Plumbing guides: what to do before you call
What to do right now, step by step and animated, when something goes wrong at home. If it is not fixed, we take you to plumbers in your city.
DIY · 15 minToilet clogged or overflowing: what to do right nowToilet clogged or overflowing? Stop the water in 10 seconds and unclog it the right way, step by step. If it is the sewer line, find a plumber near you.
DIY · 30 minClogged sink: how to unclog it without chemicalsSink clogged and not draining? Clean the stopper, plunge it the right way and clear the P-trap, step by step. If it still backs up, find a plumber near you.
DIY · 20 minToilet keeps running: how to fix itToilet keeps running? Lower the float, fix the chain or swap the flapper, step by step. If it still runs after that, find a plumber near you.
DIY with care · 45 minDripping faucet: how to stop a leaky faucetLeaky faucet dripping all night? Shut off the water, swap the worn cartridge or washer and stop the drip. If the faucet body is worn, call a plumber.
DIY with care · 15 minNo hot water: what to check firstNo hot water? Check the pilot light, the breaker and the temperature dial safely, step by step, and know when to call a plumber near you.
DIY with care · 10 minWater heater leaking: what to do nowWater heater leaking? Turn off the gas or power and the cold water, find where the leak comes from, and know when the tank needs replacing.
DIY with care · 15 minGarbage disposal not working or jammed: how to fix it safelyGarbage disposal humming, jammed or dead? Cut the power, free it with an Allen wrench and press reset. Never put your hand in. Steps and when to call.
DIY · 20 minShower or bathtub drain clogged: how to clear itShower or bathtub drain clogged? Pull out the hair with a plastic drain snake, use a plunger the right way, and know when to call a plumber.
DIY with care · 15 minBurst pipe: what to do right nowBurst pipe spraying water? Shut off the main valve, drain the lines and limit the damage, step by step. Then find an emergency plumber near you.
DIY with care · 30 minFrozen pipes: prevent them, thaw them, and what to do if one burstsFrozen pipe and no water coming out? Thaw it safely with a hair dryer, never a flame, know what to do if it bursts, and keep it from happening again.
DIY · 10 minHow to shut off the water to your houseNeed to shut off the water to your house? Find the main valve, turn it the right way and know what to do if it is stuck or missing. Step by step.
DIY · 15 minShower head leaking or dripping: how to stop itShower head dripping or leaking at the pipe? Seal the connection with thread tape in 15 minutes, step by step, and learn when the drip is the valve.
DIY · 20 minWater leaking under the sink: find the drip and stop itWater leaking under the sink? Dry the cabinet, use paper towels to find the drip and tighten the right nut. If a pipe or valve is cracked, call a plumber.
DIY · 15 minLow water pressure in the shower: how to fix itLow water pressure in the shower? Clean the mineral buildup from the shower head with vinegar, check the valve, and know when to call a plumber.
DIY · 30 minToilet won't flush or flushes weakly: what to checkToilet flushing weak or not all the way? Check the valve, the tank water level, the chain and the rim holes, step by step. Then call if it is the drain.
DIY with care · 90 minToilet leaking at the base: what to doToilet leaking at the base? Find where the water comes from, snug the bolts and replace the wax ring if needed. Know when to call a plumber.
DIY · 20 minToilet tank not filling or filling slowly: what to checkToilet tank not filling, or filling slowly? Open the valve, free the float and rinse the fill valve, step by step. Still not filling? Call a plumber.
DIY · 20 minToilet refills by itself (phantom flush): how to stop itToilet refills by itself every so often? Find the slow leak with food coloring and fix the flapper or the refill tube, step by step, before you call.
DIY · 10 minToilet handle loose or not flushing: how to fix itToilet handle loose or not flushing? Hook the chain back and tighten the nut inside the tank in a few minutes. If the arm is broken, swap the handle.
DIY · 30 minToilet rocks or feels loose: how to make it solidToilet rocks or feels loose when you sit? Snug the bolts, add shims and caulk the base the right way. If the floor feels soft, call a plumber.
DIY · 10 minToilet tank sweating: condensation or a leak?Toilet tank sweating and dripping on the floor? Learn to tell condensation from a leak, and stop the drops by cutting the humidity in the bathroom.
DIY with care · 15 minToilet gurgling or bubbling: what it means and what to doToilet gurgling or bubbling? Plunge it the right way and learn the signs of a blocked vent or a main line clog. Find a plumber near you if it keeps going.
