Ask This Old House TV

Showing results for "Season 6"
Scan the episodes below and select "more" to get information on products or services you saw on that episode.

Episode #626

Rebuilding a toilet tank, Lawn Watering, Building a simple bookcase… more

Episode #625

Installing a water pressure reducing valve, Choosing the best types of grass seed, What is it?, Installing crown molding on kitchen cabinets… more

Episode #624

Replacing broken tile, Cutting ceramic and stone tile, Installing glass tile on a kitchen backsplash… more

Episode #623

Overseeding a lawn using a slice seeder, Viewer tip, Preparing a home for sale, Finding and fixing a mysterious plumbing leak … more

Episode #622

Installing granite steps, Choosing "Keyless" Deadbolts, Replacing polybutylene water piping… more

Episode #621

Installing an old full-mortise lockset into a new door, Installing a pellet stove, Non-Gasoline Lawn Mowers… more

Episode #620

Building a soccer goal with PVC pipe, Building stilts, Building a sandbox… more

Episode #619

Increasing attic insulation, Installing landscape lighting, Replacing an old kitchen faucet… more

Episode #618

Installing a Water Softener, Installing fiber-cement siding … more

Episode #617

Improving a lawn, What is it?, Water Supply Piping… more

Episode #616

Replacing a leaky skylight, What is it?, Repairing a 3-way light switch… more

Episode #615

The ATOH crew repairs a smelly dishwasher, transplants a rosebush, changes a circular saw blade, and plays another exciting round of What Is It?… more

Episode #614

Installing thermostatic radiator valves on hydronic radiators, What is it?, Making a refrigerator fit into an opening that is too small, Viewer tip… more

Episode #613

Installing a vinyl fence, Installing an epoxy coating on a garage floor… more

Episode #612

Determining landscape grades, What is it?, Seeing inside walls, Repairing a bathtub drain that won't hold water… more

Episode #611

Improving front steps with bluestone, What is it?, Installing a propane kitchen stove… more

Episode #610

Diverting storm runoff to a "rain garden," What is it?, Refinishing a wood floor … more

Episode #609

Picking a Christmas tree, What is it?, Safety equipment, Caulking a leaky window… more

Episode #608

Improving a muddy backyard, Choosing space heaters, Preventing condensation in a bathroom fan… more

Episode #607

Installing replacement windows, Heating water more efficiency, Home energy audit… more

Episode #606

Removing a dangerous tree, What is it?, Installing interior door trim… more

Episode #605

Repairing a jammed garbage disposer, What is it?, Stripping exterior paint, Drilling and notching in joists … more

Episode #604

Preventing floods, Removing and replacing foundation plants, What is it?, Fixing rotted wood with epoxy… more

Episode #603

Replacing a toilet flange, What is it?, Repairing cracked plaster, Viewer Tip… more

Episode #602

Original Air Date: Week of October 11, 2007

Up in the loft, general contractor Tom Silva shows host Kevin O'Connor a few different types of "squares" used for general carpentry. Then Tom and Kevin, along with plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey and host Kevin O'Connor ask, "What is it?" Afterward, Roger helps a homeowner build a new patio using concrete paving bricks.

Carpentry Squares

Tom shows Kevin a few different types of squares using in framing and general carpentry. He first shows a “framing” square, which can be used for tasks like laying out stair stringers and rafters. Tom also shows a “speed” square that can handle some of the same tasks as a framing square but is much smaller and can easily be kept in a tool belt or apron. Next, Tom shows a “combination” square, which he often uses for fine trim work.

Framing squares, speed squares and combination squares can all be found at your local home center or lumberyard. Empire Level manufactures a wide range of carpentry squares.

What Is It?

Roger shows WeedBall, a device used for applying herbicide without spraying.



How to Install a Patio Using Concrete Bricks

Roger helped a homeowner with a small, urban yard install a new patio using concrete pavers made to look like clay bricks. They started by removing the existing sand and soil. Next, Roger determined the finished height of the patio and ran string lines to use as a reference. Then, Roger used a gas-powered “plate compactor” to compact the existing soil. He then added a layer of “pack,” which is a combination of stone and stone dust. After running the plate compactor over the pack, Roger added a 1-inch layer of sand and used pipes as rails to “screed” the sand perfectly level. With the sand in place, Roger laid the first row of pavers called the “header course.” Next, he installed the remaining pavers in a “running bond” pattern, staggering the joints for stability. With all the pavers in place, Roger installed plastic edging around the perimeter. Afterward, he spread sand on top of the pavers and vibrated it in-between the pavers using the plate compactor. Finally, they swept off the remaining sand and the installation was complete.

Concrete patio pavers made to look like red brick:

Manufacturer:
45-55 Power Rd.
Westford, MA 01886
800-444-7287

Episode #601

Replacing a bathtub drain trap, What is it?, Repairing a cracked drywall ceiling… more