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

Original Air Date: Week of February 26

Plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey makes a House call to repair an old steam radiator that squeals and leaks. With the help of the homeowners (and their Great Dane), he replaces the air vent and repairs the shutoff valve. Back in the loft, Richard, general contractor Tom Silva, landscape contractor Roger Cook, and host Kevin O'Connor try to guess "What is it?" Then Roger helps a homeowner prepare his raised garden beds for a long, cold winter.



Fixing a Steam Radiator
In the basement, Richard explained the important features of a steam boiler, including the pressuretrol, the water-level gauge, the low water cut-off, and the emergency shutoff switch. Upstairs, he replaced the air vent to eliminate the squealing noise, and packed the shutoff valve with graphite packing to prevent it from leaking.

Where to Find It
Richard replaced the old air vent with a new one (model no. 11) manufactured by:
Vent-Rite Valve Corp.
Benton Harbor, MI 49022
269-925-8818

He used Teflon® sealant tape on the threads of the new air valve and ⅛-inch graphite packing to stop the shutoff valve from leaking. All the supplies for this project, including the replacement air vent, are available from plumbing supply companies such as:
Republic Plumbing Supply
800-696-3900

What Is It?
Tom, Roger, Richard, and Kevin examined two unusual items and tried to guess how they are used.

Where to Find It
Roger presented a "Molemover," a lawn stake that deters gophers, moles, and other rodents. It is available for about $30 from many hardware stores and home centers. It is manufactured by:
Exhart Company
800-775-5503

Tom demonstrated an invisible nailing kit (model no. 05K51.20), manufactured by:
Veritas Tools Inc.

Preparing Raised Garden Beds for Winter
Before Roger arrived, the homeowner had already laid down a layer of hay to insulate the garden beds for the winter. Roger began by removing the hay to prevent the seeds from germinating in the beds. Next, he covered the beds with compost and added limestone to decrease the acidity of the soil.

Where to Find It
All of the materials for this project were purchased from:
New England Nurseries
888-268-6402

The limestone was manufactured by:
Old Castle Stone Products
800-526-1753

The early-flowering tulip bulbs (Tulipa gesneriana) were supplied by:
Van Bloem Gardens
800-683-2852

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

Installing a chimney liner, a proportioning tool, and a toilet anti-sweat valve… more

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