Hot Plumbing & Electric Posts
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: 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: Replace old ceiling fans with newer kid-friendly fixtures
Are your ceiling fans wobbling too much? Making more noise than you can stand? Seem unsafe? Are boring your kids? Then it's time to upgrade to a newer ceiling fan, but don't worry— you can easily DIY it! This video will show you the step-by-step procedure for removing your old ceiling fans and installing new kid-friendly ones. This added (and functional) fixture will help cool your house while adding a fun decorative touch to your home. They're great for kids!
How To: Replace (or install) a brand new toilet in your bathroom
You're in drastic need of a new toilet, but you're scared of the cost of installation— don't worry, you can install it yourself with absolute ease. You don't need a plumber for this at all. It's actually one of the easiest home repairs you can DIY, right alongside a leaky faucet. This step-by-step tutorial will show you the whole process of removing your old "crap" toilet and install a bright, shiny new one. You'll need a putty knife, tape measure, crescent wrench, gloves and wax ring.
How To: Replace (or install) a widespread bathroom faucet
If your bathroom faucet is old and leaky, it may be time for a replacement. But don't worry about expensive installation cost, because you can install it yourself! It's one of the easiest home maintenance repairs possible. Chrysten Cotney shows you the step-by-step DIY process of successfully tearing out an old faucet and installing a new one. You'll need an adjustable wrench, some plumber's putty and a roll of teflon tape.
How To: Replace a faucet washer
In this tutorial, we learn how to replace a faucet washer. To start, you will first need to prepare this by turning off the water to your faucet completely. Then, you will turn on the faucet to make sure no more water is coming out. After this, remove the headgear from the faucet. You can do this with a screwdriver and a wrench. After everything is removed, replace the faucet washer with a new one. From here, you will place the parts back on in the same way you removed them. When finished, tu...
How To: Install a toilet bowl for your bathroom
In this tutorial we learn how to install a toilet bowl for your bathroom. First you will apply the ring around the bottom of the toilet and on the floor where the toilet base will go. Apply plumbers wax to make sure this is sealed. Then, flip the toilet over and line up the holes. After this, slowly let it down and push it when you know the holes are in place. Next, you can push down and screw the bolts onto the base of the toilet. When finished, you will be able to connect the water and get ...
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: Fit a dry lining back box
In this tutorial, we learn how to fit a dry lining back box. This is very easy to install, and the sides will grip the wires on your light. First, determine where you want your switch, then mark a quick line using a sturdy level. Next, you will cut out a hole in the wall the size of the box. After this, push the box into the wall. Then, you can add in the light switch to the box and secure it with the wires that are inside. This will finish up this project, just make sure the wires are place ...
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: 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: Use an electric tester to test wires
In this video we learn how to use an electric tester to test wires. You will first need to purchase a voltage tester that runs on double a batteries. When you press it the end will turn green and you are ready to use it. Test it out by pushing it into a plug you know works and see if it turns red and starts to beep. If you own a home or are renovating this can help you out a lot if you don't have switches around. You can place the tester on a wire to find out if it's on and then become safer ...
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: Change a circuit breaker
In this video, we learn how to change a circuit breaker. First, turn the main breaker off so there is no running electricity. Then, go to the meter area around your circuit breaker system. With these, there will be wires running all around the entire system. With most breakers, you can pull them right out from where they clip in. There will be a wire connected to this which you can remove. Do this, and then connect the wire to the new breaker. Snap this back into place and make sure it's secu...
How To: Replace an electrical light switch
In this video we learn how to replace an electrical light switch. First, turn the power off in your home. Then, remove the screws around the switch exposing the wires. Confirm that they are dead with a tester, then you can get started removing. Wrap electrical tape around the wires and then label them with what they were connected to. Tear this out of the terminals, then replace the new one with the wires hanging out. Make sure you place the wires back into the same terminals as before, using...
How To: Install a vanity and sink with Lowe's
In this video, we learn how to install a vanity and sink with Lowe's. A great way to give your bathroom a makeover is to give it a new vanity and sink. First, turn off the water from the water line, then take down the pipes from under the sink. Use a bucket to catch extra water that's falling out. Next, separate the top from the base and then remove the old vanity. Remove the old base unit from the bathroom and then install the new vanity. Measure out the area to make sure it will fit. Place ...
