Plumbing Videos

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

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How to Replace a Whole-House Plumbing Trap

This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey shows tools and techniques for fixing corroded cast-iron pipe.
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How To Repair a Shower Anti-Scald Pressure Balancer

Dealing with changing shower temperatures? Read our guide to fix your anti-scald pressure balancer and restore consistent water temperature.
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How to Replace a Smelly Dishwasher Drain Hose

This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey comes up smelling sweet by installing a new discharge hose.
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How To Fix a Wobbly Toilet

This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey helps a homeowner diagnose and repair a wobbly toilet.
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How to Repair a Water Softener

Learn how to renew an old water softener with This Old House plumbing and heating contractor Richard Trethewey in this helpful video.
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How to Clear a Clogged Bathtub Drain

This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey shows how to fix a slow draining tub.
S21 E18, Richard Trethewey helps install a vented microwave
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How To Install a Vented Microwave

Plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey teams up with a local plumber to install a new stove and a vented microwave to exhaust the fumes.
S22 E21: Richard Trethewey takes Kevin O'Connor on a tour of his HVAC showroom
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Touring Richard Trethewey's HVAC Showroom

Host Kevin O’Connor heads out on the road with plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey to learn more about his HVAC showroom and educational facility.
S22 E21: Richard Trethewey demonstrates his 'hand-y' teaching style
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Richard’s Passion for Teaching

Join us as we sit down with plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey to discuss his passion for teaching and the mentors he’s had along the way.
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Understanding the History of Modern Plumbing

This article explores the history of modern indoor plumbing and how it has fundamentally changed the way we live for the better.
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How to Get Hot Water with a Recirculating Pump

Watch as This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey explains how a recirculation system can save energy, money, and time.
S21 E19, Richard Trethewey discusses irrigation systems with Kevin O'Connor
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A simple Guide to Repairing Your Home's Irrigation System

Learn how to make simple irrigation repairs and maintain a lush, green lawn in this guide from plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey.
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How to Fix a Bathroom Sink Stopper

A stuck sink plug causes a major hassle. Luckily, it’s a DIY that can be taken care of in an hour or two. In this video, we join plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey, who shows a homeowner how to fix their bath sink stopper.
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Understanding Septic Systems and How to Maintain Them

Learn everything you need to know about septic systems from plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey in our in-depth septic guide.
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Everything You Need to Know to Replace a Water Heater

In this DIY Smarts segment, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey helps a homeowner replace their old tank water heater before it fails.
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Understanding Bottle Traps

Plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey shows host Kevin O’Connor how to handle sink drains in tight places.
S21 E1, Richard Trethewey shows how water heaters can fail
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Reasons for Water Heater Failure and When to Replace a Heater

Plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey gives host Kevin O’Connor an inside look at why a water heater fails and when to replace one.
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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.
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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.
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Tips for Controlling Plumbing Emergencies

These tips for controlling plumbing emergencies can help you tackle common plumbing problems, from leaky faucets to frozen pipes.
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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.
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How To Replace a Tub Drain

Plumbing expert Richard Trethewey shows a homeowner how to replace a bathtub drain when his old 1950s tub stops draining properly.
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Dishwasher Maintenance: Keep Your Appliance Running Smoothly

In this guide and video, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey shows how to deep-clean a dishwasher and repair its components.
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How To Install a Utility Sink in a Barn

In our guide and video, we'll explain how to add a sink to your barn so you have running water to wash your hands, clean tools, and more.
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How To Fit Copper Pipes

Explore different methods for making solid, watertight connections between copper pipes—both with and without solder—in this guide.
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Celebrating Craftsmanship: Soldering Basics

Learn important soldering techniques from plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey as he explains how to connect copper piping.
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How To Replace a Spigot in 10 Simple to Follow Steps

Learn how to replace a spigot in 10 simple to follow steps by using our comprehensive video and in-depth guide.
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Everything You Need to Know to Install a Garbage Disposal

Garbage disposals are a tool to help prevent pesky kitchen odors, as well as stop food from going down the pipes. We discuss how to install a garbage disposal.
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What Is a Toilet Siphon and How Does One Work?

Siphons pump water using physics, not electricity. Learn how they work from Ask This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey.
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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 cleans a clogged shower cartridge
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How to Clean a Clogged Shower Cartridge

Learn how to clean a clogged shower cartridge with this video and our companion guide.
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How To Test Smart Automatic Water Shutoff Valves

Learn how to minimize water damage from leaks and floods in your home by installing and testing a smart water shutoff valve.
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How To Connect Steel Gas Pipes

Are you having gas piping work done? Learn about a new method professionals use to connect gas pipes from This Old House's Richard Trethewey.