Ask This Old House

Show Descriptions

Original Air Date: Week of February 9, 2012

Plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey installs a recirculation pump to provide hot water quickly to a bathroom. Then, general contractor Tom Silva shares a tip for fixing the handle on a casement window. Afterward, Tom, Richard, host Kevin O'Connor, and landscape contractor Roger Cook ask "What Is It?" And then Kevin travels to Dallas to help a homeowner line her fireplace chimney.

Hot Water Recirculation Pump
Richard helps a homeowner install a hot water recirculation pump to reduce the time she has to wait for hot water.

Where to find it?
The pump that Richard installed is the D'MAND system, manufactured by Taco

The kit includes all necessary parts and is available at plumbing supply stores.

Quick Tip: Casement Window Cranks
Tom shares a few tips about casement window cranks.

Where to find it?
Tom shows several types of casement window cranks and steel wool, all available at hardware stores and home centers.

What Is It?
Richard asks the guys to identify an item with a blue plastic housing and a black, extendable hose.

Where to find it?
The "Pumps-a-Lot" water pump uses no electricity. Instead, it uses water pressure and the "Venturi" effect to pull water from a basin or flooded area. It is manufactured by:

G.T. Water Products
800-862-5647

Installing a Chimney Liner
Kevin heads to Dallas to help a homeowner line her fireplace chimney.

Where to find it?
Installing a chimney liner is a professional job that should only be performed by a qualified technician.

Expert assistance for this project was provided by Clint Sanner:
Hale's Chimney Cleaning & Repair
McKinney, TX

Materials for this project were supplied by:
Lindemann Chimney Supply

The insulating mortar that was installed in the firebox was Chamber-Tech 2000, manufactured by:
Ahrens Chimney Technique

More On Ask This Old House...

Search Q & Archive

Advertisement

Project of the Week

building a simple deck tout

How to Build a Simple Deck

Go

Your Old House

See 1000s of inspiring remodels from readers like you or show off your own remodel

Go

Calculators

Calculate exactly how much material you need

Go

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

Advertisement
AMERICA'S MOST TRUSTED HOME IMPROVEMENT BRAND Underwriters: