In this video from prohandymanlv we learn how to unclog a shower drain. Often people with long hair will have this problem as it falls out and combines with oils and shampoos to form a ball of blockage in the drain. Use gloves when working with drains. First remove the shower strainer. If you don't have the tools to grab the clog, use long screwdrivers. If it's deeper, a zippet will work. Stick it down the drain and it will grab the clog. He actually can see the clog when he unclogs this drai...
To install foam gaskets under light switch plates and outlet covers you will need a screwdriver. Installing foam gaskets under light switch plates or outlet covers on an outer wall is a great way to stop air leaks in your home. First, use your screwdriver to remove the light switch plate cover. Install the foam gasket by placing it over the light switch. Next, replace the light switch plate. Return the screws to their original positions and tighten the screws with your screwdriver. Follow the...
GFI stands for Ground Fault Interrupter and is used in areas that have water. The first thing you should do before replacing anything electrical is shut off the power in the area you are working. When you remove the old outlet, you will notice a series of wires going into the bottom of the outlet and a series of wires coming out of the top. What is happening here is that the power is coming in from the bottom and then going out through the top. The reason for this is if something trips the fa...
This video is from the Dummies video series. The video will describe the process of replacing a standard light switch with a dimmer switch. First you must pick a dimmer switch that has the capacity to control the light fixture you would like to dim. Add up the wattages of all light bulbs in the fixture and make sure it is less than the rated capacity of your dimmer switch. Next turn off the power to the existing switch from the breaker panel and test with a voltage meter. You will then remove...
This video shows you how to bleed a towel radiator like a professional. The radiator is hot at the bottom and cold at the top, which means that there is air in the system and the system will have to be bled. To bleed the system, you will have to open the bleeder valve with a key or flat screwdriver. Turn off the system first, so that no more air can be drawn into it. Open the bleeder valve slowly by turning with the key or screwdriver until you hear air and then stop. If the air stops quickly...
If your replacement faucet is not the right size, pick up a connector and fitting from the hardware store. You will also need wrenches. First turn off the water supply. Then, brace the pipe with a pipe wrench. Use another wrench as a lever and remove the faucet. Take a piece of plumber's tape and wrap the brass connector. Make sure you thread the tape in the same direction that you screw on the connector. Screw the connector on by hand and tighten it with a wrench. Use the other wrench to kee...
Learn how to troubleshoot a toilet that won't flush at your home in simple steps. First lift the lid and check whether the float ball is broken or touching the sides. Bend it a little if its touching the sides or replace it if its leaking or broken. Now check condition of the flapper valve and replace it if needed. Now check the handle, if its loose tighten the screw inside to fix it. Finally check the chain and replace it if broken or correct it to the right tension to lift the valve.
This shirt video will show you how to cut copper pipe with the right tools. Cutting copper pipe is simple if you have the right tools. This short video clip clearly demonstrates how to go about cutting copper tubes. Among other things you will be using a pipe slice. The video also shows you how to remove the burrs before attempting to join the pipe. You are advised to never use a hacksaw.
Learn how to easily unblock a kitchen sink clogged with food particles in simple steps. Every time you clean your dishes and bowls at your home kitchen some food particles wash out and get clogged. When these particles are clogged the water starts to drain out slowly and bad odor arises. Put some Alka Seltzer tablets in your sink and crumble them through the holes. Now pour some vinegar over the tablets through the hole. Leave it for two minutes and flush the sink with water to finish.
This video teaches the secrets of installing a light bulb in your own home. First turn on the light switch to check whether your old bulb still works, but its not working. Now turn off the light switch to start the replacement and remove the light cover. Remove the bulb by twisting in anti-clockwise direction carefully. Now install the new bulb and turn on the switch to check if it works and the lighting is good enough. Finally attach the light cover to finish.
If you're having trouble with your toilet, your first instinct might be to call the plumber. But many plumbing problems are easy to diagnose and solve yourself.
A dimmer switch lighting system in your home can offer a relaxing midpoint to the standard on-off option and even cut down on energy costs. This video tutorial by Lowe’s shows how to install a single pole dimmer switch in your home lighting system. Depending on the total wattage of the lights to be controlled you’ll need to install a compatible dimmer switch. Before replacing the actual switch plate, check the power with a circuit tester to insure that the power is off.
Cut out the old caulk with a utility knife. Trim along the sink where the old caulk was located. Scrape out stubborn caulk with a putty knife or a paint scraper.
In this do-it-yourself home improvement video, brought to you by Lowe's, home improvement expert, and host Mike Kraft will lead you through the process of replacing and installing a kitchen sink in your home. Mike lists all the tools and materials you will need to complete this project at home, as well as leads you through all the procedures, step by step, to get the job done right. He also provides some useful tips on how to do certain steps, eliminating the chances of creating an unnecessar...
Soldering is a handy skill to have at your disposal. You probably don't want to jump right into it without practice on some scraps, but you can learn how to solder copper pipes together. You will need to make sure that all of the pieces you are working with are clean and dry first. You then need to apply flux to the end piece and slide the joint piece onto the pipe and hold it in place. Now you are ready to solder your pipes. This video will show you everything you need to know.
