Plumbing How To & DIY
Improve the value of your home by discovering our plumbing step-by-step tips & ideas.
How to Convert a Toilet to Dual-Flush
This Old House plumbing and heating contractor Richard Trethewey shows how to save water without replacing the toilet
How to Repair a Water Softener
Renewing an old water softener with This Old House plumbing and heating contractor Richard Trethewey
How to Detect and Fix a Bathroom Leak
This Old House plumbing and heating contractor Richard Trethewey shows how to find and fix a bathroom leak
13 Easy Bathroom Upgrades
Feeling underwhelmed by your bathroom? TOH has a baker's dozen upgrades that will turn your "blahs" into "ahs"
Fixing Running Toilets and Dripping Faucets
Simple repairs for two of the most annoying kitchen and bath plumbing problems
How to Clear Any Clogged Drain
Armed with the right tools and techniques, you can easily unplug stopped-up drains without having to call in a pro SEE OUR FULL THANKSGIVING SURVIVAL GUIDE HERE
Hydraulic Cement for Leaky Basements
Using the right product for patching holes where water seeps in will save you a trip back with a wet vac and a sump pump.
Dealing With Frozen Pipes
In this video, This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey shows various ways to prevent and thaw frozen pipes
Installing a Basement Sump Pump
This Old House general contractor Tom Silva demonstrates how involved putting in a sump pump can be
Pricing a Below-Grade Toilet
This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey outlines the extra effort and expertise that goes into installing a toilet below ground level
How to Install a New Toilet Flange
Curing a wobbly toilet—once and for all—with This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey
How to Replace a PVC Sink Trap
This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey shows how to replace a leaky, glued-together kitchen-sink trap
How to Install a Toilet Below Grade
This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey shows how to outfit a bathroom that's at basement level
How to Drain Pipes for the Winter
These hot tips will help you avoid frozen pipes with This Old House plumbing and heating expert, Richard Trethewey.
Cures for the Creaky House
Those aren't ghosts making a racket in your home—it's just normal wear and tear taking its toll. Check out these remedies for common noises.
How to Install a Water Pressure Booster
Learn how to pump up the water pressure in your home with This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey
How to Install a Propane Tankless Water Heater
This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey shows how to get hot water quickly and efficiently
Get a Handle on the Kitchen Faucet
Know the name and function of all the parts of your leaky faucet so you can decide whether you can repair it yourself or need to call in a pro
How to Secure Loose Pipes
This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey shows how to strap in shaky and rattling shower valve pipes
How to Install a Whole-House Water Filter
This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey shows how to ensure clean water for your entire home
How to Install a Dual-Flush Toilet
This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey shows how to install a new water-saving toilet
How to Replace Polybutylene Pipes
This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey demonstrates how to replace polybutylene pipes
How to Fix a Leaking Toilet
Identify parts and problems with this handy guide.
How to Install a Water-Powered Sump Pump
This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey shows how to install an emergency backup sump pump
How to Replace a Bathtub Drum Trap
This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey shows how to replace an old bathtub drum trap with a new PVC P-trap
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 Fix a Garbage Disposal
This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey shows how to fix a badly jammed garbage disposal.
How to Unclog a Toilet
A clogged toilet is one of the most common and stressful problems people have to deal with in their homes. If not cleared swiftly and properly, it can become a big mess, possibly spilling onto the bathroom floor and leaking through to the rooms below. In this video, This Old House plumbing and heating contractor Richard Trethewey explains how to unclog a toilet.
Automatic Valve Shut-off for Washing Machines
The Intelliflow turns washing machine water-supply valves on and off, so you don't have to
How to Install an Air Valve for a Hot Water Heating System
In this how-to video, This Old House plumbing and heating contractor Richard Trethewey prevents trapped air from stopping a heating system cold in its tracks.
How to Install a Frost-Proof Faucet
In this how-to video, This Old House plumbing and heating contractor Richard Trethewey shows how to replace a standard hose faucet with a freeze-resistant model
How to Add Sink Valves to Laundry Supply Lines
In this how-to video, This Old House plumbing and heating contractor Richard Trethewey runs hot- and cold-water lines from a clothes washer to a basement laundry sink