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

Original Air Date: Week of December 13, 2007

Landscaping contractor Roger Cook replaces the cracked flagstone on a set of front steps with bluestone. Then Roger, along with host Kevin O'Connor, general contractor Tom Silva, and plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey ask, "What is it?" Then, Richard visits a serious cook and helps her replace her old electric stove with a new gas range.

How to Improve Front Steps with Bluestone

Roger helped a homeowner repair and improve an old set of front steps. The steps were made up of bricks and flagstone. Over time, some of the bricks and stones had popped loose, creating a safety hazard and an eyesore. To repair the steps and make them more attractive, Roger decided to remove the flagstone pieces and replace them with three large pieces of bluestone. First, they carefully removed the flagstone with a hammer and chisel. Once the stones were removed, Roger removed two old layers of mortar using an electric rotary hammer and chisel, exposing a concrete base underneath. Roger then mixed up new mortar in a wheelbarrow and applied a “bonding agent” to the bottom of the new bluestone. He then applied a new bed of mortar over the concrete base and laid the bluestone, bringing the top of it flush with the surrounding brick. Once the bluestone was in place, Roger mixed up another batch of mortar, which he packed into the joints. Finally, he replaced a few loose bricks and the installation was complete.

Mortar Mix: QuikreteOne Securities Centre
3490 Piedmont Road
Suite 1300
Atlanta, GA 30305
404-634-9100

Bluestone cut-to-size:
Martignetti Enterprises
29 High Street
Woburn, MA 01801
781-935-6677

Bonding Agent: Bond All Exterior Mortar Additive: Add Mix-21 Umaco, Inc.
60 Rear Newhall Street
Lowell, MA 01852
Ph: 978-453-8881
Fax: 978-453-2416

Rotary Hammer:
Bosch ToolsWhat Is It?

Roger showed an electronic device used to deter deer from eating landscaping plants.

Electronic Deer Repellent
Manufacturer: Havahart (model #5250)
69 N. Locust St
Lititz, PA 17543
800-800-1819

How to Install a Propane Kitchen Stove

Richard and a local contractor helped a homeowner replace her old electric stove with a new gas range. Natural gas was not available at the house, so a propane tank and supply pipes were installed. With the tank placed outside of the house, Richard drilled holes for the new pipes, which carry propane from the tank to the stove. To attach the lengths of pipe together, an electric pipe-threading machine was used. Pipe dope was applied to the threads and the pipes were joined together will black steel fittings. Pipe hangers were then installed and the contractor did a pressure test to check for leaks. Richard made the final connections and the installation was complete.

Installation assistance: Eastern Propane & Oil
28 Industrial Way
Rochester, NH 03867
800-523-5237

Technical assistance: Propane Education & Research Council
1140 Connecticut Ave. NW, Suite 1075
Washington, DC 20036
202-452-8975 or 888-963-7372

Jenn-Air Double Oven Freestanding Range (model number JGR8890ADP):

Jenn Air
800-536-6247

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

Carpentry squares, What is it?, Installing a patio using concrete bricks… more

Episode #601

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