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

Original Air Date: Week of March 08, 2007

Plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey helps a homeowner install a new bathroom radiator that doubles as a towel warmer. Then, up in the loft, general contractor Tom Silva shows host Kevin O'Connor how to use hand planes to shape wood. Then, landscaping contractor Roger Cook helps a homeowner remove crabgrass from his lawn and prevent it from returning.

Installing a new radiator/towel bar warmer
Richard helped a homeowner remove an old "convector" heater and replace it with a new radiator that also doubles as towel warmer. The homeowner wanted to replace the old convector in his bathroom with something smaller and more attractive. Richard first drained the water out of the heating supply lines and used a reciprocating saw to remove the old convector. He then cut open the floor and relocated the copper supply pipes so they would be in the right position for connecting to the new radiator. Richard then reinstalled the subfloor and determined the correct location for the wall brackets that hold the radiator against the wall. Finally, he tightened all the connections and re-filled the system.

Where to find it:
The radiator that Richard installed is manufactured in Europe by:
Vasco

Vasco towel bar radiators are available in the United States from:
Hydronic Alternatives, Inc.
413-543-8733

How to use hand planes
Up in the loft, Tom showed Kevin several different types of hand planes and how to use them. There were two basic types, "bench" planes and "block" planes. Tom explained that "bench" planes are used on a workbench for shaving larger pieces of wood. "Block" planes are small and portable, perfect for adjusting miters or un-sticking a wooden door.

Where to Find It
The hand planes Tom showed were manufactured by:
Lie-Nielsen Toolworks, Inc.
800.435.0786
Hand planes of all types can also be found at your local home center or woodworking supply store.

Controlling crabgrass
Roger helped a homeowner who complained of crabgrass growing on his lawn. Crabgrass is an unattractive weed that spreads quickly during hot weather and can rapidly take over a lawn. Roger explained that the best way to discourage crabgrass is to maintain a healthy and thick lawn because a thick lawn will shade the soil, making it difficult for crabgrass seeds to germinate. The best time of year to Improve a lawn is in the fall because the crabgrass dies, making it easier for new grass seed to germinate and thicken the lawn.

Where to Find It
Several of the products that Roger discussed are available from Jonathan Green Lawn and Garden Products.

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

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