Plumbing Planning
Prepare for your next plumbing project by discovering our planning ideas & tips.
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All About Water Storage Tanks
Learn the differences between the common kinds of tanks found in home well-water systems, how they work, and what type you’ll need.
Tips for Controlling Plumbing Emergencies
This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey explains some of the most common plumbing emergencies and how homeowners can handle them.
How Much Does Plumbing Cost? (2022 Guide)
Your home’s plumbing works hard to keep your home a comfortable and clean place to live. Usually, it’s well worth hiring a professional plumber to fix problems with pipes, drains, and fixtures.
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.
Best Sump Pumps (2023 Guide)
Sump pumps keep your home from flooding by pumping ground water out of your basement or crawl space. In this review, we take a look at the best sump pumps on the market, discuss various features, and answer common sump pump questions.
What Is a Washing Machine Drain Pan?
A washing machine pan helps protect your home against flood damage resulting from a leaky washer. Read this article to learn more about washing machine pans and how you can install one in your home.
5 Types of Plumbing Pipes
In this article, we describe the most common types of plumbing pipes and how they’re used within your home’s plumbing system.
How Much Does a Septic Tank Installation Cost?
If you live in a rural area or are planning on building a new home in the countryside, you may need a septic system. Read this article to learn more about the process and cost of septic system installation.
Septic System Guide: How It Works and How to Maintain It
A well-maintained septic system is trouble-free and something a homeowner doesn’t have to think about much. Here’s how to keep it that way.
What to Do When Your Sewer Backs Up
When it comes to bad things like a sewer backup, it’s always smarter to be prepared. Read on for a few tips for handling a sewer backup.
How to Prep Framing Studs for Hinges, Valves and Fixtures | Generation NEXT
Jeff Sweenor shows apprentice Kevin Barker the extra steps he takes to clearly label locations of hinges, valves, fixtures, and studs for his subcontractors
A Safe Septic System for Nearby Waterways
Plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey walks us through a system that was designed for a home built near a pond and the ocean
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.
All About Heat Pump Water Heaters
Save big bucks while taking advantage of the existing heat in your home. Here’s what you need to know about heat pump water heaters.
How to Identify PVC Pipes and Fittings
Ask This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey gives a tutorial on the types of PVC pipes and fittings
Tips for Talking with Your Plumber
A pro's advice on how to help your tradesperson help you
Clogged Backflow Preventer
Richard diagnoses a puddle of water near a boiler
All About Kitchen Faucets
For a quick and easy upgrade in a house's most popular room, nothing makes a bigger impact with less sweat and expense than replacing an outdated faucet
How to Know Whether to Repair or Replace
Everything breaks, eventually. TOH helps you decide if it's worth your time—and money—to bust out the tool kit for a quick fix or start shopping for something new
Bar Sinks
Impress your guests this holiday season with one of these stylish bar sinks, perfect for chilling cocktails, prepping hors d'oeuvres, and cleaning up.
From the Ground Up: Plumbing
A primer on your pipes and fixtures from This Old House plumbing expert Richard Trethewey
How to Glue PVC Pipe
How to weld plastic in seconds
The Complete Hot Water Heater Buying Guide
Water heaters are easy to ignore—until they stop working. From size, types, cost, and maintenance read this step-by-step guide to buying a water heater if you're looking to replace yours.
How to Find and Hire a Qualified Plumber
Even small leaks can lead to big repairs. Here’s what you should know before hiring a plumber.