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.
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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.
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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.
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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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Best Sump Pumps (2024 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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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
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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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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.
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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
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Tips for Talking with Your Plumber

A pro's advice on how to help your tradesperson help you
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Clogged Backflow Preventer

Richard diagnoses a puddle of water near a boiler
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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
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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
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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.
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From the Ground Up: Plumbing

A primer on your pipes and fixtures from This Old House plumbing expert Richard Trethewey
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How to Glue PVC Pipe

How to weld plastic in seconds
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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.
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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.