Bathtubs & Showers How-To Guides

Strip old caulk and lay a clean, watertight bead around your tub or shower -- the $15 maintenance job that prevents thousands in water damage and mold.

Fix a shower head that keeps dripping after you turn it off -- figure out if it is a normal drain, a worn cartridge, bad washers, or a loose connection, and fix it.

Replace a shower valve cartridge or the entire valve body to fix temperature swings, stop leaks, or deal with a shower that will not turn off -- single-handle and two-handle valves covered.

Deep clean your shower door tracks to clear soap scum, mold, and mineral buildup -- fix stiff doors and stop water leaks from clogged weep holes.

Seal your shower with a clean, watertight caulk bead -- prevents leaks, mold, and water damage behind the walls. Under $15 and one hour of work.

Swap a worn shower valve cartridge to fix temperature problems, drips, and hard-to-turn handles. The part inside the wall that controls everything.

Clear a clogged drain with a drain snake (auger). Reaches clogs that plungers cannot -- deep in the trap, wall pipe, or main line. Essential plumbing skill.