Ask This Old House TV

Showing results for "Season 4"
Scan the episodes below and select "more" to get information on products or services you saw on that episode.

Episode #426

Installing a mini-split air conditioning system, what is it?, de-thatching a lawn… more

Episode #425

Cutting ceramic and stone tile, installing a sump pump … more

Episode #424

Replacing an old dishwasher, what is it?, sharpening a wood chisel, using lawn spreaders… more

Episode #423

Replacing an interior "hollow-core" door with a new "solid-core" door, repairing a leaky kitchen faucet… more

Episode #422

Repairing stripped threads on a cast-iron radiator, fixing a grading problem, what is it?, stabilizing a wobbly newel post, refinishing an old cast-iron bathtub… more

Episode #421

Installing an instantaneous water heater, planting trees to save energy, installing cellulose insulation … more

Episode #420

Installing a granite driveway marker, what is it, repairing a hot water radiator system … more

Episode #419

Building a custom radiator cover, installing a steam humidifier in a forced-air heating system … more

Episode #418

Transplanting a white spruce tree, what is it?, extending a staircase handrail … more

Episode #417

Repairing a residential well, repairing a hole in vinyl siding … more

Episode #416

Original Air Date: Week of January 21, 2006

Up in the loft, general contractor Tom Silva shows host Kevin O'Connor several different types of hammers and how to use them properly. Then, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey helps a homeowner repair a pressure-assisted toilet. Tom then gives Kevin some lessons on how to patch a large hole in a wall using veneer plaster and blueboard.

Choosing and using hammers
Tom and Kevin answer a viewer's question about choosing and using hammers. Tom shows some different types including framing, shingling, and brick hammers. He also talks about the different head sizes and materials used in the handles. Tom then gives Kevin a lesson on the proper way to grip and swing a hammer.

Where to Find It
Some of the hammers shown were manufactured by the following companies:
Estwing®
815-397-9558

Vaughn®

Plumb® manufactured by: Cooper Hand Tools

Stanley®
860-225-5111

Douglas Tool, Inc.
831-420-0456

Repairing a pressure-assisted toilet
Richard helps a homeowner repair a pressure-assisted toilet that is making a loud thumping sound. He determines that a temporary drop in water pressure is causing the problem and that a new "pressure regulator" inside the toilet tank will eliminate the noise. Richard first shuts off the water supply to the toilet. He then removes the tank from the bowl and takes the flush unit out. He then replaces the pressure regulator on the flush unit and reinstalls everything back inside the tank.

Where to Find It
The flushing mechanism of the pressure-assisted toilet (model number 503) and pressure regulator are manufactured by:
Flushmate
A division of Sloan Valve Company
800-533-3460

Repairing a plastered wall
Tom shows Kevin how to repair a large hole in a plastered wall. Instead of patching the hole with regular wallboard and joint compound, Tom uses a different type of gypsum wallboard product called "blueboard." The blueboard is designed to accept a skim coat of "veneer" plaster. Tom first cuts a square piece of blueboard slightly large than the hole. Then, after tracing around the patch onto the wall, Tom uses a wallboard saw to cut the hole a bit larger so that the patch will fit. He then screws two short pieces of 1x3 lumber behind the plaster wall so that he'll have a backer to screw the blueboard patch onto. He then applies fiberglass mesh tape all around the perimeter of the patch and applies plaster over the entire surface, bringing it flush with the rest of the wall.

Where to Find It
Uni-Kal® Veneer Plaster
Manufacturer: National Gypsum Company
704-365-7300

Blueboard is available at some lumberyards and home centers.

Episode #415

Installing a low cost in-ground sprinkler system, what is it?, pouring a concrete footing for a deck … more

Episode #414

Installing a radon mitigation system, pruning an apple tree for fruit production… more

Episode #413

Installing a new vinyl floor, what is it?, preventing frozen pipes… more

Episode #412

Washing windows like a pro, what is it?, flushing an electric water heater… more

Episode #411

Snowthrowers, what is it?, where to find it… more

Episode #410

Pruning an overgrown privet hedge, installing a new basement laundry sink … more

Episode #409

Viewer tips, re-shingling a garage roof using asphalt-fiberglass shingles… more

Episode #408

Circular saw 101, what is it?, installing a new outdoor faucet using PEX, cabling an oak tree to prevent splitting… more

Episode #407

Removing and preventing moss, algae and lichen from a roof, what is it?, repairing a leaky water valve, planting shade-tolerant ground cover under a European Beech tree … more

Episode #406

Building a raised garden bed with landscape timbers, clearing a bathtub drain. … more

Episode #405

Caring for a rose bush, how to steady a wobbly toilet, plugging a basement water leak using hydraulic cement.… more

Episode #404

Repairing a flat wheelbarrow tire, repairing an aluminum rain gutter, viewer tips, installing a thermal expansion tank … more

Episode #403

Installing an under-sink water filter, planting a drought-resistant tree.… more

Episode #402

Quieting creaky stairs, static cling solution, and installing an electric shut-off valve for a washing machine … more

Episode #401

Repairing a mortared stone walkway, patching an oak floor… more