Plumbing guides — HomeGraft

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PLUMBING · 10 STEPSReplace a bar mixer showerSwap your old bar mixer shower for a new one, checking pipework, wall type and fixings, then sealing it watertight.

PLUMBING · 9 STEPSReplace a basin mixer tapSwap an old basin tap for a new one safely, without leaks, in a single session under the basin.

PLUMBING · 10 STEPSReplace a basin pop-up wasteSwap a leaking or worn basin pop-up waste for a new one, test it, and tidy up in one session.

PLUMBING · 10 STEPSReplace a bath mixer tapSwap your old bath mixer tap for a new one safely, covering both deck-mounted and wall-mounted fittings.

PLUMBING · 10 STEPSReplace a bath shower mixer diverterIsolate the water, remove the tap handle and spout, swap the worn diverter cartridge, then test for leaks.

PLUMBING · 10 STEPSReplace a bath waste and overflowSwap a leaking bath waste and overflow for a new one, sealed properly and tested for leaks.

PLUMBING · 11 STEPSReplace a close-coupled toiletA step-by-step guide to removing an old toilet and fitting a new one, including how to fix it securely.

PLUMBING · 5 STEPSReplace a kitchen mixer tapSwap a tired kitchen tap for a new mixer — isolation, removal, fitting and leak checks.

PLUMBING · 9 STEPSReplace a kitchen sink basket strainer wasteSwap a leaking kitchen sink basket strainer for a new one, sealing it properly to stop drips for good.

PLUMBING · 10 STEPSReplace a leaking stopcockIsolate the water supply, remove the leaking stopcock, fit a new one, then check for leaks and tidy up.

PLUMBING · 12 STEPSReplace a section of damaged pipeCut out a damaged pipe section, fit a new length safely, and reconnect without leaks in one session.

PLUMBING · 8 STEPSReplace a sink trapSwap a leaking or blocked sink trap for a new one, catch the water, and check every joint for leaks.

PLUMBING · 7 STEPSReplace a tap aeratorSwap a tap's aerator to fix poor flow or splashing, with basic tools in under fifteen minutes.

PLUMBING · 13 STEPSReplace a thermostatic shower cartridgeTurn off the water, swap the worn cartridge for the correct match, then test for leaks and safe temperature.

PLUMBING · 7 STEPSReplace a toilet fill valveIsolate the water, swap the worn fill valve, then test and adjust it so the cistern refills correctly without leaks.

PLUMBING · 7 STEPSReplace a toilet flush buttonSwap a worn or broken toilet flush button for a new one, with the water safely turned off first.

PLUMBING · 8 STEPSReplace a toilet flush leverSwap a broken or stiff toilet flush lever for a new one, working safely and without leaks.

PLUMBING · 9 STEPSReplace a toilet flush valveReplace a leaking or noisy toilet flush valve safely, working from isolating the water to testing the finished flush.

PLUMBING · 10 STEPSReplace a toilet pan connectorReplace a leaking or worn toilet pan connector safely, checking hidden pipes before refitting the pan to the floor.

PLUMBING · 8 STEPSReplace a wall-hung toilet flush plateTurn off the water, remove the old flush plate, fit the new one, then test for leaks.

PLUMBING · 8 STEPSReplace a washing machine hoseTurn off the water, swap the old washing machine hose for a new one, and check for leaks.

PLUMBING · 9 STEPSReplace an outside tap washerTurn off the water, unscrew the tap head, swap the worn rubber washer, and rebuild the tap to stop a drip.

PLUMBING · 10 STEPSReplace basin pillar tapsSwap old basin taps for new ones, working safely with the water off and connections leak-free.

PLUMBING · 9 STEPSReplace bath pillar tapsTurn off the water, swap old bath taps for new WRAS-approved ones, then reconnect and test for leaks.

PLUMBING · 9 STEPSReplace the diaphragm in an old toilet siphonReplace a worn diaphragm inside your toilet's siphon to fix a weak or failing flush, without buying a new cistern.

PLUMBING · 9 STEPSReplace the float valve in a loft cold water tankIsolate the water, drain the tank, fit a WRAS-approved float valve, then reset the water level and check for leaks.

PLUMBING · 8 STEPSReplace the hose on a pull-out kitchen tapSwap a worn pull-out kitchen tap hose yourself by isolating the water, disconnecting the old hose, and fitting the replacement.

PLUMBING · 10 STEPSRun a new waste pipe for a washing machine or dishwasherRun a new waste pipe from your washing machine or dishwasher to the drain, keeping the right fall and joints.

PLUMBING · 9 STEPSStop a pipe creaking under the floorboardsFind why a floorboard pipe creaks, then clip, cushion or reclip it to stop the noise for good.

PLUMBING · 11 STEPSStop pipes knocking and bangingWork out why your pipes bang or knock, then trace and re-fix the loose clip safely, whatever your wall or ceiling type.

PLUMBING · 9 STEPSThaw a frozen pipe safelyFind your stopcock, turn off the water, then thaw a frozen pipe gently from the tap end outwards.

PLUMBING · 9 STEPSUnblock a bathClear a blocked bath drain step by step, from simple plunging to using a drain auger, without calling a plumber.

PLUMBING · 8 STEPSUnblock a bathroom basinClear a blocked bathroom basin by plunging first, then removing and cleaning the trap underneath.

PLUMBING · 7 STEPSUnblock a dishwasher that won't drainClear a blocked dishwasher drain safely by checking the filter, hose and sink waste in one session.

PLUMBING · 8 STEPSUnblock a kitchen sinkClear a blocked kitchen sink safely, from plunging to dismantling the trap and testing the flow again.

PLUMBING · 9 STEPSUnblock a shower drainClear a blocked shower drain safely, from removing hair and debris to plunging, snaking, and testing the flow again.

PLUMBING · 9 STEPSUnblock a toiletClear a blocked toilet safely with a plunger and auger, testing carefully so it doesn't overflow.

PLUMBING · 8 STEPSWinterise an outside tapDrain and insulate your outside tap before frost hits, so pipes do not freeze and burst over winter.