Hot Plumbing & Electric How-Tos
How To: Use three way switches properly
Three way switches are a great way to control one set of lights or a light in two different areas of a home or room. They are great for hallways, enormous rooms, and even living rooms. So in this tutorial, you'll find out how three way switches work properly. It may help you install one in your own home. Enjoy!
How To: Wire a basic 3 way switch
In this video tutorial, you'll find out how to wire a 3 way basic switch. It's a good way to control one set of lights or light at two different locations. After watching this tutorial, if you still aren't sure of what you're doing, please don't hesitate to call a specialist. This can be dangerous and result in serious injury or death. Good luck and enjoy!
How To: Use four way switches easily at home
If you are in a situation where you need more than one switch to turn on and off a light, then this video may help. In this tutorial, you find out how to use four way swtiches easily at your home. The video shows the internal workings of a four way switch and how it can work with the three way swtich method. It's a great way to turn off one set of lights in multiple areas. Enjoy!
How To: Fix a leaking toilet flapper valve
If you are having trouble with a leaky john, check out this helpful tutorial. In this video, you will receive step by step instructions for how to clean the mating surfaces on a toilet flapper valve to prevent unwanted water leaking from the tank into the bowl. So, if you are having this problem, you will have it fixed in no time with this video.
How To: Replace a sink trap
Instead of hiring a professional plumber, get free advice from one in this video presented by Fine Home Building. Follow a professional plumber as he shows you how to replace a kitchen sink trap. You'll learn how to layout, cut, and cement PVC pipe.
How To: Easily unclog a sink drain
It is apparently all about the "P-Trap". If you have a hard to unclog drain in your sink, watch this tutorial for tips on how to fix it.
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: 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.
How To: Fix a leaky toilet in your bathroom
Is there anything worse than a leaky toilet? One minute you're flushing the tank and the next you're standing in a pool of water and ruining all your nice towels. In this tutorial, Tool Dude Tony walks you step by step through the process of replacing all the parts in a toilet tank including the fill assembly and flush valve. By following this video, you will be able to avoid a midnight call to the plumber and fix the pot yourself. Don't ruin your tile - or worse, the apartment under yours, w...
How To: Unclog your kitchen sink
It can be pretty nasty when your kitchen sink gets clogged. The kitchen is an easy sink to clog up - food, trash and tons of other junk can get caught in the delicate drain. In this 90 second tutorial, learn how to unclog that sink and get things running smoothly again.
How To: Winterize your irrigation system
Don't let that winter freeze ruin your automatic drain irrigation system. Winterize your irrigation system to make sure everything runs as smoothly as before when the cold weather goes away. This will save you a lot of hassle and money. This video will show you how to winterizie your irrigation system.
How To: Install a new shower head for dummies
In this tutorial, we learn how to install a new shower head and remove an old one. You will need a wrench, toothbrush, rags, replacement shower head, teflon tape, and pliers. First, remove the old shower head with your pliers, wrench and cloth to remove it. Twist this counter clockwise until the shower head comes off. Now, clean the threads with the toothbrush and place the teflon tape over them. Now, screw your new shower head on by hand until it fits snugly onto it. Finish screwing this on ...
How To: Unclog a sink drain easily
Need to degunk a clogged bathroom sink? The process, while just as gross as you might expect (and perhaps even just a little bit grosser), is nevertheless very straightforward. For a complete, step-by-step overview of how to easily unclog your own sink drain, watch this free home plumbing guide.
How To: Unclog your bathroom sink
Sink making a stink? Never you fear. This DIY home plumbing how-to will teach you how to unclog a bathroom sink, purging it any gross gunk that's accumulated within it. For a step-by-step breakdown of how to fix your own broken down sink, take a look.
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: Identify wire colors and do some basic home wiring
If you have never dealt with wire color-coding then Old64goat takes you through a very elementary tutorial that will give you the helpful aid needed to deal with common household wires. The first cord that is reviewed is the three pronged cord. The color wires contained within it is the green wire which is the ground prong, the white wire which is neutral, and the black wire which is the heat. Old64goat then demonstrates where the wires are connected to on the prong. He even gives out helpful...
