Ask This Old House

Show Descriptions

Showing results for "Season 3 | Episode #318"

Original Air Date: Week of January 31, 2005

In the barn loft, plumbing and heating expert Rich Trethewey "clears up" the mysteries of clogged bathtub drains. Then, general contractor Tom Silva helps Marblehead, Massachusetts homeowner Terry Lavelle replace his double-hung window weights with spring loaded sash balancers. Afterwards, Tom shows host Kevin O'Connor how to insulate the empty window weight pockets to prevent cold winter drafts. Then Tom, Rich, and Kevin, along with landscaping contractor Roger Cook ask, "What is it?" Finally, Roger helps a very thoughtful tenant, Brett Campbell of Arlington, Massachusetts, plant a low-maintenance garden for his elderly landlady.

Unclogging bathtub drains
Richard shows Kevin how a bathtub drain system works and the proper methods for removing clogs. He shows the "bath, waste and overflow" system and the "pop-up" assembly. He then demonstrates the most effective way to use a snake and a plunger for removing clogs.

Where to Find It
Drain snakes and plungers can be purchased at your local plumbing supply house or home center.

An Alternative to Window Weights
Tom shows how to install a sash-balance system that replaces an old window's original weight-and-pulley system. He first cuts the old sash cords, removes the pulleys, and alters the jamb opening to accommodate the new spring-balances. Tom then discusses options for insulating the empty weight cavities.

Where to Find It
Window Counterbalances:
Pullman Manufacturing Corp.
585-334-1350

Rigid foam insulation and foil tape can be found at your local home center.

What Is It?
The guys try to guess the intended purpose of an unusual-looking product.

Where to Find It
Tom showed a device used to patch holes in drywall.

Planting a Low-maintenance Garden
Roger and landscape architect Stephanie Hubbard help a tenant design and plant a low-maintenance garden for his elderly landlady. Roger shows how to amend the existing soil so that the new plants get off to the right start.

Where to Find It
Landscape Architect:
Stephanie Hubbard
Halverson Design Partnership
161 Massachusetts Avenue
Boston, MA 02115-3050
617-536-0626

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Meet Our Crew

Norm Abram: Master carpenter of This Old House since the series' 1979 premiere, and host of The New Yankee Workshop since its premiere a decade later, Norm Abram has inspired millions of homeowners to renovate and restore their homes. Seen across the … more

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