How To: Replace a toilet ballcock with a fill valve
Most older toilets have older-style fish and ballcock for toilets. But they are prone to fault, like running and constant water. Replacing them with a newer-style fill valve will save water and frustration now and later on. Watch this plumbing video tutorial to learn how to replace a toilet ballcock with a fill valve. It's a little more efficient and it's pretty straightforward, so see how to replace your valve!
How To: Install a leak-free faucet with a plastic supply tube
Tim Carter, of Ask the Builder, shows the easiest way to install a leak-free faucet at home with some plumbing fittings.
How To: Swap an old ceiling rose with a modern light fixture
Modernize your home with a new ceiling light fixture. That old, traditional ceiling rose with the decorative chandelier or light fitting might just not look right anymore, with all of your modern furniture and appliances. The best thing… replace it.
How To: Join copper pipe without solder using "Just for Copper" pipe glue
Tired of soldering? Well, there's a solder-less solution to joining pipes together. Check out this handy video tutorial on how to join copper pipe with "Just For Copper" pipe glue. Just For Copper is a solderless bonding solution for copper pipes and fittings. This is very useful in areas where a blowtorch cannot be used.
How To: Replace the ballcock valve to stop your toilet moaning
Are you tired of having to listen to your toilet moan all the time? Toilets are like children, they should be seen and not heard. If you've got a moaning toilet, you need to replace the ballcock valve. Watch this video to learn how to do this toilet repair without making a mess.
How To: Get rid of that smell coming from your shower
In this tutorial, we learn how to get rid of that smell coming from your shower with Bob Schmidt. First, you will want to clean out your drain pipes to make sure the smell is not coming from there. If the smell is coming back out, you will need to do additional work. If water gets saturated into the base of the shower, then there should be some gravel around it so the water can soak through and go down into the drain pipe. If moisture soaks through the tile grout, then it can bring out the se...
How To: Remove the plunger rod when unclogging a sink
In this video you will see how to remove the plunger rod when unclogging a sink. To unclog a sink drain, remove the bent portion the drain and clear it out. Normally something or the other gets stuck inside it causing the clog. Also check out both ends of the other pipes. The plunger to your sink is attached by a little rod. Slide the little catch off the rod; remember which hole it is on so that you put it back correctly later on. Then take pliers and loosen the plastic nut gently and pull t...
How To: Unclog your shower drain
In this video from prohandymanlv we learn how to unclog a shower drain. Often people with long hair will have this problem as it falls out and combines with oils and shampoos to form a ball of blockage in the drain. Use gloves when working with drains. First remove the shower strainer. If you don't have the tools to grab the clog, use long screwdrivers. If it's deeper, a zippet will work. Stick it down the drain and it will grab the clog. He actually can see the clog when he unclogs this drai...
How To: Identify the switched live wire in a lighting circuit
Before undertaking any electrical project, it is imperative that you know precisely what it is you're doing and to keep in mind that electricity can kill. With that said, this electrical tutorial presents a guide to identifying the switched live wire on a lighting circuit and also explains how to rewire a ceiling rose. For detailed, step-by-step instructions on completing this home project, take a look.
How To: Cut a machine screw without damaging the threads
Every electrician knows you have to cut a screw every now and then to make it fit. But do they do it properly? Most will probably just use their linesman's or dikes, but using your wire strippers equipped with screw cutting is the proper way. Watch this video tutorial to see how to cut a machine screw without damaging the threads. An electrical screw or machine screw can be easily cut with a pair of electricians pliers. Cutting metric screws this way means that the thread will not be damaged ...
How To: Use push-fit joints on copper pipe
Copper pipe is perhaps the most versatile of all piping types in that you can use virtually any fitting with it. Copper pipe, however, is not particularly flexible, which can make it a little unwieldy to work with. Simplify your copper piping projects by using push-fit fittings. This home plumbing video tutorial shows you how. For detailed, step-by-step instructions on using push-fit joints in your copper plumbing projects, take a look.
