Plumbing
Solve common plumbing issues like leaks and backups with do-it-yourself (DIY) fixes, maintenance tips, and tool recommendations.
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.
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.
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.
How To Fix a Wobbly Toilet
This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey helps a homeowner diagnose and repair a wobbly toilet.
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.
How to Install Handheld Shower Head
Follow these simple steps to replace your standard showerhead with one that’s more convenient, versatile, and luxurious.
How to Clear a Clogged Bathtub Drain
This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey shows how to fix a slow draining tub.
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.
How To Change a Bathroom Faucet
Need to replace your bathroom faucet? Check out our step-by-step guide on how to change your bathroom faucet and give your bathroom an updated look.
How to Install a Kitchen Sink
Interested in adding a new kitchen sink? We’ve created a 10-step guide on how to install a new kitchen sink like a pro. Read on to learn more.
How To Fix a Slow-Draining Tub
Dealing with a slow-draining shower or tub? Learn more about the causes of slow-draining issues and discover DIY methods to fix your drain quickly.
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.
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.
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.
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.
How To Retrofit Radiant Heating in a Bathroom
Ask This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey helps a homeowner install a radiant floor system in their bathroom.
How To Repair a Leaking Shower Valve
Learn how to repair a leaking shower valve or upgrade to a pressure-balanced valve in this guide from plumbing expert Richard Trethewey.
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.
Best Water Leak Detectors (2024 Guide)
Identify water leaks in your plumbing pipes before they cause major damage. In this guide, we look at today's best water leak detectors.
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How To Clean a Clogged Faucet Aerator
Follow our step-by-step guide to clear a clogged faucet aerator and restore your faucet’s water flow and pressure.
Why Does My Shower Drain Smell Like Rotten Eggs?
The smell of spoiled eggs doesn’t exactly bring to mind the thought of fresh, clean towels and a relaxing bath time experience. And no amount of candles can truly mask the odor. Luckily, there are ways to rid your bathroom of a shower drain that smells like rotten eggs. These are some of the easiest, most common methods for taking care of the problem.
How to Troubleshoot a Leaky Showerhead
Water coming out of a showerhead every time the tub fills can be annoying. Here’s a helpful way to troubleshoot the issue.
How to Install a Reserve Tank
Plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey installs a reserve tank so a homeowner can finally fill their tub with hot water for a relaxing bath.
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.
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.
Best Water Softeners (2025 Guide)
Water softeners are filtration systems that remove hard minerals from your water. In this review, I evaluate the best water softeners available.
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.
Water Storage Tanks: Types of Tanks and How They Work
Learn the types of water storage tanks found in home well-water systems, how they work, and what type you’ll need for your home.
Best Water Heaters
The water heater is key to a cush and functional home. In this review, we look at the best water heaters for every household and budget.
Best Tankless Water Heaters
Our guide to the best tankless water heaters compares the top models and provides guidance on how you can save space, money, and time.
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.
Understanding Bottle Traps
Plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey shows host Kevin O’Connor how to handle sink drains in tight places.
