Ask This Old House TV

Showing results for "Season 5"
Scan the episodes below and select "more" to get information on products or services you saw on that episode.

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

Original Air Date: Week of October 19, 2006

Plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey helps a homeowner begin to remodel his bathroom by installing a new acrylic shower base. Back in the loft, Tom demonstrates the proper way to install backerboard and tile around a new shower base. Then, landscaping contractor Roger Cook helps a homeowner save water by installing a rain barrel to catch rainwater from the roof.

Installing a new shower base
Richard helped a homeowner remove a "vintage" 1970's yellow shower enclosure and replace it with a new acrylic shower base. They removed the old shower stall with a reciprocating saw, hammers and pry bars. Richard also used the reciprocating saw to cut the PVC drainpipe underneath. Once the old shower stall was gone and the wall's framing was exposed, Richard measured the rough opening to make sure the new base would fit. The new base was slightly deeper than the old one, so he had to cut away some of the floor tile to accommodate the new base. Richard also discovered a plumbing vent pipe in the wall that prevented the new shower base from sitting tight up against the wall's studs. To remedy the situation, he screwed narrow strips of plywood to the studs to allow the new base to be fastened securely. He then cut a new hole in the sub floor to accommodate the new drainpipe. Before permanently installing the new base, Richard attached the new drain assembly. He then inserted the base into the rough opening and used a spirit level and wooden shims to ensure that the base was level in all directions. Once it was level, he drilled pilot holes in the base's nailing flange and used water resistant deck screws to fasten the base to the studs. Finally, Richard relocated and installed a new PVC drain trap from the basement underneath and the installation was complete.

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

Installing a rain barrel
Roger helped a homeowner use rainwater from her roof for irrigation by installing a rain barrel. The barrel was made of oak and was once used for storing whiskey. It had been modified with a brass fitting on top for accepting the rainwater from a gutter downspout and it had a spigot on the bottom for connecting a soaker hose. To prevent the barrel from rotting on the bottom, Roger set the barrel on concrete "barrel blocks." The next step was to connect the barrel to the downspout. The barrel came with a plastic diverter that mounts on the aluminum downspout. When the barrel becomes full, excess rainwater will be diverted back into lower section of the downspout. Roger attached the diverter to the downspout using metal gutter screws. He then modified the bottom section of the downspout using a template and cut an opening using metal-cutting shears. Roger then secured the remainder of the downspout to the house with a gutter strap and screws. He then attached a hose to the diverter that will supply water to the barrel. Finally, he connects the soaker hose to the barrel and the installation is complete.

Where to Find It
Roger installed a recycled oak whiskey barrel that was modified to collect rainwater for irrigating plants.

Manufacturer: Aaron's Rain Barrels
978-790-1816

Episode #502

Replacing a clogged faucet aerator, Selecting houseplants, Quieting a squeaky subfloor under carpet… more

Episode #501

Repairing a bathroom door, planting a bamboo privacy screen, what is it?… more