Plumbing & Electric — Plumbing & Electric « Plumbing & Electric

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 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: 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 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: 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 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: 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: 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: Make a Siphon Hose

Get the requirements You will need a plastic cap (from a bottle), PVC pipe, and a tube with a diameter not larger than the cap's.

How To: Clean a shower waste trap

Is your shower draining slowly? In this home plumbing tutorial, you'll learn how to clean and unblock a shower waste trap. For detailed, step-by-step instructions on the rather unpleasant business of clearing blockages in your shower, watch this how-to.

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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: Clean your shower drain properly

In this video Bob Schmidt shows you how to take care of a smell problem common to all showers.

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: 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: 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: 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 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: Install toilet seat hinges like a professional

Hub Kirkpatrick of HandymanTeacher teaches how to fix a loose toilet seat. He shows how to tighten the screws holding it down while holding on to the nut under it to make sure it tightens, and how to pop the covers back in place. Kirkpatrick also reminds us to be careful, as the screws are plastic and can easily break or strip out. Following these steps instead of calling a handyman will save you money for a few minutes of time.

How To: Easily install a toilet seat

In this tutorial, we learn how to easily install a toilet seat. First, unscrew and remove your previous toilet seat. Next, take the two plastic bolts and remove the nuts and washers. Then, install these into the proper spots in the seat. Then, flip the seat back over and slide the nuts into the appropriate hole on the toilet. Then, take the rubber fittings and slip them on the underside of the bolt. The tip of the rubber cone should point up. When finished, you will take the plastic nuts and ...

How To: Install a chandelier (and most decorative hanging light fixtures)

Gary Clark shows you what it takes to hang a beautiful new chandelier in your home, and believe it or not, the installation is simple! No matter what kind of hanging light fixture you're installing in your ceiling, the process is generally the same, where you first need to cut a hole in the drywall and run some wire to the panel. Then make sure you have a junction box that can support the weight of the fixture.

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.

How To: Change the fill valve and stop a leaky toilet

We’ve all had the problem of a toilet that just won’t stop running. You can fix this problem yourself with a few tools from the local hardware store. The part that is causing the excess running is an old fill tube and stopper valve. You will want to shut the water off to your toilet and then flush the toiled to drain out the water. You will have to unscrew the supply line so that you can replace the fill valve. The process only takes a few minutes and it will save you money from wasted water ...

How To: Repair a toilet tank

The video describes how to replace the fill valve, the rubber flapper, and an older plastic water fill line with a stainless steel one so that the toilet will no longer leak. Purchase a fill valve kit at your local hardware store before beginning. Start by turning water compression valve off, and then flushing the toilet to remove the water. Next, remove the fill valve by loosening the bottom, then top nut with a pair of pliers. Remove the plastic water fill line. Next, loosen the nut on the ...

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: Solder copper pipes

An inadequate soldering job, assuming it passes inspection, can cause leaks, corrosion and call-backs. But a quality soldering job done on copper piping can last a lifetime. For a look at professional soldering techniques for the plumbing craftsman, take a look at this two-part video tutorial series.

How To: Install Internet cable

Installing Internet cable is easy with these tips from AsktheBuilder.com host Tim Carter. Discover how to hook up computer Internet wiring in your home. Internet cable installation is a job you can do.

How To: Install an ice maker kit

Big Tony the plumber shows you how to install an ice maker kit. You can go to any home center to buy an ice maker kit. You need a little hack saw and a couple of wrenches.

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: 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 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: Repair a leaky faucet in the bathroom sink

If you can't stand that dripping sound any longer, have a look at this tutorial. In this video, learn exactly how to repair a leaky faucet in your bathroom sink. By repairing the leak yourself, not only will you save the time and money of hiring a plumber, you will also help the environment by conserving water.