Plumbing Problems

Learning about plumbing can save you a midnight call to the plumber. Find out basic plumbing tips to fix a toilet, sink or drain.

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When temperatures drop below freezing, homeowners are advised to leave one tap dripping overnight. But does this advice hold up, or is it kind of leaky?

By Laurie L. Dove

If you live in an apartment building, you're sure to see a sign put up by management to keep your faucet dripping when the weather report forecasts freezing temperatures. But why is that? How does a dripping tap keep pipes from bursting?

By Laurie L. Dove

You just bought a new dishwasher and would like to install it yourself. Learn about how to install a dishwasher in this article.

By HowStuffWorks.com Contributors

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You'd like to remove your mildewed silicone caulking. Learn about how to remove silicone caulking in this article.

By HowStuffWorks.com Contributors

There are six types of pipe wrenches. Learn how to use a pipe wrench from this article.

By HowStuffWorks.com Contributors

You're ready to do some plumbing work in your house, and have to learn how to solder copper. This article will help you learn how to solder copper.

By HowStuffWorks.com Contributors

You need to unglue PVC pipe, but you’re not sure how to do it. Learn about how to unglue a PVC pipe in this article.

By HowStuffWorks.com Contributors

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The handle on your toilet broke and needs replacing. Here's a quick lesson on how to replace a toilet handle.

By HowStuffWorks.com Contributors

You'd like to unclog your sink by yourself, but don't know how. Learn how to unclog a sink in this article.

By HowStuffWorks.com Contributors

Be the master of your domain and fix your leaky bathtub faucet yourself. Learn about how to fix a leaky bathtub faucet in this article.

By HowStuffWorks.com Contributors

Knowing how to unclog a toilet can come in handy. Learn how to unclog a toilet in this article.

By HowStuffWorks.com Contributors

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Sewage that is left untreated can have a deadly impact on the environment. Learn how dangerous sewage is in this article.

By HowStuffWorks.com Contributors

The homes and buildings in urban areas produce a lot of waste water that needs to be cleaned before it can be discharged. Learn how urban waste water treatment facilities work in this article.

By HowStuffWorks.com Contributors

While pipe replacement should be carried out by a professional, there are pipe repairs that DIY plumbers can do alone. Learn how you can fix your own pipes in this article.

By HowStuffWorks.com Contributors

It's not much fun dealing with clogged drains, but in many cases you don't need to pay a plumber to fix them for you. Learn how you can unblock drains yourself in this article.

By HowStuffWorks.com Contributors

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

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?

By Josh Clark & Melanie Radzicki McManus

No one knows for sure, but chances are, it would make a terrible mess.

By Josh Clark

Shower head leaking? That's definitely annoying but not the end of the world. Shower heads are subject to several problems when it comes to leaks. Learn how to address a dripping shower head.

By Fix-It Club & Yara Simón

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Recaulking bathroom and kitchen fixtures ensures water won't seep into openings and damage any walls. Learn how to recaulk plumbing fixtures here.

By Fix-It Club

Plumbing is hidden away behind your walls, bringing water in and taking it back out. It may seem mysterious and complicated. Learn about the workings of plumbing, and discover easy repairs you can make yourself.

By Shane Wilson

A pipe wrench is a handy tool to have around for any plumbing issues. Learn about using it to quickly tighten and loosen pipes and other connections.

By Fix-It Club

Before you go arranging for costly plumbing repairs, make sure you've found the real problem. Read tips on plumbing troubleshooting, including common causes of mishaps and some easy solutions to fix them yourself.

By Shane Wilson

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Plumbing problems usually crop up when water is coming out the faucet or going down the drain. Learn to perform home repairs on sinks, tubs, and drains, and keep water flowing smoothly through your house.

By Shane Wilson

When working with plumbing, the usual tools may not help you with certain tasks, like turning large pipes or reaching tight locations. These plumbing tools will aid you in your next home plumbing repair.

By Fix-It Club