How-To
Step-by-step plumbing guides: how to fix, install, unclog, and maintain the plumbing in your home, and when a job calls for a licensed plumber.
Water Heater Pilot Light: Why It Goes Out and How to Relight It
Why a water heater pilot light keeps going out, how to relight it safely, and when a bad…
Toilet Wax Ring: What It Does, Signs It Failed, and How to Replace It
A toilet wax ring seals the toilet base to the flange and blocks sewer gas. Compare wax vs…
Toilet Flapper: What It Is, Signs It Is Bad, and How to Replace It
A toilet flapper seals the flush valve to hold water in the tank. Learn the types, signs it…
Shower Cartridge Replacement: Signs, Steps, and Cost
Shower cartridge replacement, step by step: spot a failing cartridge, identify your Moen, Delta, Kohler, or Pfister part,…
Dishwasher Air Gap: What It Is, Code, and How to Fix It
A dishwasher air gap stops dirty sink water siphoning back into your dishwasher. Air gap vs high loop,…
Water Heater Anode Rod: Types, When to Replace, and Cost
What a water heater anode rod does, the 3 sacrificial types plus powered rods, when to replace it,…
Toilet Fill Valve: What It Does, Signs It Is Bad, and How to Replace It
A toilet fill valve refills the tank after each flush. Learn the types, the signs it is bad,…
Pipe Insulation: Types, R-Value, and How to Install It
Pipe insulation stops freezing and cuts hot-water heat loss. DOE says it raises delivered temp 2-4 F. See…
How to Install a Garbage Disposal
How to install a garbage disposal: mount the flange with plumber's putty, hang the unit, wire it, tie…
Types of Faucets: Kitchen and Bath Styles Compared
Types of faucets compared: single-hole, centerset, and widespread mounts, single vs double handle, pull-down and touchless kitchen styles,…