How To: Fit a toilet seat correctly
In this tutorial, we learn how to fit a toilet seat correctly. First, take your seat off of the hinges where it is at on your toilet. After this, take a look at the hinges that are on it and see how large they are compared to the ones that rest behind the seat. You will want to now replace the hinges with ones that fit more properly. Now, when you sit on the toilet seat you shouldn't have any more issues with it. Make sure you screw the bolts back in tightly so it doesn't come off when you mo...
How To: Install a sink-mounted boiling hot water dispenser in your home
How convenient are those boiling-hot water taps they have at some hotels and restaurants for coffee-making and such? It's not too hard to install one in your own home, and this video will teach you step-by-step how to do it yourself.
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: Install a Delta Electronics Breez Humidity Sensor Exhaust Fan in a bathroom
This video could very well apply to most bathroom exhaust fans, but this video specifically installs the Delta Electronics Breez Humidity Sensor Exhaust Fan, Model VFB25AEH (130 CFM). With this video, you'll learn the DIY approach to installing one of these exhaust fans in your bathroom, along with removing the old junk one. An upgraded bathroom fan can help eliminate the dangers of moisture, mildew and mold within your bathroom areas. Milan Rosan shows you the complete installation process. ...
How To: Figure out why your water pipes are noisy and fix them
Plumbing is best left to plumbers. The results of DIY plumbing are almost always disastrous. However, with the help of this video, you can do a little self-plumbing by diagnosing the cause of your noisy pipes. The video also explains, in general terms, how to fix each type of noisy pipe.
How To: Fix a leaky toilet with basic steps
Is there toilet water all over the floor and you have no idea why? It could be a leak toilet, which is pretty common if you have faulty supply lines, or the wax rings have worn out. But don't worry, you don't need to call a plumber to ease your woes, in this video you will learn how to fix your leaky toilet with a few household tools and some extra knowledge!
How To: Replace and install a kitchen faucet with Lowe's
In this tutorial, we learn how to replace and install a kitchen faucet with Lowe's. Start out and check to see how many pipes you have underneath your faucet. After this, purchase your new faucet and all of the parts that go along with it. Once you have all of these, turn off your water and remove your old faucet. You will need to use screwdrivers and wrenches to remove the handles and the rest of the faucet parts. Once you have this done, insert in your new faucet and all of the appropriate ...
How To: Replace and install a toilet with Lowe's
In this tutorial, we learn how to replace and install a toilet with Lowe's. To get started, you will first need to turn off the water to your home, then take measurements around the toilet. Next, remove the top of the tank, then flush the toilet and remove excess water. After this, remove the water from the bowl using a sponge or towel. When finished, disconnected the water supply line and drain the water into a bucket. Now, leave the tank connected to the bowl and remove the bowl caps. Loose...
How To: Install exterior motion-sensor lights with Lowe's
In this tutorial by Lowe's, we learn how to install exterior motion-sensor lights with Lowe's. First, you will need to pick out what kind of motion sensor light you want. Most of the kits you purchase will come equipped with all the things you need, you will just need to supply the hardware. You will need: a screwdriver, circuit tester, electrical tape, silicone caulk, work gloves, and safety glasses. Open up the package and find the directions inside of it. After this, turn off the electrici...
How To: Install LED lighting under kitchen cabinets
Want to illuminate your kitchen into perfection? Perfection doesn't cost a ton of money, and doesn't require a skilled electrician for installation. If you have a yearning for LED lighting in your kitchen, this video will show you the easy process of installing it on and under cabinets, controlled by only one switch. You'l need a LED power supply, stick LED, tape LED, and some other lights. This video is specifically for Hera lighting, but if you're using other LED lights, the process could w...
News: Would You Climb the Empire State Building for a Paycheck?
Back in 2000, photographer Vincent Laforet scaled the Empire State building, a 1250 foot journey that would make me wet my pants.
