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: Troubleshoot a toilet that won't flush the easy way
Learn how to troubleshoot a toilet that won't flush at your home in simple steps. First lift the lid and check whether the float ball is broken or touching the sides. Bend it a little if its touching the sides or replace it if its leaking or broken. Now check condition of the flapper valve and replace it if needed. Now check the handle, if its loose tighten the screw inside to fix it. Finally check the chain and replace it if broken or correct it to the right tension to lift the valve.
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: 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: Use PTFE tape (Teflon tape) on threads
PTFE, which stands for polytetrafluoroethylene, is a synthetic fluoropolymer of tetrafluoroethylene, most commonly known as Teflon. Teflon tape is a very thin, white tape used to wrap around the threaded ends of pipes to improve the watertightness of a joint. Though PTFE tape is fairly common thing to use, not many people know how to actually use it properly, or where to use it. A lot use it on compression joints, but you really don't need to unless it leaks. You would use it on a radiator va...
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.
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: 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: 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: Replace the washer in your shower faucet to stop a leak
Before you pull out your phone book (okay, pull up your laptop and start up Google) to find a number for a handyman, why not attempt to fix your broken shower faucet yourself? Yeah, we know it's kind of annoying to find your tool box and remove your entire shower faucet unit, but it's actually quite easy to fix a basic leak in your shower.
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.
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: Repair a leaky Delta faucet by replacing the seats and springs
Lowe's brings you this video about how to fix your leaky faucet. More specifically, how to fix your Delta bathroom faucet. A leaking and dripping faucet could be a sign for bad seats and springs, so watch and learn how to replace them. You'll need an 1/8" allen wrench, needlenose pliers, channel locks, screwdriver, and replacement parts.
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: Recharge an expansion vessel in a combination boiler
The expansion vessel, or expansion tank, is the small tank used in closed hot water heating systems that helps to absorb water pressure. Sometimes, though, your expansion vessel will stop working and will need to be either recharged or replaced.
How To: Flush the lines on a Delta kitchen faucet to stop unwanted noises
One of the main causes of noise in a kitchen faucet (when turned on or off) is from obstructed lines. And the only way to stop the noise is by flushing them. Lowe's brings you this video from Delta on just that: flushing your Delta kitchen faucet to silence the noise. You'll need a cloth, towel, 1/8" allen wrench, adjustable wrench, bucket or mixing bowl, white vinegar, channel lock pliers, screwdriver and an extra set of hands.
How To: Cap off a water pipe
Watch this video to learn how to cap off a water pipe with a push fit fitting within seconds. Useful for when you absolutely have to cut a pipe.
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: 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: Unclog a sink in the bathroom or kitchen
In this Home & Garden video tutorial you will learn how to unclog a sink in the bathroom or kitchen. It's extremely simple. Put a bowl under the U joint. Unscrew the plunger rod located under the sink and pull it out. Then remove the sink blocker and remove any dirt from inside the pipe. Now unscrew the PVC U joint at both ends and remove it. This can be done with your hands. Most of the time this part is clogged. Clean it up. Then clean up the pipe coming down from the sink. Look from top an...
How To: Unclog your kitchen sink
It can be pretty nasty when your kitchen sink gets clogged. The kitchen is an easy sink to clog up - food, trash and tons of other junk can get caught in the delicate drain. In this 90 second tutorial, learn how to unclog that sink and get things running smoothly again.
How To: Replace a GFI outlet & how it works
GFI stands for Ground Fault Interrupter and is used in areas that have water. The first thing you should do before replacing anything electrical is shut off the power in the area you are working. When you remove the old outlet, you will notice a series of wires going into the bottom of the outlet and a series of wires coming out of the top. What is happening here is that the power is coming in from the bottom and then going out through the top. The reason for this is if something trips the fa...
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: 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: Fix a slow-filling (or no-filling) toilet tank with tips from Lowe's
Lowe's talks about a common toilet problem in this video tutorial about a slow-filling toilet. Most toilet tanks should refill within a three-minute timespan, depending upon the water pressure in your area. If it's taking longer than that, or if it isn't refilling at all, remedy the problem with these simple steps.
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 a toilet water inlet valve
In this video we learn how to install a toilet water inlet valve. First, turn the water off and flush the toilet to get rid of the water in the system. From here, pull out the flush valve by turning it clockwise and lifting it. Then, grab your new valve and replace it where the old one was. Clean around the area and replace any other parts that you need to inside the tank. Once finished, you can turn the water back on. Now try to flush your toilet to make sure that it works. It should be good...
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: Reseal a shower stall using silicone
Cracks in your shower, if left untreated, can wreak untold water damage. Fortunately, this video tutorial presents an easy-to-follow guide to resealing a shower stall using silicone. For detailed, step-by-step instructions, and to get started repairing your own shower, watch this handy home DIY video tutorial.
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: Install a kitchen faucet in a granite countertop
Ask the Builder host Tim Carter demonstrates how to install a kitchen faucet in some granite countertop around your sink. Putting in your own kitchen faucet isn't as hard as you think. This video walks you through hooking up the waterlines and a veggie sprayer.
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: 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: Fix a running old style fill valve toilet
This Home & Garden video shows you how to replace a running old style fill valve toilet with something more modern. Shut the supply line to the toilet and flush to remove the water from the tank. Then remove the supply line. Now take a wrench and loosen the plastic nut of the old fill valve located under the tank. Then lift the old valve and keep it aside. Take a 'flow master', which is a new type fill valve, place it in the same spot and hand tighten the nut under the tank to hold the flow m...
How To: Repair a ceramic disc tap
There is nothing more irritating than a dripping tap; it wastes water, makes those nasty marks on your sink, and that constant drip dripping noise can drive you mad. Luckily it's an easy job to fix. If you have one of these modern, easy-to-turn-on taps, it's likely the ceramic-disc inside will need replacing. Watch this video tutorial to learn how to repair a ceramic disc tap yourself.
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: Fix a weak-flushing toilet with flapper problems with tips from Lowe's
Normally, when you press the lever on your toilet in your bathroom, you expect it to flush, but sometimes your toilet just won't flush completely, or you have to hold the lever down to get it to work. Lowe's tells you that the problem might be the flapper, and they show you how to fix it.
How To: Clean and replace an aerator on a faucet or filer screen on a shower head
The aerator on your faucet serves a very important function: by adding air bubbles, it helps to fuse the water and give it a softer feel. It also helps reduce the amount of water you use. So if you're faucet's water stream is acting funny (like a drop in pressure), it might be time to either clean or replace your aerator. If you're having trouble with your shower head, too, a little vinegar might do the trick.
How To: Wire a single pole light switch
Before working on any circuit in your house, make sure you turn the light off at the circuit breaker and then test it at the switch. Use 14-2 wire which has two insulated wires, a white and a black, and a bare copper wire which is used for grounding. First you run a 14-2 wire from the main circuit panel into the switch box. Then run a 14-2 wire from the switch to the light bulb. The black wire from the main circuit panel gets attached to one of the poles on the switch. The black from the 14-2...
How To: Cut plastic push-fit pipe
In this video, we learn how to cut plastic push-fit pipe. Make sure you never use a hack saw to cut the push-fit pipe because it can damage the O-ring in the connector. What you need is a pair of dedicated plastic pipe cutters. Once you have this, put your pipe in the middle of the cutters and then push down on the handles. After this, your will cut the pipe and it will com out nice and clean. From here you will be able to fit a connector into the pipe and continue to use it rather than ruini...
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