Ask This Old House TV

Showing results for "Season 2"
Scan the episodes below and select "more" to get information on products or services you saw on that episode.

Episode #226

Replacing a storm door, identifying a paint mixer and gutter nail driver, and choosing garden tools … more

Episode #225

Corroded copper pipes, old-fashioned sheet metal cutter, and worn-out weather stripping
… more

Episode #224

Track lighting, drywall repair clips, and noisy baseboard heaters… more

Ask This Old House #223

Radiant heat, a cable saw for PVC, and painting aluminum siding… more

Episode #222

Installing curved baseboards, buying wire by the foot, a "Nite Ize Flashlight Friend," and making maple syrup… more

Episode #221

Fixing a steam radiator, a "Molemover" and an invisible nailing kit, and preparing a raised garden bed for winter… more

Episode #220

Installing a programmable thermostat , a snowball maker and garage stopper, and fixing a plaster and lath wall… more

Episode #219

Cutting glass, planting vines, a stud finder and tile spacers, and venting a portable air conditioner… more

Episode #218

Deterring deer, making PVC connections, pipe plugs, and fixing a sagging shower door… more

Episode #217

Wiring for outdoor speakers, a Japanese chalk line, and planting a tree… more

Episode #216

Testing water quality, a duster and downspout diverter, and replacing a damaged floorboard… more

Episode #215

Repairing sliding doors, an electrical cord connector and ellipse marking tool, electric radiant heat, and selecting paint colors… more

Episode #214

Installing a brick walkway, a maple sugaring spile and "Sand Anchor" umbrella holder, and cutting accurate miters… more

Episode #213

Quieting hardwood floors, a garden sieve and heavy-duty twist-tie, and building timber steps… more

Episode #212

Drip irrigation repair, a "Sander Sitter" and "Forearm Forklifts," and fixing a leaky tile in a tub… more

Episode #211

Adding a stairway handrail, a grout saw and tile cutter, and transplanting a rhododendron… more

Episode #210

Original Air Date: Week of December 11, 2003

Chimney expert Mark Schaub helps homeowner Terry Peterson repair the water heater flue in his chimney, preventing fireplace smoke from entering his basement. Back in the loft, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey, general contractor Tom Silva, landscape contractor Roger Cook and host Kevin O'Connor try to guess "What is it?" Then Richard and homeowner Ajay Chebbi install an "anti-sweat" valve to prevent condensation on a toilet tank.



Repairing a Flue and Installing a Chimney Liner
The homeowner complained that smoke from the fireplace was entering the basement. Mark Schaub determined that the smoke was drafting to the top of the fireplace flue and then being pulled back down the water heater flue and entering the basement through the water heater draft diverter. Mark extended the top of the flue tiles, installed new chimney caps, and installed a new flexible stainless steel chimney liner for the water heater flue.
Where to Find It
The water heater flue liner and new chimney caps were installed by:
Mark Schaub
Chimney Savers
888-576-4574 (toll-free)

Additional installation assistance was provided by:
Charlie Allen Restorations
617-293-8020

Mark also suggested that the homeowner seal the gaps in his ducts with aluminum tape to reduce the negative air pressure in the basement.

All of the supplies for this project, including the "Homesaver Pro" 4-inch flexible stainless steel flue liner (model no. 316-TI), were provided by:
Copperfield Chimney Supply (trade customers only)
800-247-3305

What Is It?
Roger, Richard, Tom and Kevin examined an unfamiliar object and tried to guess how it's used.

Where to Find It
Richard demonstrated a "Point.2.Point" proportioning tool. It can be used to divide any length up to 2 feet into equal parts. It is manufactured by M-Power Tools. It is also available from the GarrettWade Tool Catalog (item #19S02.15).

GarrettWade
800-221-2942

Preventing Toilet Tank Condensation
Condensation occurs when cold water in a toilet tank cools the air around the tank below the dew point. Water vapor is drawn out of the humid air and collects on the cold surface of the tank. Richard and the homeowner installed an "anti-sweat" valve to prevent condensation on a toilet tank during the humid summer months.

Episode #209

Removing poison ivy, a steel center square and pencil leash, and shingling an outside corner… more

Episode #208

Installing an engineered wood floor, and replacing a sink's pop-up drain… more

Episode #207

Planting ground cover, and opening stuck windows… more

Episode #206

Installing window trim, landscape camouflage, a "tape dolly," and fixing a kitchen spray hose… more

Episode #205

Installing a drywell, a spray paint shaker and magnetic pickup tool, and adding a shower grip bar… more

Episode #204

Patching drywall, sanding blocks and an antique clapboard gauge, and replacing an aged toilet… more

Episode #203

A slate walk, EZ Lift handles and eye-bolt driver, and repairing a shower stall leak … more

Episode #202

Securing a newel post, a nut splitter and paint scraper, and replacing a water heater… more

Episode #201

Installing a deadbolt, trimming a hedge, and installing an indirect hot water heater… more