Plumbing System

All the information you need about your home’s plumbing system including toilets, water heaters, softeners and conditioners.

View More in:

Add Filter

How to Fix a Water Heater Pilot Light

If your hot water heater suddenly stops working, chances are a bad thermocouple has shut off the gas to the pilot light. Replacement is an easy DIY repair.

DIY Water Heater Testing and Repair

Heating elements on electric hot water heaters sometimes fail long before the water heater, but replacing them in a hot...


How To Choose a New Water Heater

Thinking of getting a new gas, electric, or hybrid water heater? Here's a rundown on today's most common choices.


Tout icon

What Is a Ball Valve and Why Should I Use Them In My Home?

Replacing your old water supply shutoff valves with quarter-turn ball valves is easy, and makes your other plumbing repairs go...


How To Maintain Your Well Water System

From the wellhead and pump to the pressure tank and contaminant testing, here's what to know to keep your well...

How To Turn on a Water Heater and Adjust Its Temperature

Let’s dig into how to turn on a water heater, whether gas or electric, and when it might be time...


Tout icon

How To Fix Kinks in PEX Pipes

Got a plumbing job ahead? PEX pipes make things easier, and learning the various ways to fix kinks is a...

What To Know About PEX Pipe Connections

Have a plumbing job coming up? PEX pipe is well worth considering, and learning how PEX connections work is the...


10 Ways to Filter Water

Whether for an emergency kit, a home system or an on-the-go solution, here are the easiest and best ways to...


Tout icon

7 Types of Water Shutoff Valves

A plumbing system needs a main shutoff valve as well as valves for branch lines and fixtures. Here's a rundown...


These New Septic Tank Treatment Pods from Active Ensure Your System Runs in Tip-Top Shape

Just drop a septic tank treatment pod in the toilet and flush for all the benefits!

Tout icon

How Do Septic Tanks Work?

Just knowing the ins and outs of a septic system can save you a lot of money in the long...


Tout icon

Homeowner’s Guide to Sump Pump Battery Backups

A sump pump installation should include a backup system for breakdowns and power outages. Learn the pros and cons of...


Tout icon

Septic Tank vs. Holding Tank: What to Know About Each

A rural home or cabin isn't connected to a municipal wastewater system, so it needs a septic or holding tank....


This Highly Rated At-Home Sauna Is 50% Off

Turn any bathroom or porch into a spa with the easy-to-install Almost Heaven sauna—it's on sale!


5 Best Shower Filters for Healthy Skin and Hair, Personally Tested by Our Editor

The best shower filter can improve your skin, hair and nails by upgrading your home’s water quality. Go...

See What’s Really in Your Tap or Well with the Varify Water Test Kit

Is your water safe? Testing your water at home is as easy as dunking a test strip.


Tout icon

What To Know About Grey Water

Conserve water and save money while helping your landscaping thrive. Here's what to know about grey water systems.


Best Tankless Water Heater for On-Demand Hot Water

If you want a constant supply of hot water while saving money on your energy bill, the best tankless water...


We Review the Best Filtered Shower Head for 2023-24 – Is it Worth Buying?

A shower filter could improve your skin and hair texture immediately. Let's put this affordable (and popular) option...


Tout icon

How To Keep Above-Ground Water Systems from Freezing

If your home or cabin has an above-ground water system, freezing is a serious risk. Here's how I keep my...


Tout icon

How Long Do Water Heaters Last?

Water heaters don't last as long as most people think. Learn the telltale signs that you're due for a new...


Tout icon

How To Install a Sump Pump

Flooding can ruin your basement and everything in it, but there's a solution. Learn how to install a sump pump...


Tout icon

How To Clean a Tankless Water Heater

Tankless water heaters are great, but mineral buildup can kill their efficiency fast. Here's how to clean a tankless water...


How Long Do Sump Pumps Last?

Sump pumps reliably last from seven to 10 years, but often much longer with maintenance. Be sure to monitor your...

Magazine Cover

Subscribe & SAVE

1 Year Subscription for only $10!

How To Test Sump Pumps

Don't be surprised by a sump pump failure. Here's an easy tutorial on how to test your sump pump to...


How Much Is a Sump Pump?

By itself, a sump pump isn't a major investment, costing about as much as a good juicer. The bulk of...


Tout icon

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...


Tout icon

Here’s How to Keep Pipes From Freezing This Winter

Preventing frozen pipes is easy. Repairing the damage from frozen pipes that burst is not.


Guide to Under Sink Water Heaters

Tired of wasting water while you're waiting for it to get hot? Put an end to that problem by installing...


Guide To Water Storage Tanks

Water storage tanks are the backbone of a well pump system. They can be metal or plastic, pressurized or not,...