This video shows you how to set up the Airless Water Valve. Installing the airless water valve can save you 20-40% on your water bill. Visit Airless Water Valve for more information
Need to remove and replace a broken sink? Do it yourself with help from this home improvement tutorial hosted by Ron Hazleton. Learn how to disconnect the water and drain lines and garbage disposal, then how to remove and replace the sink basket, install a new faucet, and install & seal the sink rim.
Still need to child proof your home for your little one? Gets some tips here on how to prevent accidents with lamps and lamp tip overs in your home by using electrical receptacle covers, cord winders and surface mounted raceway.
Most older toilets have older-style fish and ballcock for toilets. But they are prone to fault, like running and constant water. Replacing them with a newer-style fill valve will save water and frustration now and later on. Watch this plumbing video tutorial to learn how to replace a toilet ballcock with a fill valve. It's a little more efficient and it's pretty straightforward, so see how to replace your valve!
There's more than one way to test a fuse, and it doesn't have to be expensive. In this video tutorial, see how to test an electrical fuse with a screwdriver tester or multi-meter. A test screwdriver is relatively cheap and simple to use. A multimeter is a little more expensive and a little more complicated, but once you get used to it, fairly simple.
Every electrician knows you have to cut a screw every now and then to make it fit. But do they do it properly? Most will probably just use their linesman's or dikes, but using your wire strippers equipped with screw cutting is the proper way. Watch this video tutorial to see how to cut a machine screw without damaging the threads. An electrical screw or machine screw can be easily cut with a pair of electricians pliers. Cutting metric screws this way means that the thread will not be damaged ...
PTFE, which stands for polytetrafluoroethylene, is a synthetic fluoropolymer of tetrafluoroethylene, most commonly known as Teflon. Teflon tape is a very thin, white tape used to wrap around the threaded ends of pipes to improve the watertightness of a joint. Though PTFE tape is fairly common thing to use, not many people know how to actually use it properly, or where to use it. A lot use it on compression joints, but you really don't need to unless it leaks. You would use it on a radiator va...
The Type G plug is the standard plug in the United Kingdom, usually 230V and 50Hz, and is referred to as the BS1363 (British Standards 1363). It's most commonly referred to as the "13-amp plug" because it has a 13-amp fuse inside. The wires consist of a hot (or live) wire, neutral wire, and an earth (or ground) wire.
Copper pipe is perhaps the most versatile of all piping types in that you can use virtually any fitting with it. Copper pipe, however, is not particularly flexible, which can make it a little unwieldy to work with. Simplify your copper piping projects by using compression fittings. This home plumbing video tutorial shows you how. For detailed, step-by-step instructions on using compression joints in your copper plumbing projects, take a look.
Tired of soldering? Well, there's a solder-less solution to joining pipes together. Check out this handy video tutorial on how to join copper pipe with "Just For Copper" pipe glue. Just For Copper is a solderless bonding solution for copper pipes and fittings. This is very useful in areas where a blowtorch cannot be used.
Learn how to cut and join plastic pushfit piping using pushfit connectors and compression fittings. While plastic piping has its drawbacks and, depending on its application, actually be carcinogenic, it is, at least, very easy to work with. For step-by-step instructions on cutting and joining plastic pushfit pipes, watch this home plumbing tutorial.
Sometimes you'll find that your radiator is warm at the bottom and warm at the top. If that happens, your radiator probably needs bleeding. Fortunately, it's easy to do. For step-by-step instructions, as well to get started bleeding your own radiator, take a look.
Wondering how to repressurize your home boiler? In this DIY video tutorial, you'll learn how to fill or repressurize a combination (or "combi") boiler. For more information, including step-by-step instructions on the pressurization process, take a look.
Have you ever looked behind your desk and found a clutter of cords? Cords tend to find ways of tangling themselves up, so watch this video to learn how to reduce the clutter.
A frozen pipe doesn’t have to mean major trouble. You can keep your water flowing all winter long. You Will Need
If you've ever set foot inside an IKEA or opened up a home decorating catalog/magazine before, then you know that hanging lamps are like the skinny jeans of home decorating: Everyone needs at least one.
A water purifier is a great way to get pure drinking water, and save money on bottled water all at the same time.
Sometimes your old shower head just doesn't cut it anymore. Don't fret, installing a new one is a simple task.
Getting a pro to replace a broken thermostat can be costly, but if you pay close attention, you can learn how to replace it yourself.
Spread the word: It's easy to reduce energy consumption! By sharing these tips, you'll help friends and family use less energy and save money.
About a quarter of a million homes sustain damage from broken pipes every winter. Here's how to avoid a similar fate. Watch this video to learn how to prevent pipes from freezing.
The number one culprit for a slow or clogged up water drain is hair. Check out this video tutorial to learn how to open slow or clogged drains with the Drain Claw. The Drain Claw is amazing at removing hair trapped in shower drains, bathtubs, and bath sinks. You don't need chemicals to get rid of all that hair, you just need the Drain Claw.
Many ways to help the environment are costly, but using less electricity is one measure that will save you money. Learn how to lower your electric bill with this how to video.
If your old outlet has become so loose that a cord barely stays in place, it's time to change it. It's not just an annoyance—it's a hazard. Learn how to replace an electrical outlet with this instructional video from Howcast.
Whether it's broken or just plain ugly, your old faucet can be replaced with a shiny new one in a flash. Learn how to replace a faucet without calling the handyman or the plumber.
