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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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 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: Bleed a towel radiator like a professional
This video shows you how to bleed a towel radiator like a professional. The radiator is hot at the bottom and cold at the top, which means that there is air in the system and the system will have to be bled. To bleed the system, you will have to open the bleeder valve with a key or flat screwdriver. Turn off the system first, so that no more air can be drawn into it. Open the bleeder valve slowly by turning with the key or screwdriver until you hear air and then stop. If the air stops quickly...
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: 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: Solder copper pipes for plumbing
Soldering copper pipes is a basic plumbing skill that once mastered will enable you to tackle many DIY home repair and home improvement projects - for instance, replacing copper water lines or installing a new spigot. It can be as much an art as it is a science, thus the more you get the "feel for it," the faster and easier it gets.
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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: Unclog a backed up kitchen sink
Tim Carter of AsktheBuilder.com demonstrates a few simple ways to unclog a household sink. Watch and learn!
How To: Install a vandal-resistant drain plug
Learn how to install a vandal-resistant drain plug into a bathroom sink in this interactive video from Ace Hardware. Install a vandal-resistant drain plug.
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: 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.