How To: Set up plumbing for a pond
The Pond Digger demonstrates how to set up plumbing for a pond. First, sleeve all pipes coming through the cement foundation to protect the plumbing from elemental stress and provide additional flexibility. Next, use a clear primer and a clear glue to seal areas where you need a clean, finished looking product. Paint the PVC piping to protect it from the sun's UV rays and prevent from becoming brittle. If you need to do cutting, use a chop saw for a quick, clean and efficient cut. Extend the ...
How To: Set up a standby generator for your home or business
In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to set up a standby generator for their home or business. A standby generator is a back-up electrical system that operates automatically. This video shows you how to properly setup a standby generator to power your home or business in the event of an emergency. It provides many tips. If you choose to use a portable standby generator, it should be used as conjunction with the manual transfer system which consists of a manual transfer switch, power inle...
How To: Unclog your sink easily
This is a do-it-yourself video of how to unclog your sink when it is clogged up. First plug the sink stopper so that no water flows into the drain. Now place a bucket below the U-bend and remove the bend by rotating the coupler. If there is any water in the bend it will fall into the bucket. Remove the clogging waste with the help of a twizzer or any other contraption. Check if the vertical pipe from the sink is clogged or the outlet in the wall. Clean all the venerable point so that it allow...
How To: Fix a leaky, dripping bathroom faucet
DYI-FYI #57 teaches you how to fix a leaky faucet in this video. First, have to distinguish if the water drips from the tap or from the handle. If the water is leaking form the tap you need a new washer; if it drips from the handle you need a new o-ring. First, turn the water off using the valves under the sink. Next, drain the faucet by turning it on of course and grab a towel to place in the sink to prevent scratching while you work! Next, you'll have to remove the decorative topping to rev...
How To: Fix a running toilet easily
Having trouble with your toilet continually running? Here's a video to help you with that troublesome toilet. 1. Check the flapper valve if it is already worn out. This can be done by pulling the siphon end and running your fingers around the valve. 2. If you can feel grit and lime scale, then, it needs to be cleaned. However, if it feels distorted or damaged, it needs to be replaced. 3. Check the chain or the wire link connecting the arm lever to the rubber flapper valve. It may be too short...
How To: Fix a simple leaky faucet
This is a great and easy step by step video on how to fix a simple leaky faucet. It even shows you what tools are needed to complete the job. Barbara K shows you faucet fixing is not just for men anymore!
How To: Unclog a sink drain yourself
First of all put a bucket under the trap. Now use your hand to loosen the handle of the PVC type trap. Loosen both the two plastic nuts on the ends. Remove the nuts that are holding to the drain pipe. Now when you remove this trap from the drain pipe a little dirty water comes out of it which gets collected in the bucket. Now check the trap for some hair and other clogs. This you have to remove and clean it out completely. Also check the drain pipe outlet for removing any hair or other clog. ...
How To: Unclog a drain without Drano
This video details the procedure for unclogging a drain without the use of drain clearing chemicals. This procedure is intended to be used in the event of a drain being clogged with hair. A tool for this task would be a wire hanger, modified to have the bottom removed, and two ends fashioned into hooks. For this example, a drain with an unscrew-able top-cover is used. To begin, unscrew the top cover to reveal the washer and the drain. Remove the rubber washer to fully reveal the drain. Once t...
How To: Remove the plunger rod when unclogging a sink
In this video you will see how to remove the plunger rod when unclogging a sink. To unclog a sink drain, remove the bent portion the drain and clear it out. Normally something or the other gets stuck inside it causing the clog. Also check out both ends of the other pipes. The plunger to your sink is attached by a little rod. Slide the little catch off the rod; remember which hole it is on so that you put it back correctly later on. Then take pliers and loosen the plastic nut gently and pull t...
How To: Unclog a slow moving drain without a plumber
To unclog a drain without the help of a plumber you will need 1/2 of a cup of baking soda and 1/2 of a cup of white vinegar. Pour the baking soda down the drain. Next, pour the vinegar down the drain. It will react with the baking soda and bubble up. Then, close the drain and wait fifteen minutes. Pour boiling hot water down the drain. Your drain should now be clear.