How To: Replace or upgrade your home's kitchen faucet with tips from Lowe's
The kitchen is probably one of the most-used rooms in your house, and the faucet can take a lot of abuse. Maybe it's worn out and drippy, or maybe you just want to upgrade your look. Replacing your kitchen faucet is a job you can do, and Lowe's is going to show you how.
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: 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: Determine if your toilet tank's flapper is faulty with tips from Lowe's
This video is about your magical bathroom device— the toilet. The toilet is a thing that sees a lot of use in the house, and problems can arise from time to time. One of the biggest bathroom issues is a toilet that runs on after flushing, or starts running or flushing by itself. It's a possessed porcelain poltergeist. Lowe's knows that's this problem can really run up your water bill, and they have some advice to stop that leaky toilet.
How To: Measure the amps of an electrical circuit with a multi-meter
Measuring the amperage, or number of amps, in an electrical circuit requires a tool called a multi-meter. They are somewhat difficult to use, but fortunately for you this video explains in great detail how multi-meters work and what you need to do to ensure that they work. The creator tests the amperage of a power drill batter as an example.
How To: Cut and glue PVC pipes for sump pump system installations
This video from Basement Watchdog will help you with cutting and gluing the PVC (Polyvinyl chloride) pipes for their sump pump systems (backup or primary or combo), but this video also applies to all applications where PVC conduit is needed. Learn how to saw a pipe in a straight line, prime pipes, attach pipes to connectors and more.
How To: Install a Basement Watchdog battery backup sump pump system
Having a backup sump pump is integral in making sure your basement is always protected from water, and if you have the Basement Watchdog battery backup sump pump system, this video will show you the complete installation procedure. Find out how to build a pipe connection to the discharge pipe, install check valves, connect to the backup system and more.
How To: Install a Basement Watchdog AC-powered sump pump system
A sump pump is a necessity for most homeowners with basements, and if you've just gotten yourself a Basement Watchdog AC sump pump, this video will show you how to install it. This is a full sump pump, AC-powered, that you can install in your basement, either as a first time sump pump or a replacement sump pump. Find out how to remove the old sump pump, prevent air locks, insert the AC pump and connect it to the discharge pipe correctly.
How To: Install a Basement Watchdog combo (primary and backup power) sump pump system
If you want to make sure your sump pump is always working properly, a backup battery would be a good idea. But Basement Watchdog actually makes a combination sump pump power system that controls you primary (AC) power and has a backup battery (DC) for emergencies. This video shows you how to install the complete combo sump pump system to make sure the flooding never starts. Find out how to assess the sump pit, install the combo system, connect the sump pump to the standby battery and more. Ke...
How To: Fill a Basement Watchdog sump pump backup battery with initial fluid
For some homeowners, having a backup battery for their sump pump is important for making sure a loss of power doesn't cause a flood in the basement. And if you have yourself a standard new Basement Watchdog sump pump battery backup, before you can use it, you have to fill it up with the right amount of fluid. These batteries do not come with the fluid already inside, because it lessens the life of the battery. This video will show you the precautions and methods you should take in filling eac...
How To: Use a voltage multimeter to check for faulty circuit breakers
Checking your circuit breaker is so easy, a cave man could do it! (I smell a lawsuit) With this easy to follow video, you'll learn how to check the voltage with a multimeter to determine if there is a problem regarding your circuit breaker.
How To: Change a shower head and install a hand shower system
If you've been thinking about replacing your old shower head with a new model, or maybe even adding a hand shower, you'll be glad to know it's a pretty simple process. To replace the shower head, you don't even have to shut off the water supply. You just twist off the old one, replace the thread tape and twist on the new one. The hand shower system is a little more complicated, but Lowe's and Delta show you how.
How To: Install a new Delta single handle bathroom faucet and pop-up
Once you've removed your old faucet, it's time to install the new one. Many single handle faucets allow you to install them as either a single-hole mount or as a three-hole mount using an escutcheon plate, which fits into the two outside holes. This video from Lowe's and Delta shows you how to install the faucet with the three-hole mount. You'll need a channel lock pliers, adjustable wrench, thread seal tape, silicone caulk and a wrench.