Plumbing How-To Guides

Step-by-step guides for common plumbing maintenance, repairs, and installations. Browse by category or search all guides below.

Browse Guides by Category

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Water Heaters Guides

6 how-to guides for Water Heaters.

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Toilets Guides

4 how-to guides for Toilets.

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Faucets Guides

6 how-to guides for Faucets.

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Sinks Guides

3 how-to guides for Sinks.

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Bathtubs & Showers Guides

4 how-to guides for Bathtubs & Showers.

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Garbage Disposals Guides

3 how-to guides for Garbage Disposals.

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Pumps Guides

3 how-to guides for Pumps.

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Water Treatment Guides

4 how-to guides for Water Treatment.

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Pipes & Fittings Guides

3 how-to guides for Pipes & Fittings.

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Valves Guides

3 how-to guides for Valves.

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All How-To Guides 39

How to Add Salt to a Water Softener

Proper salt type selection, loading technique, and maintenance schedule for optimal water softener performance.

4 min read Read guide โ†’

How to Adjust a Pressure Reducing Valve

Test your home water pressure and adjust the PRV to maintain safe, consistent pressure throughout your plumbing.

5 min read Read guide โ†’

How to Adjust Toilet Water Level

Learn how to adjust the water level in your toilet tank for optimal flush performance and water conservation.

4 min read Read guide โ†’

How to Adjust Water Temperature

Learn the proper way to adjust your water heater thermostat for optimal comfort and energy efficiency.

5 min read Read guide โ†’

How to Change Water Filter Cartridges

Replace sediment, carbon, and specialty filters in whole-house and under-sink filtration systems.

4 min read Read guide โ†’

How to Choose the Right Faucet

Match finish, configuration, and features to your sink layout and usage patterns.

8 min read Read guide โ†’

How to Choose the Right Size

Expert advice on calculating the correct water heater capacity for your household's hot water needs.

7 min read Read guide โ†’

How to Clean a Faucet Aerator

Improve flow and remove mineral buildup by cleaning or replacing the aerator screen.

5 min read Read guide โ†’

How to Clean Shower Door Tracks

Remove soap scum, mold, and mineral buildup from shower door tracks for smooth operation and a clean look.

4 min read Read guide โ†’

How to Fix a Burst Pipe

Emergency repair methods for burst pipes including temporary clamps, epoxy, and permanent splice repairs.

6 min read Read guide โ†’

How to Fix a Dripping Shower Head

Troubleshoot and repair a shower head that drips after the water is turned off, including cartridge and washer replacement.

5 min read Read guide โ†’

How to Fix a Leaking Gate Valve

Repair or replace a leaking gate valve with packing nut tightening, repacking, or full valve replacement.

5 min read Read guide โ†’

How to Fix a Leaking Sink Drain

Identify and repair common sink drain leaks at the basket strainer, P-trap, or tailpiece connections.

5 min read Read guide โ†’

How to Fix a Leaky Faucet Base

Diagnose base leaks from worn O-rings, loose mounting nuts, or seal issues.

8 min read Read guide โ†’

How to Fix a Running Toilet

Step-by-step instructions to diagnose and repair a toilet that won't stop running, including flapper, fill valve, and float adjustments.

6 min read Read guide โ†’

How to Flush Your Water Heater

Step-by-step guide to removing sediment buildup and extending your water heater's lifespan through regular maintenance.

8 min read Read guide โ†’

How to Install a Garbage Disposal

Complete installation guide including electrical wiring, mounting assembly, and plumbing connections.

8 min read Read guide โ†’

How to Install a Kitchen Faucet

Overview of removing an old faucet, connecting supply lines, and sealing the new fixture.

12 min read Read guide โ†’

How to Install a Recirculation Pump

Get instant hot water by installing a recirculation pump on your water heater with a dedicated or comfort return line.

6 min read Read guide โ†’

How to Install a Reverse Osmosis System

Under-sink RO system installation including feed water connection, membrane housing, storage tank, and dedicated faucet.

7 min read Read guide โ†’

How to Install a Sump Pump

Step-by-step guide to installing a new sump pump including pit preparation, check valve, and discharge line.

8 min read Read guide โ†’

How to Install an Undermount Sink

Professional techniques for mounting and sealing an undermount sink to granite or quartz countertops.

7 min read Read guide โ†’

How to Insulate Your Water Heater

Energy-saving tips for properly insulating your water heater tank and pipes to reduce heat loss and costs.

10 min read Read guide โ†’

How to Recaulk a Bathtub

Remove old caulk and apply a fresh, watertight bead around your bathtub to prevent water damage.

5 min read Read guide โ†’

How to Replace a Faucet Cartridge

Stop drips and restore smooth handle movement by replacing the cartridge or valve core.

9 min read Read guide โ†’

How to Replace a Shower Valve

Step-by-step guide to replacing a faulty shower mixing valve to restore temperature control and stop leaks.

8 min read Read guide โ†’

How to Replace a Shut-Off Valve

Replace a stuck or leaking shut-off valve under a sink, toilet, or washing machine with a new quarter-turn ball valve.

6 min read Read guide โ†’

How to Replace a Toilet

Complete guide to removing an old toilet and installing a new one, including wax ring replacement and proper sealing.

8 min read Read guide โ†’

How to Replace a Water Heater

Complete installation guide covering removal of old units and proper installation of new water heaters.

15 min read Read guide โ†’

How to Replace Faucet Supply Lines

Upgrade or replace supply hoses to address leaks, corrosion, or installation compatibility.

7 min read Read guide โ†’

How to Reset a Garbage Disposal

Quick fix for a disposal that has stopped working โ€” locate and press the reset button, and clear any jams.

3 min read Read guide โ†’

How to Solder Copper Pipe

Master the technique of sweating copper joints using flux, solder, and a torch for leak-free connections.

7 min read Read guide โ†’

How to Test Pressure Relief Valve

Safety guide for testing and maintaining your water heater's pressure relief valve to prevent dangerous pressure buildup.

6 min read Read guide โ†’

How to Test Your Sump Pump

Regular testing procedures to ensure your sump pump activates properly and can handle water during heavy storms.

4 min read Read guide โ†’

How to Test Your Water Quality

Use home test kits or lab testing to identify contaminants, hardness, pH, and other water quality parameters.

5 min read Read guide โ†’

How to Unclog a Kitchen Sink

Effective methods to clear kitchen sink clogs including plunging, snaking, and cleaning the P-trap.

5 min read Read guide โ†’

How to Unclog a Toilet

Methods for clearing toilet clogs using a plunger, auger, or natural solutions without damaging the porcelain.

5 min read Read guide โ†’

How to Unjam a Garbage Disposal

Safely clear a jammed disposal using an Allen wrench and proper technique without damaging the motor.

4 min read Read guide โ†’

How to Use SharkBite Fittings

Quick guide to cutting pipe, deburring, and making push-fit connections on copper, PEX, or CPVC.

4 min read Read guide โ†’