Hot Plumbing & Electric Posts
How To: Help your friends and neighbors save money on energy
Spread the word: It's easy to reduce energy consumption! By sharing these tips, you'll help friends and family use less energy and save money.
How To: Stop pipes from freezing by applying insulator and caulk
About a quarter of a million homes sustain damage from broken pipes every winter. Here's how to avoid a similar fate. Watch this video to learn how to prevent pipes from freezing.
How To: Open slow or clogged drains with the Drain Claw
The number one culprit for a slow or clogged up water drain is hair. Check out this video tutorial to learn how to open slow or clogged drains with the Drain Claw. The Drain Claw is amazing at removing hair trapped in shower drains, bathtubs, and bath sinks. You don't need chemicals to get rid of all that hair, you just need the Drain Claw.
How To: Unclog a drain with a household hack
Retrieve anything you've dropped down the drain with this simple tip. No pipe wrenches or plumbers needed. Family Hack brings you this how to video on unclogging a drain using a vacuum cleaner!
How To: Lower your electric bill
Many ways to help the environment are costly, but using less electricity is one measure that will save you money. Learn how to lower your electric bill with this how to video.
How To: Install a new shower head
This video demonstrates how to install a new shower head. From the people who brought you the Dummies instructional book series, brings you the same non-intimidating guides in video form. Watch this video tutorial to learn how to install a new shower head, For Dummies.
How To: Unclog a faucet aerator
This video demonstrates how to unclog a faucet aerator. From the people who brought you the Dummies instructional book series, brings you the same non-intimidating guides in video form. Watch this video tutorial to learn how to unclog a faucet aerator, For Dummies.
How To: Replace ceiling light fixtures
This video demonstrates how to replace ceiling light fixtures. From the people who brought you the Dummies instructional book series, brings you the same non-intimidating guides in video form. Watch this video tutorial to learn how to replace ceiling light fixtures, For Dummies.
How To: Remove a Broken Light Bulb from the Socket
Use this safe and easy technique next time you need to replace a shattered light bulb. You Will Need
How To: Replace a standard switch with a dimmer switch
This video demonstrates how to replace a standard switch with a dimmer switch. From the people who brought you the Dummies instructional book series, brings you the same non-intimidating guides in video form. Watch this video tutorial to learn how to replace a standard switch with a dimmer switch, For Dummies.
How To: Replace a washer in a leaky faucet
This video demonstrates how to replace a washer in a leaky faucet. From the people who brought you the Dummies instructional book series, brings you the same non-intimidating guides in video form. Watch this video tutorial to learn how to replace a washer in a leaky faucet, For Dummies.
How To: Wrap a short electrical cord
Learn how to wrap a short electrical cord. Treat your power cords right, and make them last longer, by learning how to store them correctly.
How To: Replace an electrical outlet
If your old outlet has become so loose that a cord barely stays in place, it's time to change it. It's not just an annoyance—it's a hazard. Learn how to replace an electrical outlet with this instructional video from Howcast.
How To: Replace a faucet easily
Whether it's broken or just plain ugly, your old faucet can be replaced with a shiny new one in a flash. Learn how to replace a faucet without calling the handyman or the plumber.
How To: Repair a leaky tap faucet washer
Here's a helpful house and apartment video tip to help you succeed in your home. Watch this tutorial to learn how to repair a leaky tap faucet washer.
How To: Repair a garage door opener
Electric garage doors are a great convenience -- until, of course, they break. The bad news: a dozen things could be to blame. The good news: many are easy to fix yourself. Watch this video to learn how to repair your garage door opener.
How To: Test your phone line (NID) if you have no dial tone
Learn a little bit about technology with help from EMBARQ. Watch this how-to video tutorial on testing your phone line (NID) if you have no dial tone. If there is no dial tone on your home lines, just test your NID (Network Interface Device) on your house to see what's going on. This is an important step to getting your High-Speed Internet up and running.
How To: Fix a running toilet (without calling the plumber)
Is a constantly running toilet driving you mad? Don’t call the plumber until you try these simple adjustments. Don't waste your money just yet- watch this instructional video on how to fix a running toilet. You will need a faulty toilet and some food coloring.
How To: Fix a flickering light yourself (and save money)
A flickering light isn't just annoying; it can be dangerous. Learn how to fix the problem. You will need patience to find the problem, a flat head screwdriver, a new cord, and time. Watch this video to learn how to fix a flickering light yourself, without calling an electrician.
How To: Fix a leaky faucet without calling the plumber
There are many kinds of faucets, but chances are your leaky fixture is a compression faucet -- and it's a snap to fix. You will need an adjustable wrench, a screwdriver, a new washer, and a rag, string, wicking or plumber's putty. Watch this instructional video to learn how to fix your leaking faucet without shelling out the cash to a plumber.
How To: Retrieve an item dropped down the drain
This is how to retrieve an item dropped down the drain. Did your ring slip down the sink? You can get it out with these handy plumbing tips designed to get your valuables out of the pipes without a problem or damage to the diamonds.