How To: Unclog your garbage disposal
In this video from thingstoknow we learn how to unclog your garbage disposal and sink. If your sink is clogged and you have a garbage disposal, turn on the disposal first, then turn on the water, and hold the plug down. This will force the water into the line and you'll feel the water backing up against the plug. This force will clear the clog within the line. When it clears pull the drain plug and you have successfully cleared your clog. It is important to not turn on the disposal switch whi...
How To: Unclog your shower drain
In this video from prohandymanlv we learn how to unclog a shower drain. Often people with long hair will have this problem as it falls out and combines with oils and shampoos to form a ball of blockage in the drain. Use gloves when working with drains. First remove the shower strainer. If you don't have the tools to grab the clog, use long screwdrivers. If it's deeper, a zippet will work. Stick it down the drain and it will grab the clog. He actually can see the clog when he unclogs this drai...
How To: Unclog a slow drain without calling a plummer
In this video Erin Bried shows how to unclog a slow drain without calling a plumber. First put 1/2 cup of baking soda down the drain. Then pour 1/2 cup of white vinegar in the drain. The two ingredients react when put in the drain together. After about 15 minutes have gone by take some boiling hot water and pour it down the drain. Once the water has run out of the bowl you can test the drain to see if it is clear by running some tap water into the sink. The water should run out of the sink ju...
How To: Install foam gaskets under light switch plates
To install foam gaskets under light switch plates and outlet covers you will need a screwdriver. Installing foam gaskets under light switch plates or outlet covers on an outer wall is a great way to stop air leaks in your home. First, use your screwdriver to remove the light switch plate cover. Install the foam gasket by placing it over the light switch. Next, replace the light switch plate. Return the screws to their original positions and tighten the screws with your screwdriver. Follow the...
How To: Replace a GFI outlet & how it works
GFI stands for Ground Fault Interrupter and is used in areas that have water. The first thing you should do before replacing anything electrical is shut off the power in the area you are working. When you remove the old outlet, you will notice a series of wires going into the bottom of the outlet and a series of wires coming out of the top. What is happening here is that the power is coming in from the bottom and then going out through the top. The reason for this is if something trips the fa...
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: Use yeast in your plumping to prolong its life
This is a video about the topic "Yeast in Your Toilet". It is quick tipped video clip and the tip to add the yeast in toilet in order to increase the growth of micro-organisms in the toilet and your septic tank systems. To perform this quick tip process, flushing one or two tablespoon of Brewer's Yeast down the toilet for every months and do not stop the process and check the septic tank systems regularly. This method will extend the life of the septic tank systems because of the grown level ...
How To: Replace a standard light switch with a dimmer switch
This video is from the Dummies video series. The video will describe the process of replacing a standard light switch with a dimmer switch. First you must pick a dimmer switch that has the capacity to control the light fixture you would like to dim. Add up the wattages of all light bulbs in the fixture and make sure it is less than the rated capacity of your dimmer switch. Next turn off the power to the existing switch from the breaker panel and test with a voltage meter. You will then remove...
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: 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: Replace a leaky water faucet
If your replacement faucet is not the right size, pick up a connector and fitting from the hardware store. You will also need wrenches. First turn off the water supply. Then, brace the pipe with a pipe wrench. Use another wrench as a lever and remove the faucet. Take a piece of plumber's tape and wrap the brass connector. Make sure you thread the tape in the same direction that you screw on the connector. Screw the connector on by hand and tighten it with a wrench. Use the other wrench to kee...
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: Cut copper pipe with the right tools
This shirt video will show you how to cut copper pipe with the right tools. Cutting copper pipe is simple if you have the right tools. This short video clip clearly demonstrates how to go about cutting copper tubes. Among other things you will be using a pipe slice. The video also shows you how to remove the burrs before attempting to join the pipe. You are advised to never use a hacksaw.
How To: Easily unblock a kitchen sink and waste pipe
Learn how to easily unblock a kitchen sink clogged with food particles in simple steps. Every time you clean your dishes and bowls at your home kitchen some food particles wash out and get clogged. When these particles are clogged the water starts to drain out slowly and bad odor arises. Put some Alka Seltzer tablets in your sink and crumble them through the holes. Now pour some vinegar over the tablets through the hole. Leave it for two minutes and flush the sink with water to finish.