Hot Plumbing & Electric Posts

How To: Install toilet seat hinges like a professional

Hub Kirkpatrick of HandymanTeacher teaches how to fix a loose toilet seat. He shows how to tighten the screws holding it down while holding on to the nut under it to make sure it tightens, and how to pop the covers back in place. Kirkpatrick also reminds us to be careful, as the screws are plastic and can easily break or strip out. Following these steps instead of calling a handyman will save you money for a few minutes of time.

How To: Solder and prep copper pipes

To solder copper pipes, start by using a sharp blade and scrape the end of the pipe you are going to solder. This will get all the burrs off of the pipe. Next, take some steel wool and clean the pipe so that it is nice and clean and shiny. The next step is to apply some flux. Use a rag to apply the flux to the end of the pipe. You want to make sure that the flux goes all the way around the pipe. After putting flux on the two pieces of pipe, put them together using the fitting. Take the blowto...

How To: Learn the basics of home plumbing


How To: Seal black iron pipe joints

Teflon tape or pipe dope can be used to create a seal on black iron pipe. Tim Carter of demonstrates how to do the job right and shares some helpful tips. This black iron pipe is used to transport natural gas to your furnace, water heater and stove. This pipe has threaded fittings at the connection point which need to be sealed with pipe dope or Teflon tape. Teflon tape should be wrapped onto the male end of the pipe in a clockwise direction. Pipe dope has the consistency of...

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: 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.

How To: Install a new single handle Delta kitchen faucet with Diamond Seal Technology

These days, faucets are incredibly easy to install (removing old faucets is the hard part). And if you have a Delta brand single handle kitchen faucet with DIAMOND seal technology, this video will show you the steps to installing it. This is also very similar to other brands of single-handle faucets. This video from Lowe's and Delta will help you with your installation. You'll need a screwdriver, adjustable wrench and allen wrench.

How To: Wire a ceiling fan

Ceiling fans are great to have in your home and can sometimes be better to use than an air conditioner during summer. But installing one may be tricky for those who have no experience working with electrical wiring. In this video series, you'll find out how to wire a ceiling fan in your home. It can be difficult to do and dangerous, so please be careful and enjoy!

How To: Install an undermount sink in a bathroom

If you plan on remodeling your bathroom area, th videos in this tutorial, should be able to help. Replacing an old sink that has developed stains or other marks is a great way to help spruce up your bathroom area. This tutorial will help show you how to install an undermount sink in your bathroom easily. Now, this may not apply to all sink so make sure you have the right tools and equipment needed. Good luck and enjoy!

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: 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: 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: 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.

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: 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: Solder copper pipes

An inadequate soldering job, assuming it passes inspection, can cause leaks, corrosion and call-backs. But a quality soldering job done on copper piping can last a lifetime. For a look at professional soldering techniques for the plumbing craftsman, take a look at this two-part video tutorial series.

How To: Run an ice maker supply line to a refrigerator

In this video, Karen Schmidt demonstrates how to hook up a water supply to a refrigerator where none exists. For this tutorial you will need the following tools and supplies: an ice maker supply line, a tube cutter, a snap-in fitting, a half-inch by quarter-inch compression valve some pipe joint compound and a couple of crescent wrenches. Watch this video to see how you can install an ice maker supply line.