Ask This Old House

Replacing a Clogged Trap
Richard helps homeowner Ziad Tarawneh unclog his bathroom sink by replacing the trap underneath. Rich explains the "3-corner bite" technique when using a pipe wrench.

Where to Find It
Richard cut the old trap off using a Porter-Cable Tiger Saw (reciprocating saw):
Porter-Cable Corporation
Dealer/Distributor Customer Services: 800-321-9443
Service Centers/Technical Information: 888-848-5175
Dealer Locator: 800-4US-TOOL (800-487-8665)

He also used pipe thread tape and pipe joint compound when installing the new trap:
RectorSeal Pipe Thread Sealant

Pipe thread seal tape, Mil Spec T-27730A
½-inch X 520

New traps and fittings are available at your local home center or plumbing supply store.

Brick Walkway Patterns
In the loft, Roger showed some different options for laying out a brick walkway. Roger showed how to lay out a running bond pattern, a cross-bond pattern, a basket-weave pattern, and a herringbone pattern. Roger also showed the difference between "modular" and "standard" bricks.

Where to Find It
Martignetti Enterprises
781-935-6677

Fixing Ceiling Cracks
Tom showed how to cover a cracked plaster ceiling using ⅜-inch-thick wallboard. He explained that the wood lath behind the old plaster expands and contracts, causing cracking. Tom showed how to find the strapping in the ceiling, which he used to screw the new wallboard into. Tom also used a homemade support made out of 2x4 lumber for supporting the wallboard against the ceiling while fastening. Tom showed a special bit in his drill for screwing in the wallboard screws. He then taped the seams with fiberglass tape and applied joint compound with a taping knife.

Where to Find It
Grip Rite Fas'ners
Black Coarse Drywall Screws
6 x 1⅝"
PrimeSource Building Products, Inc.

Festool Systainer, Festo
Cordless drill No. 566112
CDD 12 FX MC 15 Plus

Drywall Screw Drill Bit
Item 16627
Dimpler Drywall Driver #2R Phillips
Vermont American Tool Company

Sheetrock Brand Lightweight All-Purpose Joint Compound (Ready Mix)
United States Gypsum Co.