DIY with care · 10 minSewer smell in the bathroom: where it comes fromSewer smell in the bathroom? Refill dry drain traps, flush unused toilets and check the toilet seal, step by step. If it lingers, call a plumber.
DIY · 45 minLow water pressure in one faucet: clean the aeratorLow water pressure in just one faucet? The aerator at the tip is likely clogged. Unscrew it, soak it in vinegar and get a full stream back today.
DIY · 30 minSink drain smells bad: how to get rid of the smellSink drain smells bad or like sewer? Refill the trap, clean the stopper and the overflow, and the smell goes away. If several drains smell, call a plumber.
DIY with care · 20 minGarbage disposal leaking: where it leaks and what to doGarbage disposal leaking under the sink? Find out if it drips from the top, side or bottom and fix what you can. A bottom leak means a new disposal.
DIY · 30 minDishwasher not draining: check the filter and the drain hoseDishwasher not draining and full of dirty water? Clean the filter, check the drain hose and the disposal, then run a rinse. Steps and when to call a pro.
DIY · 20 minKitchen faucet loose or wobbly: how to tighten itKitchen faucet loose or wobbly? Snug the mounting nut under the sink with a basin wrench in about 20 minutes. If water leaks at the base, call a plumber.
DIY · 15 minNo water coming out of the faucet: what to checkNo water coming out of the faucet? Check other faucets, the shut-off valves and the aerator. If the whole house is dry, check the main valve.
DIY with care · 30 minOutdoor faucet (hose bib) leaking: how to stop itOutdoor faucet leaking at the hose, the handle or the spout? Swap a washer or snug the packing nut. If it leaks inside the wall, call a plumber near you.
DIY with care · 15 minWater heater pilot light keeps going out: what to doWater heater pilot light keeps going out? Relight it safely, step by step, find out why it will not stay lit and when to call a plumber.
DIY with care · 60 minWater heater making popping or rumbling noises: what to doWater heater popping or rumbling? It is usually sediment in the tank. Learn how to flush it safely, step by step, and when to call a plumber.
DIY with care · 10 minHot water smells like rotten eggs: why and how to fix itHot water smells like rotten eggs? Find out if it is the water heater, what the anode rod has to do with it, and when to call a plumber.
DIY with care · 10 minWater heater relief valve leaking or dripping: what to doWater heater relief valve leaking or dripping? Learn what it means, why you must never cap it, what to check safely and when to call a plumber.
DIY with care · 15 minHot water runs out too fast: what to checkHot water runs out too fast? Check the dial, the sediment and how you use it, step by step, and learn when a broken dip tube needs a plumber.
DIY with care · 60 minBathtub faucet dripping: how to stop itBathtub faucet dripping? Find the worn cartridge or washer, replace it step by step with the water off, and know when a plumber is faster.
DIY · 15 minShower handle loose or hard to turn: how to fix itShower handle loose or hard to turn? Tighten the hidden set screw, grease a stiff cartridge the right way, and know when to call a plumber.
DIY · 30 minPipes banging when you turn off the water: how to stop water hammerPipes banging when you turn off the water? Check the pressure, refill the air chambers, strap loose pipes and add an arrestor, step by step.
DIY · 30 minHigh water bill: how to find a hidden leak with the meter testHigh water bill and no idea why? Do the water meter test in 30 minutes to see if you have a hidden leak and whether it is inside or in the yard.
Call a proSewage backing up into a tub or floor drain: what to doSewage backing up into your tub or floor drain? Stop using water, keep everyone away and call a plumber now. Here is what to do while you wait.
Call a proSeveral drains clogged at once: the main sewer lineSeveral drains clogged at once? It is likely the main sewer line. Learn the signs, what to do now and what the plumber will do to clear it.
DIY with care · 20 minSump pump not working: what to checkSump pump not working and the pit is filling up? Check the power, the float and the discharge line, test it with a bucket and know when to call.
Call a proSlab leak signs: warm floor spots and the sound of running waterWarm spot on the floor or water running with everything off? Learn the signs of a slab leak, how to check the meter and who to call to find it.
DIY with care · 15 minWater coming through the ceiling from upstairs: what to doWater coming through the ceiling from upstairs? Shut off the water, cut the power to nearby lights from a dry spot and catch the drip. Step by step.
Call a proWater stain on the wall: is a pipe leaking behind it?Water stain on the wall that keeps growing? Check if it is a pipe with the meter test and a moisture meter, and know when to call a plumber.
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