Plumbing
How to Unclog a Toilet Without a Plunger
Got a toilet clog, with no plunger in sight? Read this guide to learn how to unclog a toilet using only simple household items you probably have at hand.
How to Fix Washing Machine Drain Overflows
Water that pools around your washing machine can be caused by several issues that lead to structural damage within your home. In this guide, we detail steps that you can take to identify and fix this problem.
How to Clean a Dryer Vent
Excessive dryer lint buildup can pose a fire hazard, so it’s important to clean it at least once a year. Read this guide to learn how to clean your dryer vent in five easy steps.
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.
What Does a Gas Leak Smell Like?
In this article, we’ve compiled important information on how to identify, respond to, and prevent natural gas leaks.
How Much Does Water Heater Installation Cost?
In this article, we discuss the cost of installing a water heater, the different types of water heaters available, and the warning signs that point to a failing system.
Ultimate Guide to Washing Machine Hoses
Before installing new washing machine hoses, it’s important to know your options, how to install the lines, and preventive maintenance measures you can take. Read on for the ultimate guide to washing machine hoses.
Sewer Line Repair and Replacement
Intact sewer and water lines are essential to a clean and comfortable home. Read on to learn what causes sewer lines to break and how they are repaired or replaced.
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.
How To Fix a Gurgling Toilet
Is your toilet making a gurgling sound? Read on to learn what might be causing the problem.
How to Install a French Drain
French drains serve to collect and remove groundwater that would otherwise cause a problem. They’re often used along driveways, in damp areas of a lawn, and around house foundations to help keep the basement or crawlspace dry. Read this guide to learn more about how to install a french drain in your yard.
How to Fix a Dishwasher That Won’t Drain
Dishwasher not draining? Repair can be an easy DIY project. Read our guide to diagnose and fix your dishwasher on your own.
How to Clean a Clogged Shower Cartridge
Ask This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey travels to New York City to teach a homeowner how to clean her shower cartridge when it gets clogged.
Testing Smart Automatic Water Shut Off Valves
Ask This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey tests two different styles of smart automatic water shutoff valves.
How to Connect Steel Gas Pipes
Looking to connect gas pipes in your home? This Old House Plumbing & Heating Expert Richard Trethewey explains a new method for connecting gas pipes, known as "press-connect."
How to Fix a Slow Draining Tub
A slow-draining tub is a common problem, and an irritating one, too. Nobody wants to stand in a deepening pool of murky water while taking a shower. Read our guide to fixing a clogged tub.
Septic Warranty Coverage and Costs
A home warranty can protect your septic system if it unexpectedly breaks down. Keep reading for our top septic warranty coverage recommendations.
How to Fix a Leaky Hose Spigot
Ask This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey explains some of the common failure points in hose spigots and how to repair them.
How to Replace Pedestal Sink Parts
Ask This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey helps a homeowner replace all the plumbing components in his pedestal sink.
How to Increase Water Pressure on City Water
Here’s how to fix your water pressure if you’re on city water.
How to Get Rid of Rust in Well Water
This Old House plumbing expert Richard Trethewey has some solutions for a homeowner experiencing iron and rust in their well water.
How to Unclog Any Drain
Plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey shows us every common household drain, and how to unclog them like a pro.
How to Install a Gas Lantern
Ask This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey travels to St. Louis to install a gas lantern on an original 1890s home in a historic neighborhood.
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 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 to Upgrade to a Pressure Balanced Shower Valve
Richard Trethewey travels to Salt Lake City to replace a shower valve he has never seen before in his career with a conventional pressure balanced one.
All About Plumbing
Here’s how to make water work for you.
How to Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat without Changing the Wiring
Ask This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey replaces an old thermostat with a smart thermostat without replacing the original two wires in the wall.
How to Repair Toilet Tank Components
Ask This Old House plumbing and HVAC expert Richard Trethewey explains the failure points in toilet tanks and how to repair them
Understanding Improvements to Certified PVC Flue Gas Ventilation
Ask This Old House plumbing and HVAC expert Richard Trethewey explains why standard DWV PVC should not be used to vent gas appliances and what should be used instead.
How to Fix a Leaky Faucet
Learn about 4 types of faucets, what causes a faucet to drip, and how to repair them.