Ask This Old House

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Season 5 Show Descriptions

Showing results for "Season 5"
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Episode #526
Building a Workbench and What Is It?… more
Episode #525
Lawn Mowing and Edging Basics, What is it?, Repairing and maintaining electric water heaters, Repairing a broken stair tread … more
Episode #524
Replacing a damaged mailbox post,Repointing Brickwork … more
Episode #523
Installing a new radiator/towel bar warmer, What is it?, Controlling crabgrass … more
Episode #522
Replacing a corroded shut-off valve with a "compression" fitting, What is it?, Selecting and planting "climbing" roses … more
Episode #521
Installing composite decking with hidden fasteners, Quieting a noisy steam radiator… more
Episode #520
Replacing a Shub, What is it?, Installing a roof-mounted attic fan… more
Episode #519
Refinishing cast-iron radiators, Installing a standby electric generator… more
Episode #518
Patching a damaged vinyl floor, What is it?, Repairing a leaking in-ground sprinkler system… more
Episode #517
Shopping for and installing wall-to-wall carpet, What is it?, Table saw safety… more
Episode #516
Removing an overgrown Juniper bush, Coiling an extension cord, Replacing a pop-up assembly in a pedestal sink … more
Episode #515
Clearing clogged drains, What is it?, Install Kitchen Cabinets… more
Episode #514
Prune a willow tree, fix a hot-water heater… more
Episode #513
Mulching, Sash Balancers … more
Episode #512
Shower Valve, Recycling Batteries … more
Episode #511
Cedar Clapboards, Chainsaw Etiquette … more
Episode #510
Kitchen Backsplash, Installing Sod … more
Episode #509
Child safety, What is It?, Installing a sump pump… more
Episode #508
Maintaining stone countertops, what is it?, Installing a chain link fence… more
Episode #507
Home Energy Audit, what is it?, Removing a toilet seat with corroded bolts… more
Episode #506
Rebuilding a small exterior deck and stairs.… more
Episode #505
Planting flower bulbs in fall, making straight rip cuts with a circular saw, what is it?… more
Episode #504
Installing garage storage cabinets, What is it?, Installing a ceiling fan… more
Episode #503
Installing a new shower base, Installing a rain barrel… more
Episode #502


Original Air Date: Week of October 19, 2006

Plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey helps a homeowner replace a clogged aerator on his bathroom faucet. Then, up in the loft, landscaping contractor Roger Cook is joined by plant expert Carrie Kelly to learn about caring for houseplants. Then, general contractor Tom Silva helps a homeowner quiet a squeaky subfloor hidden underneath wall-to-wall carpeting using special "breakaway" screws.

Replacing a clogged faucet aerator
Richard helps a homeowner whose bathroom faucet shuts off when both hot and cold water are run at the same time. Richard determines that the cause of the problem is a clogged aerator, a device at the end of the faucet's spout designed to conserve water. After removing the aerator, which contains a screen and a flow restrictor, Richard sees that it has become clogged with debris. Richard replaces the aerator with a new one and the problem is fixed. Then, up in the loft, Richard shows host Kevin O'Connor the debris that got caught in the aerator; rubber pieces from plumbing washers and Teflon tape used to seal pipe threads.

Where to Find It
Faucet aerators are available at your local home center or plumbing supply house.

Selecting houseplants
Up in the loft, Roger and plant expert Carrie Kelly talk about selecting houseplants and discuss their care.

Where to Find It
Houseplants are available at your local home or garden center.

Carrie Kelly and the houseplants seen on the show courtesy of:
Mahoney's
242 Cambridge St., Route 3
Winchester, MA 01890
781-729-5900

Quieting a squeaky subfloor under carpet
Tom helps a homeowner with an upstairs floor that squeaks excessively when walked on. The floor has no access from below and is covered from above with wall-to-wall carpeting. Tom determines that the cause of the squeak is the connection between the plywood subfloor and the joists. To fix the squeaks, Tom first locates the joists by tapping the floor with a hammer. He then verifies the joist locations by using a special drill bit that helps find the joists. The joists are spaced 16" apart, so Tom then marks their locations using string and screws. Once the joists are located, Tom uses special screws to tighten the subfloor to the joists. The screws are driven down and the heads of the screws are left sticking above the carpet. A special tool is then used to break away the tops of the screws, making them invisible.

Where to Find It
Manufacturer: Squeak No More manufactured by: O'Berry Enterprises, Inc.
800-459-8428
Episode #501
Repairing a bathroom door, planting a bamboo privacy screen, what is it?… more