Plumbers

Resources, tips and techniques for plumbers that will help hone your craft and excel at your trade.

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    Keen Utility’s New Work Boot is the Perfect Boot for Almost Everything

    I worked in these boots and put them through usage scenarios to ensure they were up to the job.

    Best Water Heater Brands, According to Plumbers and HVAC Techs

    There's nothing worse than not having hot water. We consulted expert plumbers and HVAC technicians to find the best water...


    Is Your Water Heater’s TPR Valve Leaking? Here’s What to Do

    The TPR valve is a critical safety feature on water heater tanks. A leak could indicate high pressure or a...


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    How Does a Water Softener Work? All Your Questions, Answered

    Many households throughout the country have hard water. If yours is one of them, let our experts explain why and...


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    What Is CPVC Pipe? Here’s Everything to Know

    Learn about this plumbing pipe that's easy to cut and join, requires no special tools and no risky soldering.

    A Day in the Life: Jessie Cannizzaro

    A master plumber who owns her own business, Cannizzaro talks to Family Handyman about her journey and career.


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    How I Became a Plumber

    We talked to Jessie Cannizzaro about how she found her path into the plumbing industry.

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    Cobra Tools Pistol-Grip Power Drum Auger: How To Use, Pros, Cons & Where to Buy

    Don't waste your money on a plumber. Instead try this inexpensive, easy-to-use Family Handyman Approved power drum auger.


    What’s In My Toolbox? A Pro Plumber’s Most Essential Tools

    A long-time plumbing professional shares a look inside her toolbox.


    How to Fix a Toilet Handle

    If jiggling the handle doesn't solve the problem, one of these simple fixes probably will.


    How to Repair a Garden Hose

    Fix leaky garden hoses quickly and cheaply.

    12 Things You Should Always Ask a Contractor Before Building a House

    The idea of building a new home is exciting. However, if you don't ask your contractor the right questions prior...


    5 Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones for Construction

    Protect your hearing while you work with these noise-reducing headsets.


    10 Things To Do When You Have Contractor Problems

    There's nothing quite like a home renovation that's firing on all cylinders. It's easy to get excited when your contractor...


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    10 of the Toughest Home Improvement Jobs

    Some home improvement projects may look easy, but once you get going, you quickly realize things can be tougher than...


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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...

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    Crucial Differences Between Licensed & Unlicensed Contractors

    Choosing an unlicensed contractor comes with legal liabilities for the homeowner.


    5 Best Resources for Women in Skilled Trades

    Succeeding as a woman in a historically male-centric industry is no small task. Here are some of the best resources...


    5 Tips for Cleaning and Maintaining Your Plumbing Snake

    Consistent maintenance of your drain-cleaning equipment reduces effort on site and prolongs its useful lifespan.


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    Pro Tips for Basement Finishing

    These are great tips on how to solve many of the problems you're likely to encounter when working on your...


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    How to Install a Touchless Faucet

    Faucet installation made easy.


    5 Things I Wish I Would Have Known as a Rookie Plumber

    We talked with a self-described ski-bum-turned-veteran-plumber to learn the five things he wishes he would have known when he started...


    How Contractors Can Work With Property Managers to Gain Business

    Property managers who need to solve home issues for hundreds of tenants can provide contractors with an endless stream of...


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    Mike Rowe on Skilled Trades: ‘We Don’t Seem to Value The Pursuit of a Useful Skill’

    Family Handyman recently sat down with Mike Rowe to talk about the skills gap, work ethic and how to NOT...


    How to Become a Plumber

    Learn how to become a plumber through a local apprenticeship or trade school program.

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    Avoid These Common Plumbing Mistakes

    I've seen these same mistakes made over and over. The solution for every one is simple. Let me show you....