How To: Replace a pull string light fixture
Watch this video to learn how to change a pull chain light switch.
How To: Remove and change out a hose bib (threaded faucet)
If you want to replace a hose bib outside of your house make sure you take a look at this guide to learn what tools to use and how to prepare. For example, you will need to make sure you turn off the water in your home beforehand. So grab a crescent wrench and a set of pliers and install your new hose bib.
Shortcut: Fix a Wiggly Wall Outlet
Normally the idea of messing with an electrical outlet makes me squirm, but Apartment Therapy's quick fix for a loose wall outlet means skipping out on a costly electrician bill. Not only is a wiggly wall outlet unsightly, but it can also be a fire hazard. The solution is simple:
How To: Remove a shower stall and replace it with a new one
You can't go scrub-a-dub in the tub - at least not comfortably so - if your shower faucet is leaking, or if your current tub valve is stuck and not letting any shower water come through. If your shower is broken beyond repair then your best plan of action is to take the whole thing out and reinstall your shower stall. We know this big - and potentially disasterous - procedure has been parodied many a time on popular TV sitcoms, but it's actually realizable if you're careful and follow the ste...
How To: Install or move a shower valve
This two part video show you how to remove an old shower valve, preparation and installation of a new shower valve. Also, you'll see how to clean, cut and connect copper plumbing pipes. Don't forget to watch part two and always make sure to shut off the water main first!
How To: Fit an external expansion vessel into a boiler
An expansion vessel is a small tank used in water heating systems that performs the important job of absorbing excessive water pressure. If the expansion vessel in your plumbing is not working, you could call up the plumber and get it fixed - for a very huge sum.
How To: Connect flexi-tails properly
In this video, we learn how to connect flexi-tails properly. First, take your flexi-tails and grab one with a female end that will screw onto the end of a male. After this, use an isolating valve to fit the compression onto the valves and then tighten it up. Screw the flexible tail onto the end of this. Be careful buying this off Ebay, because a lot of fittings will not screw onto a compression knot. It is very simple to make this, you just have to connect the two tails and make sure they are...
How To: Install a three way Lutron Diva dimmer switch
If you're looking to set a mood with your significant other or are trying to find a way to limit how much light you have, dimmer switches are the way to go. They're easy to use and are perfect for anybody who likes to have different lighting options available to them. This video will show you how to install a three way dimmer switch from scratch. When installing be aware that you need to turn off the electricity before doing so, otherwise you may be electrocuted. Be careful and good luck!
How To: Use copper push-fit fittings to connect piping
Follow this video to learn how to use copper push-fit fittings to connect piping. 1. Sometimes we connect pipes by means of push-fit fittings which are not very appealing to look at since they are of a different color and material and so do not match with the pipe. However a good alternative is to choose copper push-fit fittings rather than plastic ones. Copper push-fit fittings would be similar to the pipe itself. 2. Open the pipe and ensure that it is clean before fixing the fitting by simp...
How To: Caulk a bathroom sink like a professional
Cut out the old caulk with a utility knife. Trim along the sink where the old caulk was located. Scrape out stubborn caulk with a putty knife or a paint scraper.
How To: Wire a Type G electrical plug
The Type G plug is the standard plug in the United Kingdom, usually 230V and 50Hz, and is referred to as the BS1363 (British Standards 1363). It's most commonly referred to as the "13-amp plug" because it has a 13-amp fuse inside. The wires consist of a hot (or live) wire, neutral wire, and an earth (or ground) wire.
How To: Fix a leaking radiator valve
Like taps, radiators can develop leaks. Fortunately, these are usually really easy to fix. If you are not sure how to fix a leaking radiator valve, watch this video tutorial to learn how.
How To: Unclog a backed up kitchen sink
Tim Carter of AsktheBuilder.com demonstrates a few simple ways to unclog a household sink. Watch and learn!
