Plumbing Supplies & Skills

1-40 of 153
plumber working on pipes with gloves
16 Common DIY Plumbing Mistakes

Keep water flowing when needed and stopped when not.

water corrosion on a showerhead
Hard Water vs. Soft Water

They're both safe, but they affect plumbing differently.

person working under sink with plumbing tools
How to Get Certified as a Plumber

It's one of the rare futureproof professions.

A water meter
Troubleshooting Common Water Meter Problems

Problems with water meter readings and function can stem from a variety of sources.

DIY Logo
How Long Can PEX Piping Be Exposed to Sunlight?

PEX piping has several qualities that give it an edge over other materials.

A pile of water pipe pieces.
How to Install a Backflow Preventer

If you have some experience in plumbing, you might add a backflow preventer to your pipes.

hands applying plumber's tape to a metal fixture
9 Secret Brilliant Plumbing Hacks

Fix plumbing problems before they start.

An aluminum pipe.
3 Tips for Cutting an Aluminum Pipe

Slow and steady cuts aluminum..

new toilet during replacement installation
How to Replace Your Toilet

It's not as impossible as it sounds.

PEX tubing/
PEX Tubing Installation: Do's and Don'ts

Installing PEX tubing is easy with these tips.

A plumber using a snake in a bathtub.
How to Use a Plumbing Snake

A plumbing snake is typically used as a last resort to unplug household drains.

A close up on a water meter.
Connecting A Water Meter To Your House

Connecting a water meter is necessary when you transfer from a well to city or municipal water.

Plumber's tape in a yellow wheel.
6 Tips for Using Plumber's Tape for Repairs

The non-adhesive tape works wonders when threading two plumbing components.

Teflon tape.
How to Apply Teflon Tape Correctly

Teflon tape is used to help eliminate leaks in copper or PVC pipes.

A leaking faucet.
Troubleshooting: Sounds Like Water but Nothing Is On

It is never a good feeling when you hear water flowing through your pipes.

PVC pipes stacked together
Basic Types of Piping and Tubing

Get to know the different types of pipes and tubing.

copper piping
How to Make a Flare Fitting

A flare fitting joins copper piping to a threaded fitting.

A PEX pipe.
How to Connect PEX Pipe to Copper Pipe

Do not use pliers or screwdrivers to remove the O-rings.

PEX
How to Install PEX

You can simplify your plumbing installations with this flexible, plastic tubing.

A driveway leading to a house.
Installing Culvert Pipe in Your Driveway

Culvert pipes can divert rainwater.

A professional plumber working with a clogged sink.
What to Know When Working With a Professional Plumber

Don’t hire a professional plumber until you know these essential tips.

Copper joints, pipes and other supplies laying on blueprints
Taking Apart Soldered Copper Joints

How to take apart soldered copper joints.

copper pipes
How to Take Apart a Soldered Copper Pipe Fitting

Taking it apart is similar to putting it together.

Pipes in a ceiling.
7 Ways to Insulate Pipes

Insulating exposed pipes is an important step in getting your home prepared for the winter.

A man replacing a sink faucet.
5 Tips for Replacing Plumbing Fixtures

From energy efficiency to size and compatibility, consider every angle before heading to the store.

Space where a toilet was installed
Installing a Toilet Waste Pipe

The waste continues on its journey after you can't see it.

a hole in a lawn with an auger pole
What to Consider when Buying a Hand Auger

Hand augers vary in construction, size, and strength.

Copper pipes with fittings and a wrench laying on a white surface.
5 Signs It's Time to Replace Old Plumbing

You may need to upgrade your plumbing if you notice these red flags.

Pipes in a home.
Plumbing: What to DIY and What to Leave to Professionals

Know how to handle your plumbing problems the right way and you’ll save money.

A man taking a shower and looking at the shower head in confusion.
7 Causes Of Water Pressure Loss

Low water pressure is inconvenient, but many of the causes can be corrected with a simple fix.

Man uses wrench on pipes under a sink.
The Best Pipe for the Job

Make plumbing upgrades easier.

A woman crouching by a sink talking on the phone about a plumbing issue.
Quick Plumbing Fixes to Do Before the Pros Arrive

There are a few things you can do to make plumbing problems less of a nightmare.

A busted pipe spraying water.
How to Prevent Plumbing Emergencies

You can’t always avert a plumbing disaster, but you can learn a whole lot of ways to avoid it.

A pair of hands applying purple adhesive on the insides of a pvc pipe.
Everything to Know About PVC Pipe

Never worked with PVC before? Here are a few things you should know.

A hand applying purple PVC cement to the inside of a pipe.
How to Install PVC Pipe

What it is, why to use it, and how to install it.

Galvanized piping
How to Connect Galvanized Steel Pipe to a Copper Pipe Fitting

When the need arises, make sure to use the proper supplies.

An open dishwasher with the loaded racks pulled out.
4 Common Dishwasher Air Gap Problems

The air gap works as an overflow valve to keep waste out.

aqua colored pvc pipes
How to Repair a Leaking PVC Irrigation Pipe

Leaking pipes can lead to big issues.

copper piping
Working With Copper Pipe

With the right tools and know how, you can install copper pipe in your home.

Galvanized steel pipes
Steel vs. Copper Plumbing Pipe Fittings: Pros and Cons

When evaluating the pros and cons of steel vs. copper pipes, consider the environment of the area.

PEX tube on a blue background.
What Is the Maximum Safe PEX Tube Temperature?

PEX tube material is durable under extreme temperatures.

PEX water lines
How to Thaw Frozen PEX Water Lines

Stop your PEX water lines from becoming your PEX ice lines.