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

Original Air Date: Week of March 22, 2007

Landscaping contractor Roger Cook shows two young homeowners how to mow and edge their front lawn properly. Then Roger, along with host Kevin O'Connor, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey and general contractor Tom Silva ask, "What is it?" Afterward, Richard shows Kevin how to repair and maintain electric water heaters. Then, Tom helps a homeowner repair a broken stair tread using a new type of wooden dowel.

Lawn Mowing and Edging Basics
Roger showed a young couple the proper methods for mowing and edging a lawn. The lawn had some thin, bare spots; Roger determined that it had been mowed too short in the past, causing it to dry out. He also noticed that the tips of the grass blades were ragged, which can be caused by a dull lawn mower blade and result in disease.

Where to find it
The gas-powered lawn mower and electric string trimmer were supplied by:
The Toro Company
888-384-9939

For more information on string trimmers, see:
on the ThisOldHouse.com

What is it?
The guys try to guess the intended purpose of an unusual-looking tool.

Where to Find It?
Concrete vibrators can be rented at your local power tool rental center.

Repairing and maintaining electric water heaters
Up in the loft, Richard showed Kevin a few ways to maintain and repair electric water heaters. Most electric water heaters have two electric elements to heat the water. The elements are controlled by thermostats mounted onto the tank. If an electric water heater is not providing hot water, Richard recommends first verifying that the unit is receiving electricity and then checking the "ECO," or Emergency Cut Off. The ECO acts like a circuit breaker, preventing the unit from overheating if the thermostats malfunction.

Where to Find It?
Electric water heaters and replacement parts supplied by:
Gourley Co.
781-894-9500

Electric water heaters and replacement parts can also be purchased at your local home center or plumbing supply house.

Repairing a broken stair tread
Tom helped a homeowner repair a broken stair tread. The tread had a crack near the front edge that ran along its length. To repair the crack, Tom recommended using a new type of wooden dowel. The dowels have a series of "steps" that help to hold the pieces of wood together. Since the stair treads were made of red oak, Tom selected a dowel made of the same type of wood.Where to Find ItTom used a special type of wooden dowel to repair the stair tread. The dowel was "stepped" and required the use of a special drill bit.

Manufacturer: Miller Dowel Company
866-966-3734

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

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