Plumbing How To & DIY

Improve the value of your home by discovering our plumbing step-by-step tips & ideas.

S20 E22, Richard Trethewey teaches Kevin O’Connor about unclogging drains

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 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.

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.