Plumbing How To & DIY
Improve the value of your home by discovering our plumbing step-by-step tips & ideas.
How To Work With PVC Pipes
In this how-to video, This Old House plumbing and heating contractor Richard Trethewey shows techniques for working with PVC pipes.
Guide to Draining and Flushing an Electric Water Heater
This Old House plumbing and heating contractor Richard Trethewey shows a quick and effective way to drain a sediment-filled electric water heater.
How to Repair a Kitchen Sink Sprayer
In this how-to video, This Old House plumbing and heating contractor Richard Trethewey fixes a faulty sink sprayer
How To Change a Water Heater Anode Rod
In this how-to video and article, This Old House plumbing and heating contractor Richard Trethewey shows a simple way to add years to your water heater
What You Need to Know to Troubleshoot a Leaky Shower
In this video, learn how to detect a leaky shower stall with This Old House plumbing and heating contractor Richard Trethewey.
How To Keep Your Pipes From Freezing and Prevent Burst Pipes
Watch as This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey shares some ways to keep your pipes from freezing this winter.
How To Create Zones in a Hot Water Heating System
Zoning can improve comfort levels and energy efficiency. Discover how to create zones in a hot water heating system in this guide and video.
How To Replace a Shower Pan
In this guide, This Old House plumbing and heating contractor Richard Trethewey shows you how to replace a shower pan.
How to Clear a Clogged Drain
In this how-to video, This Old House shows various ways to clear household clogs
How To Fix a Running Toilet
This Old House plumbing and heating contractor Richard Trethewey shows us how to diagnose and fix a running toilet.
How to Install a Sump Pump
In this how-to video, This Old House general contractor Tom Silva shows an effective way to combat basement flooding
Common Plumbing Issues: How to Fix a Wobbly Toilet and Stuck Faucet Handle
This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey helps a homeowner handle two very common plumbing issues.
How To Fix a Leaky Basement Wall in Easy to Follow Steps
In this how-to video, learn how to fix a basement leak around a drainpipe with This Old House general contractor Tom Silva.
How to Install a Water Heater Shut-off Valve
In this how-to video, This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey upgrades a water heater with an automatic shut-off valve.
How To Repair a Pressure-Assisted Toilet
Pressure-assisted toilets have unique problems and repairs. This step-by-step guide provides a fix for a common problem.
How to Install a Drip-Irrigation System
In this how-to video, This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey shows how to install a drip-irrigation for lawns
How To Install a Utility Sink
In this how-to video, This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey shows you how to install a utility sink
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.
How To Glue PVC Pipe
Follow our how-to guide to safely glue, install, and care for PVC pipe for your at home plumbing project needs
Before You Buy a Bath Sink
With more materials and styles than ever, bath sinks have never looked better. Here's what you need to know before you buy.
The Complete Hot Water Heater Buying Guide
Water heaters are easy to ignore until they stop working. Use this step-by-step guide to buy a new one if you need to replace yours.
How To Install a Toilet
This Old House's recommended method for installing a new toilet or replacing an old one quickly and safely.
How To Install a Pedestal Sink
Plumbing expert Richard Trethewey shows you how to install a pedestal sink to save space in small bathrooms.
Fixing a Leaky Toilet
Put an end to the gurgles, ripples, and hissing.
How to Stop Your Toilet from Sweating
Dry out your bathroom or install a sweat valve—a little warm water will keep the exterior of your toilets dry all summer long.
How to Fix a Leaking Toilet
Here’s why your toilet might be leaking at the base and how to fix it to prevent costly structural damage.
Fixing a Leaky Faucet
How to stop that steady drip, drip, drip
Aligning PVC Pipe Parts
Pro tips for achieving the perfect joint
Adding Sink Shutoff Valves
Adding a sink shutoff valve is a simple and inexpensive DIY project. Read this guide to learn how to attach straight and angle-stop valves.