How to Fix a Running Toilet in 3 Steps
A running toilet wastes 200 gallons daily and costs $25-50/month. Learn how to diagnose and fix the three most common causes in under 30 minutes.
Real home repair, real limits
5 articles
Most household plumbing problems are more annoying than dangerous, and a surprising number are well within reach of a confident DIYer with the right approach. The Plumbing collection covers the common fixes — running toilets, dripping faucets, slow drains, and the shutoff valves everyone should know how to find.
We walk you through each job step by step, starting with where to shut off the water before you touch anything. We are also clear about the line: when a repair involves the main line, the water heater's gas, or anything you cannot isolate, we will tell you to call a licensed plumber rather than risk a flood.
Start with the guides below to handle the everyday leaks and clogs yourself — and to know when not to.
A running toilet wastes 200 gallons daily and costs $25-50/month. Learn how to diagnose and fix the three most common causes in under 30 minutes.
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Proper bathtub caulking prevents water damage and mold. Learn when to recaulk, which caulk to buy, and how to remove old caulk before applying new.
Stop wasting 2,700 gallons a year. Learn how to fix a leaky shower head with tools you already own—usually under $10 and 20 minutes.
Replace your kitchen faucet in 1–2 hours with basic tools. Step-by-step guide with troubleshooting, tool specifics, and when to call a pro.