How To: Save water at home
Water saving isn't just eco-friendly, it's economical. Gardens, pretty as they are, can be a big drain on your water supply. Watch this video home improvement tutorial and learn how to save water at home.
How To: Choose a water tank
Depending on your space and circumstances, you will need a water tank to suit your needs. There are different tools that will work better with your home. Watch this video home improvement tutorial and learn how to choose a water tank for the space at hand.
How To: Install a water tank
First decide if you want a simple tap or a pump out system. Then you'll need to decide where the tank is going. Watch this video home plumbing tutorial and learn how to install a water tank.
How To: Save Energy at Home
The most basic way to to cut back energy costs is to keep your house from losing heat in the winter or getting too hot in the summer. Curtains, awnings, ventilators, and weather stripping are all simple changes that can keep the heating costs down, while florescent bulbs can last longer and use less power than traditional light bulbs. Watch this video home improvement tutorial and learn how to save energy at home.
How To: Install a three-way switch on a lamp
Any lamp can be converted to use a three-way lamp switch, and Ron Hazelton shows you how easy it is to do in this how-to video. Three-way switches allow for a variety of lighting options, so you never have to choose between an overly bright light and darkness. Watch this video home improvement tutorial and learn how to turn a lamp into a three-way lamp.
How To: Lower the cost of home heating
Whether you use electricity, natural gas or heating oil, there are many practical steps you can take to reduce your overall heat consumption and energy bills. In addition, multi-fuel stoves and fireplaces are fast gaining popularity as alternatives to traditional heat sources. Watch this video home improvement tutorial and learn how to lower the cost of home heating.
How To: Learn the basics of home plumbing
In this how-to video, learn about the secret life of your home's plumbing system, including how water flows into your home and how the drainage system flows into the main stack. Discover tips on how to improve your water pressure as well as how to clean out clogs. Watch this video home improvement tutorial and learn the basics of your indoor plumbing.
How To: Replace electrical switches
Replacing a switch is a project almost anyone can tackle. In this how-to video, discover the right questions to ask to ensure you purchase the right switch for your needs. Then, learn the simple steps for installing your electrical switch or dimmer. Watch this video home improvement tutorial and learn how to replace electrical switch.
How To: Replace a drop-in kitchen sink
Watch this step by step video demonstration on how to replace a drop-in (countertop) kitchen sink. Also, learn some quick tips on how to make the job even easier to complete. It's simpler than you think! Watch this video home improvement tutorial and learn how to replace a countertop sink.
How To: Fix a toilet with Cindy Crawford
Supermodel Cindy Crawford shows you how to fix your pipes in this DIY video tutorial. Don't call a professional when simple plumbing repairs are easy to do yourself. Watch this video plumbing tutorial and learn how to fix a toilet with some supermodel help.
How To: Charge a 12 volt battery with solar power
Learn how to charge a 12 Volt Battery using a Solar Power Battery Maintainer by watching this how-to video. This method can be used to charge 12 volt batteries of any kind - cars, trucks, boats, motorcycles, tractors, lawn equipment - any kind of 12 volt battery you can think of!
How To: Sweat solder copper water tubing for plumbing repair
This is an instructional video to help demonstrate how to sweat solder copper water tubing in plumbing repair. If you can't be bothered to hire a professional plumber for all plumbing repairs, this video guide shows you how to do the work yourself. You will need a gas or propane torch, copper or brass fittings, copper tubing, gloves, solder paste, solder, pipe cleaner, and a pipe cutter. Learn how to sweat solder copper water tubing for plumbing repair.
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 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: Clear a Blocked Sink
If you have a blocked sink, there are multiple solutions. This video tutorial will see to it that you find the right fix for your clog. For more information, as well as to get started unblocking your own sink, watch this helpful plumbing tutorial.
How To: Recaulk a bathtub or shower
There’s nothing that will brighten up your bathroom faster than re-caulking an old, mildewed bathtub or shower. You will need a utility knife, bleach, a small bucket of water, a toothbrush, a tube of caulk, a clean rag, a silicon caulk remover, a plastic caulking tool, and painter's tape. Watch this video plumbing tutorial and learn how to re-caulk a bathtub or shower.
How To: Repair a garbage disposal
Is your disposal not working? Follow the few steps outlined in this video and perhaps you'll be able to avoid calling that service person out to your home. For step-by-step instructions on troubleshooting, and repairing, a faulty garbage disposal, watch this handy home how-to.
How To: Repair the flange on a rocking or leaking toilet
If you walk into your bathroom and notice there's a little moisture around the base of your toilet, or there's just a little more rock than there should be, it's time to get it off the floor and see what's underneath. There's a good chance your flange may be broken. Fortunately, this video tutorial will walk you, step by step, through the flange repair process. Take a look.
How To: Make an offset conduit bend
Want to learn how to make offset bends? This video tutorial will walk you, step by step, through the process of making an offset conduit bend. For more, or to get started making your own offset bends with an EMT, or thin-wall, conduit bending tool, take a look.