Plumbing Videos

These This Old House videos showcase all of our plumbing projects, how-tos, and designs.

S21 E7, Richard Trethewey replaces a tank-type water heater

Heating & Cooling

How to Replace a Tank-Type Water Heater

In this DIY Smarts segment, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey helps a homeowner be proactive about their home maintenance by replacing their existing tank-type water heater before it fails.

By Richard Trethewey

How to Replace a Bathroom Faucet

Need to update your bathroom sink faucet? Watch this DIY Smarts as Ask This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey demonstrates how to replace a bathroom faucet.

Richard Trethewey and Kevin O’Connor work on a garbage disposal

How to Fix a Garbage Disposal

This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey shows how to fix a badly jammed garbage disposal.

S20 E18, Richard Trethewey talks about becoming a plumber

How Richard Trethewey Became a Plumber

This Old House Plumbing and Heating Expert Richard Trethewey tells all about how his career as a plumber started.

How a Frozen Pipe Bursts

In this DIY Smarts, Ask This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey demonstrates how and why frozen pipes burst.

How Plumbing Technology is Advancing

During a visit to IBS 2019, Richard Trethewey gave our Pro2Pro editor a lesson in connecting pex tubing, then explored a new water-monitoring device and high-tech training tool

Testing the Newest Low-consumption Toilets

Ask This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey travels to a plumbing facility in New Jersey to learn about advances in toilet engineering that help save water

How to Fit Copper Pipes

Plumbing & Heating Expert Richard Tretheway shows host Kevin O’Connor several methods for making solid, watertight connections, both with solder and without.

How to Replace a Tank Water Heater

Ask This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey helps a homeowner replace a tank water heater

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.

Creating zones in hot water heating system

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.

S21 E3, Richard Trethewey discusses bottle traps with Kevin O’Connor

Understanding Bottle Traps

Plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey shows host Kevin O’Connor how to handle sink drains in tight places.

How a Plumbing Trap Can Lose Water

Ask This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey explains several reasons why a trap may be losing water

S21 E1, Richard Trethewey shows Kevin O’Connor how a water heater fails

3 Reasons Water Heaters Fail

Plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey gives host Kevin O’Connor an inside look at why a water heater fails.

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.

How to Diagnose Leaks in a Steam Boiler

Ask This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey helps locate the leak on a steam boiler that is losing water

Diagnosing a humid air conditioner at home

How to Diagnose and Repair a Humid Air Conditioner

Ask This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey travels to Orlando to diagnose and repair an HVAC system that is creating way too much humidity

S20 E31, Richard Trethewey installs a water filter

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.

S20 E37, Richard Trethewey gives tips to Kevin O’Connor on keeping basements dry

Easy Solutions for a Damp Basement

Plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey teaches Kevin O’Connor what he needs to know about handling wet basements.

How to Replace a Shower Pan

In this how-to video, This Old House plumbing and heating contractor Richard Trethewey installs a new waterproof shower floor.

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

S20 E33, Richard and Ross Trethewey explain air flow efficiency to Kevin O’Connor

Understanding Air Flow in Your House

Plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey and home technology expert Ross Trethewey explain everything you need to know about balancing airflow within a home.

How to Install a Garbage Disposal

Garbage disposals are a helpful tool to help prevent pesky kitchen odors, as well as stop food from going down the pipes and causing plumbing issues. Watch as Ask This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey demonstrates how to install a garbage disposal in your kitchen.