Plumbing Installation

Read through step-by-step tutorials to help you prepare for any installation pertaining to your plumbing.

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How to Install a Reserve Tank

Plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey installs a reserve tank so a homeowner can finally fill their tub with hot water for a relaxing bath.
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6 Best Tankless Water Heaters (2024 Guide)

Tankless water heaters save energy, provide hot water on-demand, and take up less space when compared to traditional tank water heaters. In this review, our team compares the best tankless water heaters on the market, answers common questions, and provides expert-endorsed tips to help you find the top setup for your home.
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All About Septic Tanks

While many homes in the United States use municipal sewers, due to factors like location, some homeowners must opt for septic tanks. Read on to learn a few fundamentals of this sewage system.
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Installing a Dishwasher in an Old Kitchen

In this DIY Smarts, Ask This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey and carpenter Nathan Gilbert team up to help a homeowner retrofit a new dishwasher into an old kitchen.
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Well Pump Cost and Installation Guide

The well pump is an integral part of your well system, feeding water into your home for use on a daily basis. In this article, we explain the steps you need to take to repair or replace your broken well pump.
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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.
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How to Install a Gas Lantern

Ask This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey travels to St. Louis to install a gas lantern on an original 1890s home in a historic neighborhood.
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How to Install a GPS-Enabled Smart Thermostat

Ask This Old House plumbing and heating contractor Richard Trethewey installs a thermostat that can be programmed automatically from a smart phone
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Replacing a Kitchen Sink

Give your kitchen a quick update by replacing an old kitchen sink with a new one. Watch as Ask This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey helps a homeowner update a kitchen sink.
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How to Install a Reverse Osmosis Water Filter

This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey removes the impurities, VOCs, and excess minerals from water with a simple reverse osmosis water filter system.
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Tankless Water Heaters: What You Need to Know Before You Buy

Tired of running out of hot water? That’s not a problem with one of these compact, ultra-efficient units that heat water as you need it. Here’s what you need to know about choosing, installing, and living with a tankless water heater.
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How to Install an Electric Heat Pump Water Heater

Ask This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey travels to Celebration, Florida to help a homeowner select and install the right electric water heater
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How to Connect an Ice Maker

Ask This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey walks host Kevin O'Connor through the "dos and don'ts" of hooking up an ice maker to a refrigerator
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How to Install an Industrial Kitchen Faucet

Ask This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey helps a homeowner add an industrial looking faucet to his kitchen sink
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How to Bring Hot Water Outside

Ask This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey helps a homeowner add an outdoor faucet with both hot and cold water
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How to Install a Water Saving Toilet

Ask This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey replaces an old toilet with a "Water Sense" solution.
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How to Hook Up Washing Machine Plumbing

This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey re-plumbs a washing machine.
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Fixing Running Toilets and Dripping Faucets

Simple repairs for two of the most annoying kitchen and bath plumbing problems
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How to Replace a Kitchen Sink

Ask This Old House Plumbing and Heating Expert Richard Trethewey explains how to replace a kitchen sink and faucet from start to finish.
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Automatic Valve Shut-off for Washing Machines

The Intelliflow turns washing machine water-supply valves on and off, so you don't have to
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How to Create Zones in a Hot Water Heating System

In this how-to video, This Old House plumbing and heating contractor Richard Trethewey shows how to share the warmth by installing zone valves.
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How to Install a Freezeproof Faucet

Follow this step-by-step guide to learn how to protect your exterior faucets from freezing and bursting in the winter.
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How to Install a Kitchen Sink

From costs to tools and plumbing, here’s what to do for a new kitchen sink installation.
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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.
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Aligning PVC Pipe Parts

Pro tips for achieving the perfect joint
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Adding Sink Shutoff Valves

How to keep them level. Making this simple change will yield a lifetime of convenience and ensure a quick response.