fix a Leaky Faucet: Ceramic Disk Type
Ceramic disk faucets are durable, but need repairing if they develop leaks or water flow problems. To fix a ceramic disk faucet, you can get new seals and replacement parts. Disassemble the faucet and [more…]
How to Fix a Leaky Toilet Tank
Fixing a leaky toilet tank is a common plumbing repair that you can do yourself. Leaking toilet tanks can be repaired by changing out the rubber gaskets around the tank bolts and the spud washer, which [more…]
How to Fix a Leaky Faucet: Rotary-Ball Type
Knowing how to fix a leaky faucet will save money, and it’s easy. To fix a leaky rotary ball faucet (or rotating ball faucet) you usually just tighten the cap or cap-adjusting ring. Tightening the cap [more…]
Choosing a Solar System to Supplement Your Water Heater
Dozens of different types of systems that use solar energy to supplement your hot water heater are available, but only a few have stood the test of time. Sticking with proven entities is always a good [more…]
Using a Drainback System to Heat Water
A drainback system lets you use solar power to heat water for your home. Indirect, active, closed-loop drainback systems are an excellent choice for heating water unless you receive a lot of snow and have [more…]
How to Care for Your Hot Water Heating System
A routine annual inspection and cleaning by a qualified, licensed heating contractor keeps your hot water heating system running for many years without trouble. But you can also keep an eye on the pressure [more…]
When to Call a Plumber
Don’t lull yourself into believing that you’ll never need a plumber. Even if you are skilled at home repairs, you may need to call on a professional from time to time for plumbing emergencies. In addition [more…]
Finding the Main Water Shutoff Valve
After the water passes through the three city-installed valves, it comes to what is known as the main shutoff valve in your home. This is the valve that you need to be able to locate in an emergency. Find [more…]
How to Unclog a Drain with a Snake
If neither cleaning the trap nor plunging clears a plumbing clog, your final weapon is a drain auger (also known as a snake). This tool, a coiled spiral snake that's usually about 1/4-inch thick with a [more…]
How to Unclog a Garbage Disposal
Even if you are careful about what you put down your garbage disposal, clogs happen. There are some simple things you can do to keep clogs to a minimum and steps you can take when that inevitable clog [more…]
How to Prevent Clogs in Your Drains
One of the absolute best ways to prevent slow or clogged drains is to be careful about what you put into them. Clever, eh? Cooking grease, coffee grounds, hair, and soap scum are four of a drain’s biggest [more…]
How to Maintain Pipes and Ducts to Save Energy
Putting insulation around all accessible water pipes saves energy, prevents freezing during most moderate to medium chills, and reduces condensation when pipes flow through attics and crawlspaces. It’s [more…]
