Ask This Old House

Find more information on Ask This Old House episodes, or more information on products and services you saw on Ask This Old House.

Ask This Old House does not endorse any product or service mentioned within this Web site.

Select a Season:

Season 6 Show Descriptions

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


Original Air Date: Week of January 17, 2008

General contractor Tom Silva helps a homeowner replace a skylight that is leaking water down into the kitchen below. Then Tom, along with host Kevin O'Connor, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey, and landscaping contractor Roger Cook ask, "What is it?" Afterward, electrician Peg Preble shows Kevin how to troubleshoot and repair a faulty 3-way light switch.

How to Replace a Leaky Skylight

Tom helped a homeowner with a skylight that was leaking water down into the kitchen below. Up on the roof, Tom determined that the skylight had been flashed correctly, but that the gasket between the glass and wooden frame had deteriorated and failed. Rather than try to repair the unit, Tom decided to replace it. They started by removing the asphalt roof shingles surrounding the old skylight. With the shingles removed, Tom used a utility knife to cut through the flexible flashing, unscrewed the brackets holding the skylight to the roof decking, and pulled the skylight free. Next, Tom installed the "trim kit" around the opening and set the new skylight in place, being careful to center it precisely on the opening. Tom then secured the unit with ring-shank nails. To make the new skylight watertight, Tom Installed the metal flashing kit, which included a top and bottom piece and step flashing for the sides. Before installing the step-flashing, Tom installed self-adhering flexible flashing up the sides of the skylight for extra protection. Finally, the remaining roof shingles were reinstalled and the installation was complete.

Skylight with an optional solar-powered blind operated by a remote control:

Manufacturer: VELUX-AMERICA INC.
450 Old Brickyard Road
P.O. Box 5001
Greenwood, SC 29648-500
(800) 88-VELUX

What Is It?

Tom showed a remote-controlled robotic device used for cleaning leaves out of rain gutters.

Looj ™ Gutter Cleaning Robot
Manufacturer: iRobot
(888) 776-2687

How to Repair a 3-way Light Switch

Kevin and electrician Peg Preble troubleshoot and replace a faulty 3-way light-switch. Peg begins by explaining how a 3-way switch system works. To fix the problem, Peg first removes one of the switches. To test it, she uses a "continuity tester" and confirms that the switch is broken and needs to be replaced. She replaces it, being careful to attach the wires to the same terminals as before, and the repair was complete.

Continuity testers and replacement light-switches are available at most hardware stores and home centers.
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
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