How To: Create a underground wire tunnel
Tim Carter of Ask the Builder, demonstrates how to drill a hole under a sidewalk, driveway or walkway so you can install an underground wire.
How To: Fix a sweating toilet tank with This Old House
Watch this video from This Old House to learn how to fix a sweating toilet. Steps:
How To: Change a water heater anode rod with This Old House
Watch this video from This Old House to learn how to change your water heater anode rod. Steps:
How To: Install a gas line for a propane generator
In this two part video, Big Tony The Plumber shows you how to install a gas line for a propane generator.
How To: Cut through hard to reach PVC pipe with a simple nylon string
Have a PVC pipe that's in an awkward position and you're having a hard time reaching it to cut it? This video demonstrates that cutting a PVC pipe is as simple as wrapping a nylon string around it. Now you can cut through a PVC pipe without a saw or knife.
How To: Adjust the float cup/ball height in your toilet tank to save water
Trim down your water bill and do the planet a favor by adjusting the water height in your toilet tank. The Fluidmaster's float cup on the fill valve can easily be adjusted to set water height in the cistern, just by fine-tuning the water level adjustment clip. This process is very similar for regular fill valves, too, with float balls instead of float cups. All you need to do is hit the sweet spot—the lowest water height needed to properly flush the toilet.
How To: Solder copper pipe for use in plumbing
Take on the challenge of home plumbing repair- how else are you going to get an excuse to use a blowtorch? Watch this video to learn how to solder, or "sweat", copper pipe. Make simple plumbing repairs a breeze by learning the basics.
How To: Replace or install a vanity light in your bathroom
You're so vain, you probably think this how-to video is about you! You can update the look of your bathroom by simply replacing the vanity light above your sink in the bathroom. This video shows the simple step-by-step process required to replace or install a bathroom vanity light.
How To: Replace or install a hand shower in your bathroom
Bring the luxury of a hand held shower head into your home. Follow the step-by-step instructions in this video to learn how to install a hand help shower head unit in your bathroom. It doesn't take many tools or much time!
How To: Install recessed lighting in your home
If your home needs a makeover, why not take things into your hands instead of waiting around for some reality TV pretty boy? This video shows you how to install recessed lighting, a sleek look for any room in the house.
How To: Install a new programmable thermostat
If you are concerned about your electric bill, you might want to take control by installing a programmable thermostat. This will allow you to manage the temperature- and amount of electricity being used- in your home. The installation is simple and requires almost no tools.
How To: Replace and install a pendant lighting fixture
Bring a touch of elegance into your home with a gorgeous pendant lighting fixture. Lighting is one of the easiest ways to dramatically transform the atmosphere in your living space. Whether its an apartment of a house, pendant lighting fixtures make for a stylish home.
How To: Use the Atmos meter bypass tool to hook up a methane tank for gas supply
If you are interested in hooking up and using a bypass tool to incorporate a methane tank in your supply gas system, watch this video and follow the instructions. This video demonstrates how you can use the Atmos meter bypass tool.
How To: Build a walk-in shower step by step
Most of us would love reclining into a steaming, soothing bath of warm water with a glass of champagne and a good romance novel, but let's face it: With all that we have to do these days, we're lucky if we have ten full minutes in the bathroom to ourselves.
How To: Repair a leaking pipe caused by a loose washer
Drip, drip, drip. Other than maybe a fly buzzing around your head in concentric circles, a leaky pipe is possibly the most annoying thing you can hear in the middle of the night when you're trying to get some sleep. Thankfully, though, a leaky pipe is one of the easiest plumbing problems to fix all by your onesies.
How To: Install the shower base and connect it to the drain
Before you whip out your iPhone and call your neighborhood plumber for a job that's sure to cost you a pretty penny, check out this video to learn how to do some impressive plumbing yourself. Using a few tools you probably already have lying around your house, you'll learn how to install a shower base in your shower unit and then connect it with the drain - effectively, you'll be setting up a plumbing system.