Systems

Making sure you know everything there is to know about the electrical, heating and cooling systems in your home.

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A Guide To Pipe Fittings and How To Use Them

If you're doing a plumbing installation or repair, you'll need to buy pipe and pipe fittings. Here's some help figuring out which fittings you need.

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What Is a P-Trap?

Curious about P-traps, how they function and what to look for when you buy one? Here's what you need to...


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What To Know About Rerouting a Water Shutoff Valve

Where's that water shutoff valve when you need it? Avoid flooding disasters and make repairs easier by putting it where...


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How to Create a Home Spa Bathroom

See the ways you can easily transform your bathroom into a spa oasis, from replacing shower fixtures to upgrading lighting...


Winterize Your Irrigation System With This Handy $15 Device

Winterizing your irrigation system each fall can set you back some serious money if you pay a service to...

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How to Replace a Kitchen Sink Basket Strainer

Replace a sink strainer—it’s easy!


How to Unclog Anything

Toilets aren’t the only clog-prone fixture homeowners have to deal with. Check out what else is susceptible to clogging—and how...

Top 10 Plumbing Fixes You Can Do Yourself

Save money by doing simple plumbing repairs yourself. These fixes are completely DIY with basic tools and skills.


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What to Do Within the First Year After Moving Into Your New Home

When you move into your new home, there are a number of cleaning tasks, basic projects and upgrades to consider....



Everything to Know About Sump Pump Battery Backups

A dead pump can lead to disaster. Here's how to avoid trouble

9 Super-Simple Toilet Tune-Ups

Check out these 9 amazingly-simple ways to optimize your flush


The Most Essential Products for New Homeowners

From cleaning supplies to tools, here's a list of everything you'll need for your new home.



100 Plumbing Goofs and Other Scary Stuff

A plumbing problem is no laughing matter, but it is fun to see the problems before they're solved. Check out...


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15 Things You Should Do When You Find a Burst Pipe

A burst pipe is the last thing anyone wants to tackle. But there are some quick temporary fixes you can...

Avoid Frozen Sump Pump Pipes

What seemed like an easy, inexpensive project could have turned out to be a costly disaster.


How to Install a Touchless Faucet

Faucet installation made easy.


How to Install a New Bathroom Vanity and Sink

A fresh new look for your bathroom.


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6 Things Plumbers Always Do In Their Own Homes

Plumbers say keeping up on a few basic tasks and best practices is the secret to a well-maintained, fully-functioning home...


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The 29 Secrets a Plumber Won’t Tell You

These secrets could save you a lot of time and money. Get the scoop on things a plumber will never...


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5 Top Myths About Septic Systems

There's a lot of misinformation out there about septic systems. Here's what you need to know.


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The 10 Most Common Plumbing Mistakes DIYers Make

Get the job done right the first time and save money on expensive repairs down the road.


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What You Need to Know About Your Septic System’s Drainfield

Knowing how to care for and maintain your drainfield will keep your entire septic system running properly.


How to Connect Gas Pipe Lines

Use the correct fittings for a safe gas hook-up

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12 Things Your Plumber Doesn’t Want You To Know

A plumber isn't obliged to tell you it's an easy fix...


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How to Glue and Join PVC Plastic Pipe

The secrets to fast, leak-proof connections


How to Repair a Broken Pipe in Your Home

A quick and easy, no-soldering fix for your burst pipe.


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Signs of Frozen Pipes (And How to Unfreeze Them)

As temps drop, your risk of a frozen pipe increases. Read on for all you need to know about preventing...


1951 Family Handyman Feature: Be Your Own Plumber

In honor of Family Handyman's 70th anniversary, we're sharing some throwbacks. Check out these DIY plumbing tips.


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How to Upgrade Your Shower in a Weekend

Get an impressive shower upgrade without breaking the bank or turning your basement into a jobsite.