Hot Plumbing & Electric How-Tos

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: 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 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: 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: 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: 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...

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: Replace the seal on a dripping outdoor faucet

If your outdoor faucet is dripping, that is not a good sign. It is important to keep your faucet functioning properly both to protect your lawn, and save on water.

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: Install under cabinet fluorescent lighting

It can be very difficult to see underneath wall cabinets. The cabinets and your body can cause a lot of shadows and make it very hard to see. Getting light under the cabinets is very easy. The answer is to install thin profile fluorescent lights that are made to go under the cabinets. Remove the diffuser and bulb from the lamp and you will expose the screw holes. Put the lamp up under the cabinet in the location that you want them to hang. You want to install them as far forward as possible. ...

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: Change a water tap

Whether you're changing your tap for a new look or because the old one just doesn't work anymore, this how-to video can help you with this repair project. Follow along with the steps provided and get out your toolbox. Make sure to turn off the water first, or you're looking to flood your bathroom or kitchen. Watch this video home improvement tutorial and learn how to change a water tap.

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: 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: Unclog a toilet with a toilet auger

Have you ever had a toilet get stopped up very late at night? In this DIY tutorial, Karen Schmidt shows how you too can clear any clog in a toilet with an inexpensive toilet auger. You will never have to call the plumber for a clogged toilet again with this how to video.

How To: Bleed a radiator & get the air out

Trapped air prevents radiators heating up fully, so if your radiators feel cooler at the top than at the bottom, it's likely that a bit of air has got stuck in them. Luckily - getting the air out of the radiator - "bleeding" it - is as simple as it gets. Watch this video tutorial to learn how to bleed a radiator.

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: 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: 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 the ballcock valve to stop your toilet moaning

Are you tired of having to listen to your toilet moan all the time? Toilets are like children, they should be seen and not heard. If you've got a moaning toilet, you need to replace the ballcock valve. Watch this video to learn how to do this toilet repair without making a mess.

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: Solder copper pipe for use in plumbing

Take on the challenge of home plumbing repair- how else are you going to get an excuse to use a blowtorch? Watch this video to learn how to solder, or "sweat", copper pipe. Make simple plumbing repairs a breeze by learning the basics.

How To: Replace or install a vanity light in your bathroom

You're so vain, you probably think this how-to video is about you! You can update the look of your bathroom by simply replacing the vanity light above your sink in the bathroom. This video shows the simple step-by-step process required to replace or install a bathroom vanity light.

How To: Replace or install a hand shower in your bathroom

Bring the luxury of a hand held shower head into your home. Follow the step-by-step instructions in this video to learn how to install a hand help shower head unit in your bathroom. It doesn't take many tools or much time!

How To: Install recessed lighting in your home

If your home needs a makeover, why not take things into your hands instead of waiting around for some reality TV pretty boy? This video shows you how to install recessed lighting, a sleek look for any room in the house.

How To: Install a new programmable thermostat

If you are concerned about your electric bill, you might want to take control by installing a programmable thermostat. This will allow you to manage the temperature- and amount of electricity being used- in your home. The installation is simple and requires almost no tools.

How To: Replace and install a pendant lighting fixture

Bring a touch of elegance into your home with a gorgeous pendant lighting fixture. Lighting is one of the easiest ways to dramatically transform the atmosphere in your living space. Whether its an apartment of a house, pendant lighting fixtures make for a stylish home.

How To: Use the Atmos meter bypass tool to hook up a methane tank for gas supply

If you are interested in hooking up and using a bypass tool to incorporate a methane tank in your supply gas system, watch this video and follow the instructions. This video demonstrates how you can use the Atmos meter bypass tool.

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: Repair a leaking pipe caused by a loose washer

Drip, drip, drip. Other than maybe a fly buzzing around your head in concentric circles, a leaky pipe is possibly the most annoying thing you can hear in the middle of the night when you're trying to get some sleep. Thankfully, though, a leaky pipe is one of the easiest plumbing problems to fix all by your onesies.

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 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: 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: Repair a tub and shower valve

Drip, drip, drip. Annoyed yet? YES! So, watch this video and find out how to repair that tub and shower valve that's been giving you such a headache. This clear how-to will walk you though the plumbing steps necessary to do it yourself.

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: Replace or relocate your shower valve

If you need to move your shower or tub valve, this clear how-to will show you how it's done. Plumbing can be easy with the right info and this video is just what you need. Remember, turn off your water first!

How To: Install a brand new kitchen faucet in your house

Installing a new faucet in your kitchen or bathoom can be an easy DIY task if you follow this clear how-to. This is a great skill to know as it's only a matter of time before you're going to want, or need, to replace a faucet.

How To: Solder copper pipe together with this easy DIY

This simple how-to from Buildpedia shows every DIYer how to "sweat pipe", meaning, how to solder it together. This is a simple technique that's easy to get the hang of. You'll need a solder kit, the pipes want to solder, an aceteline torch and a few other things.

How To: Install an electrical outlet safely and easily

Installing an electrical outlet in your home or apartment may seem like a daunting task, but this simple DIY video from Buildipedia makes it a simple project. Whether your current outlet is broken, or you're just looking to add something new this video will show you how it's done.