Plumbing
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.
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.
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 Keep Your Garbage Disposal Running Smoothly
In this guide, we show you how to keep your garbage disposal running smoothly and what items you should never put down it.
Tips for Controlling Plumbing Emergencies
These tips for controlling plumbing emergencies can help you tackle common plumbing problems, from leaky faucets to frozen pipes.
How Much Does Plumbing Cost?
Your home’s plumbing works hard to keep your home a comfortable and clean place to live. Usually, it’s well worth hiring a professional plumber to fix problems with pipes, drains, and fixtures.
5 Best Water Test Kits (2024 Guide)
Having safe, clean water is essential for any home. In this review, our Reviews Team researched the five best water test kits on the market today to help you find the product that’s right for your household.
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 To Use a Plunger
Learn how to pick out the best plunger and use it properly when you encounter a clog in the bathroom.
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.
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.
Preventative Measures to Stop a Septic System from Freezing
Frozen water pipes are bad enough, but a frozen septic system is worse. Here’s how you can avoid this wintertime nightmare.
Best Reverse Osmosis Systems (2024 Guide)
A reverse osmosis system gives you clean water without relying on tap or bottled water. In this review, our team evaluates the best reverse osmosis systems available today.
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.
How To Fit Copper Pipes
Explore different methods for making solid, watertight connections between copper pipes—both with and without solder—in this guide.
Celebrating Craftsmanship: Soldering Basics
Learn important soldering techniques from plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey as he explains how to connect copper piping.
Septic Tanks: A Comprehensive Guide for Homeowners
If your home has a septic tank, this is everything you need to know about your septic system, from installation to pumping.
Step by Step Guide for How to Remove a Bathtub Drain
If you’re looking to replace an old bathtub drain, it’s not difficult to do the job yourself. Read these steps to learn more.
How To Prevent Flooding in an Upstairs Laundry Room
Ask This Old House plumbing and heating expert, Richard Trethewey, explains how to prevent flooding in an upstairs laundry room.
Installing a Dishwasher in an Old Kitchen
In this DIY Smarts, Ask This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey and carpenter Nathan Gilbert team up to help a homeowner retrofit a new dishwasher into an old kitchen.
Got Water in Your Crawl Space? Here’s How to Fix It
If you have water leaking into your crawl space, it’s important to address the issue quickly, as it could have serious effects on your home and health.
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.
Well Pump Cost and Installation Guide
The well pump is an integral part of your well system, feeding water into your home for use on a daily basis. In this article, we explain the steps you need to take to repair or replace your broken well pump.
Best Sump Pumps (2024 Guide)
Sump pumps keep your home from flooding by pumping ground water out of your basement or crawl space. In this review, we take a look at the best sump pumps on the market, discuss various features, and answer common sump pump questions.
How to Move Baseboard Heating
Ask This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey helps a homeowner by moving a hot water baseboard heater from one side of a room to another.
Home Inspection Nightmares | Untamed Roof
The Ask This Old House crew share more Home Inspection Nightmares with Kevin O’Connor including some wild growth on a roof and chimney and an over-caulked plumbing fix.
How To Pump Water Out Of Your Basement
Flooding in your basement can damage belongings and your foundation. Follow this quick guide to learn how to pump water out of your basement.
Step by Step Guide to How to Snake a Clogged Toilet
If your clogged toilet can't be fixed with a plunger, don't panic. Another tool can help you address the problem — a toilet snake.
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.
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.
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.
Preventing Leaks and Losses in the Utility Room
Utility rooms are loaded with pipes and fittings and tanks—and plenty of opportunities for water leaks. TOH plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey meets up with a Travelers forensic engineer to show homeowners what to look for to help prevent leak-induced corrosion that can lead to costly damage down the road.