A friend told me that the bad smell coming from my toilet indicates that the seal under the toilet is broken and needs to be replaced. He also said that I could probably do the job myself. I'd like to try. See more »

Whether it's a kitchen sink full of murky water or an overflowing lavatory, you've probably experienced a clogged drain before and reached for the drain cleaner. But how do drain cleaners work? See more »

Discussing what goes on in the bathroom is considered taboo in many social circles, but you should be having frank discussions about your waste if you own a septic tank. What's the protocol for dealing with fecal matter? See more »

Each time you flush the toilet or wash something down the sink's drain, you create sewage (also known in polite society as wastewater). Find out where it goes and how it's treated before it flows into a river near you! See more »

If your basement feels damp or smells musty, you may need a sump pump. How does a sump pump get the moisture that's inside your basement out? See more »

The toilet is one of the most important fixtures in your home. Although toilets are sturdy and reliable components of the plumbing system, it's a rare homeowner or apartment-dweller who never has any problems with a toilet. See more »

Replacing a drain trap is easy if you follow the proper steps. See more »

One of the more common household problems is leaky pipes. Apart from wasting water, a leak can cause loud noises. Take this quiz and learn how you can fix most pipe problems yourself and avoid hosting your local plumber. See more »

What would happen if everybody flushed the toilet at the same time? No one knows for sure, but chances are, it would make a terrible mess. See more »

Water-saving toilets, or low-flow toilets, can help reduce the amount of water your home uses in the bathroom. But what makes a water-saving toilet different from a regular one? See more »