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Plumbing Planning

Prepare for your next plumbing project by discovering our planning ideas & tips.

Professional plumber giving a tutorial

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How to Find and Hire a Qualified Plumber

Need a plumber? Avoid getting soaked by hiring an experienced, licensed pro. Here’s what you need to know before hiring a plumber.
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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?

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?

Learn what a washing machine drain pain is and how it works, plus how to install one to prevent water leaks from damaging your floors.
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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

Septic systems are complex and require regular maintenance. In our guide, we'll explain how a septic system works and how to take care of it.
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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

Tankless water heaters warm water on demand, so you never run out of hot water. They’re also energy efficient, which saves you money on utility bills.
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Everything You Need to Know about Heat Pump Water Heaters

Heat pumps water heaters provide better energy efficiency than traditional water heaters, helping you lower your energy bills. Read on to learn more.
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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

Learn the parts of your plumbing system, how it works, and tips for handling common issues in our comprehensive plumbing guide.
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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.