Bleeding brakes traditionally takes two people - one pumping, one opening the bleeder. But several methods let you do it alone. Here are the one-person brake bleeding options and how they work.
Gravity bleeding
The simplest solo method: open a bleeder and let gravity pull fluid (and air) down and out on its own - see gravity bleeding. It is slow and does not always clear stubborn air, but it needs no tools and no helper. Keep the reservoir topped the whole time.
One-way check-valve bleeders
A length of clear tubing with a one-way check valve on the bleeder lets you pump the pedal yourself - the valve keeps air from being sucked back in when you release. You pump, the old fluid and air go out, and nothing returns. Cheap and effective for a solo bleed following the correct bleeding order.
Vacuum and pressure bleeders
A hand vacuum bleeder pulls fluid through from the bleeder end; a pressure bleeder pushes fluid from the reservoir under pressure. Both let one person do the whole job and are efficient at clearing air - the closest to a professional result; see brake bleeding basics.
Keep the reservoir full
Whatever method you use, the one rule that never changes: never let the master-cylinder reservoir run dry, or you pull air into the system and start over; see spongy pedal after bleeding. Finish with a firm pedal, fresh fluid, and quality pads and hardware.