Plumbing How To & DIY
Improve the value of your home by discovering our plumbing step-by-step tips & ideas.
How to Unclog Any Drain
Plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey shows us every common household drain, and how to unclog them like a pro.
How to Repair Toilet Tank Components
Ask This Old House plumbing and HVAC expert Richard Trethewey explains the failure points in toilet tanks and how to repair them
How to Replace a Kitchen Faucet
Ask This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey helps a homeowner replace her kitchen faucet.
How to Remove a Bathtub Drain
If you’re looking to replace an old bathtub drain, it’s not difficult to do the job yourself. Read these steps to learn more.
How to Hook Up Washing Machine Plumbing
This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey re-plumbs a washing machine.
How to Deal with Common Kitchen Plumbing Problems
Here’s how to fix leaks and clear clogs in your kitchen sink.
How to Replace Pedestal Sink Parts
Ask This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey helps a homeowner replace all the plumbing components in his pedestal sink.
How to Replace an Old Faucet
This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey shows the proper way to replace an old kitchen faucet
How to Install a Pedestal Sink
Plumbing expert Richard Trethewey makes a challenging bathroom renovation task look easy
How to Replace Polybutylene Piping with PEX
Ask This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey travels to Richmond, Virginia to help a homeowner replace her polybutylene piping with conventional PEX.
How To Pump Water Out Of Your Basement
Whether it’s caused by a hundred-year flood or a plumbing malfunction, no one wants a swimming pool in their basement. Here are some ways to get rid of that standing water in your basement.
How to Snake a Toilet
It’s always disheartening to realize you’ve got a clogged toilet that can’t be fixed with a plunger, but the good news is that another simple tool can help you address the problem—a snake or drain auger.
How to Choose and Maintain a Garbage Disposer
This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey shares some tricks for removing—and avoiding—stubborn disposer jams
How to Prevent Frozen and Burst Pipes
Ask This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey offers a few tips to keep water from freezing up in your pipes during the winter months.
How to Prevent Frozen Pipes
In this how-to video, This Old House plumbing and heating contractor Richard Trethewey shows various ways to prevent and thaw frozen pipes.
How to Replace a Bathroom Faucet
Need to update your bathroom sink faucet? Watch this DIY Smarts as Ask This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey demonstrates how to replace a bathroom faucet.
What Can and Can't Go Down a Garbage Disposer
Ask This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey explains what foods should and should not go into garbage disposers.
How to Fix a Leaking Toilet
Here’s why your toilet might be leaking at the base and how to fix it to prevent costly structural damage.
How to Fix a Leaky Faucet
Learn about 4 types of faucets, what causes a faucet to drip, and how to repair them.
How to Stop Your Toilet from Sweating
Dry out your bathroom or install a sweat valve—a little warm water will keep the exterior of your toilets dry all summer long.
How to Drain a Water Heater
In this how-to video, This Old House plumbing and heating contractor Richard Trethewey shows a quick and effective way to drain a sediment-filled electric water heater.
How to Remove Air in Water Pipes
If air is coming out of your water pipes, don’t worry, you may be able to easily fix it yourself. Read on to learn how to tell if air is in your water pipes, and how to get rid of it.
How to Unclog a Toilet Without a Plunger
Got a toilet clog, with no plunger in sight? Read this guide to learn how to unclog a toilet using only simple household items you probably have at hand.
How to Clean a Dryer Vent
Excessive dryer lint buildup can pose a fire hazard, so it’s important to clean it at least once a year. Read this guide to learn how to clean your dryer vent in five easy steps.
How to Fix a Leaky Shut-Off Valve
This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey shows how to quickly and easily fix a faulty valve.
How to Repair a 3 Handle Shower Faucet
Ask This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey repairs and replaces a leaky shower valve.
How to Increase Water Pressure on City Water
Here’s how to fix your water pressure if you’re on city water.
How to Install a French Drain
French drains serve to collect and remove groundwater that would otherwise cause a problem. They’re often used along driveways, in damp areas of a lawn, and around house foundations to help keep the basement or crawlspace dry. Read this guide to learn more about how to install a french drain in your yard.
How to Install a Combination Boiler and Hot Water Heater
Replace two devices, your water heater and boiler, with a single combi boiler unit that’s more efficient and compact.
How to Fix a Dishwasher That Won’t Drain
Dishwasher not draining? Repair can be an easy DIY project. Read our guide to diagnose and fix your dishwasher on your own.
How to Install a Kitchen Sink
From costs to tools and plumbing, here’s what to do for a new kitchen sink installation.
How to Unclog a Bathroom Sink
Ask This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey reveals the best ways to unclog a slow draining bathroom sink.