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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: Fix a leaky, dripping bathroom faucet
DYI-FYI #57 teaches you how to fix a leaky faucet in this video. First, have to distinguish if the water drips from the tap or from the handle. If the water is leaking form the tap you need a new washer; if it drips from the handle you need a new o-ring. First, turn the water off using the valves under the sink. Next, drain the faucet by turning it on of course and grab a towel to place in the sink to prevent scratching while you work! Next, you'll have to remove the decorative topping to rev...
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: 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: Convert a 3 handle tub & shower valve to 1 handle
If you are looking to update the look of your bathroom, or just want a nicer, cleaner looking tub, watch this video and learn how to convert your three handle tub and shower valve into a one handle tub and shower 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: 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: 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: Install a new single handle Delta kitchen faucet with Diamond Seal Technology
These days, faucets are incredibly easy to install (removing old faucets is the hard part). And if you have a Delta brand single handle kitchen faucet with DIAMOND seal technology, this video will show you the steps to installing it. This is also very similar to other brands of single-handle faucets. This video from Lowe's and Delta will help you with your installation. You'll need a screwdriver, adjustable wrench and allen wrench.
How To: Replace an outdoor electrical plug and cover
If you're interested in replacing your existing outdoor outlet and cover because of cosmetic reasons or safety reasons, this tutorial should help.
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: 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: Flare the end of soft copper tubing
Tim Carter of Ask the Builder demonstrates how to flare the end of soft copper tubing to produces leak-proof joints. Tim explains how soft copper can be bent without kinking. Great video with minimal use of tools.
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: 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: Replace an old kitchen faucet with a new one
Replacing old kitchen faucets can be a great way to adding a new item that can be used to maximize your cleaning and cooking needs. This video tutorial shows you what it takes to replace an old existing kitchen faucet with a new one. It will also show you how to install shut-off valves underneath the sink as well. Enjoy! Replace an old kitchen faucet with a new one.
How To: Cut and join plastic pushfit pipes
Learn how to cut and join plastic pushfit piping using pushfit connectors and compression fittings. While plastic piping has its drawbacks and, depending on its application, actually be carcinogenic, it is, at least, very easy to work with. For step-by-step instructions on cutting and joining plastic pushfit pipes, watch this home plumbing tutorial.
How To: Easily unclog a kitchen sink
Prepare to get messy! In this helpful home tutorial, you'll be finding out how to unclog a kitchen sink. One of the most obvious reasons for a clogged sink is because if leftover food. But there are other things that can clog a pipe, so check out this tutorial on how to easily unclog you kitchen sink today. Good luck and enjoy!
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: Seal black iron pipe joints
Teflon tape or pipe dope can be used to create a seal on black iron pipe. Tim Carter of AsktheBuilder.com demonstrates how to do the job right and shares some helpful tips. This black iron pipe is used to transport natural gas to your furnace, water heater and stove. This pipe has threaded fittings at the connection point which need to be sealed with pipe dope or Teflon tape. Teflon tape should be wrapped onto the male end of the pipe in a clockwise direction. Pipe dope has the consistency of...
How To: Install a pot filler faucet in your kitchen
Tim Carter, of Ask the Builder, shows you how to install a pot filler faucet above a cook top in your kitchen, for a beautiful looking home.
How To: Create zones in a hot water system with This Old House
Watch this video from This Old House to learn how to create zones in a hot water system. Steps:
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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: Wire a combo switch outlet with constant power
Doing electrical work is one of the most intimidating tasks for a novice home repairman. But if you know what you're doing, the risk is pretty minimal. In this clip, Mark Donovan of HomeAdditionPlus.com shows us how wire a combo outlet with power.
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.
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