Plumbing
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Unclogging a Sink Drain Trap
One of the most common household plumbing problems is a clogged sink drain trap. Mostly, it's because traps work by gravity - holding water in them to prevent sewer gases from coming up into the house. Gravity, however, works to hold an accumulation of grease, soap, and hair that, over the years, turns into a gunky mess.
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Install a Bathroom Vanity
Often, all you need to do to update your bathroom is to install a new vanity. The choice in colour and style is wide - you can go traditional or thoroughly modern. It's a good idea to look for something that is similar in size to your existing unit. With the addition of a...
Skill: Beginner
Time: 1 hour
Clearing a Fixture Drain Line
If your sink is backed up but the clog isn't in the trap, it's probably further in the drain system - in the drain lines inside your walls. To reach this kind of clog, you'll need a snake - a tool designed just for this type of job. An inexpensive hand snake, sometimes...
Skill: Beginner
Time: 2 hours
Installing a Toilet
If you're installing a new toilet in a new location, you'll need to run (or have someone run) a water supply line and a drainpipe, which must be connected to the drain/vent system in compliance with code. Even if you're just replacing an existing toilet, you should...
Skill: Beginner
Time: 2 hours
Running New Supply Lines
Running new supply lines requires planning in order to choose the best route for the pipes and break the job down into manageable phases. Hot and cold supply lines can be either copper (as shown here), CPVC, or, if code allows, PEX.
Skill: Beginner
Time: 1 hour
Cleaning a Sink Stopper (Pop-Up)
Sink stoppers close off the drain hole in your sink so you can fill it with water. Occasionally, they can get gunked up with hair and soap and cause your sink to drain slowly – or not at all. Pop-up stoppers – the ones that close when you pull up on a little knob ...
Skill: Beginner
Time: 1 hour
Installing a Plunger-Valve Ballcock
A ballcock is basically a toilet's only mechanical part. It has a number of moving components that can wear out or break. When that happens, you'll need to replace the ballcock. It's not a difficult job. There are several types of ballcocks – plunger-valve, ...
Skill: Beginner
Time: 1 hour
Cleaning a Plunger Tub Drain
To fix a tub that doesn't drain properly, first identify what type of drain you have. If the drain hole of your tub is open or covered by a coarse screen, you have a plunger-type stopper. Plunger-type drains are a bit complex as far as household drains go. They have moving...
Skill: Beginner
Time: 1 hour
Clearing Sink Drains with a Plunger
Sinks get clogged and backed up when soap, hair and grease build up and clog the trap or the drain line. When that happens, don't reach for the drain cleaner. Instead, try to clear the drain by cleaning gunk off the sink stopper or plunging the sink.
Skill: Beginner
Time: 1 hour
Fixing Ceramic Disk Faucets
A leaky faucet may be caused by a leaky disk faucet. When this happens you lose energy and money. To fix the problem, follow these instructions for fixing ceramic disk faucets.
Skill: Beginner
Time: 1 hour
Cleaning a Pop-Up Tub Drain
To fix a tub that doesn't drain properly, first identify what type of drain you have. If the drain hole features a metal plug that goes up and down, it's a pop-up type. Pop-up tub drains are a bit complex as far as household drains go. They have moving mechanical parts...
Skill: Beginner
Time: 1 hour
Install a Sink and Faucet
There are so many stunning faucets available today that they can make a design statement in and of themselves. Coupled with a shiny new sink, the wet area of your kitchen can be updated with minimal effort and time. Choose your style combination to complement the rest of your...
Skill: Intermediate
Time: 3 hours
Fixing Leaky Sink Strainers
The sink strainer assembly connects the sink to the drain line. There's a bead of putty that goes under the lip of the strainer, and it's a very common place for leaks to occur. Your goal is to take the assembly apart, put in fresh putty, and tighten everything back up. Remember:...
Skill: Beginner
Time: 2 hours
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