Ask This Old House TV

Showing results for "Season 3"
Scan the episodes below and select "more" to get information on products or services you saw on that episode.

Episode #326

Installing window boxes on brick siding, making plumbing connections, installing a "drip strip" … more

Episode #325

Installing fluorescent light fixtures, landscaping software, replacing an aluminum baseboard heat cover
… more

Episode #324

Installing an electronic air cleaner, removing ice from a walkway, venting a bathroom fan.… more

Episode #323

Original Air Date: Week of March 7, 2005

Plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey helps homeowner Tom Pulkowski of Chelmsford, Massachusetts clear a clogged vent stack with the aid of a fiberoptic plumbing snake. Then Richard, along with landscaping contractor Roger Cook, general contractor Tom Silva, and host Kevin O'Connor ask, "What is it?" Then, Roger helps homeowner Dennis Cronin of Duxbury, Massachusetts build a ice skating rink in his backyard.



Clearing a Clogged Vent Stack
Richard locates the clog by inserting a camera-snake down the stack vent from the roof. To clear the clog, Richard inserts a running garden hose down the vent to flush it out.

Where to Find It
The "SeeSnake" camera and "Navitrack" locator are professional plumbing tools and are manufactured by:
RIDGID/Ridge Tool Co.
888-743-4333

Stack vent cap:
Crown Ventguards
402-416-4627

What Is It?
Roger showed a plastic device that protects a chainsaw blade.

Where to Find It
Saw Saver manufactured by OREGON/Blount Inc. Oregon Cutting Systems Group
503-653-8881

Building a Backyard Ice Rink
Roger built an ice rink using dimensional lumber, metal stakes (typically used to build concrete forms), and a plastic liner. Roger started by setting level lines along the perimeter of the rink. He then checked for square-ness at the corners by using the "3-4-5 method." Roger then drove metal stakes into the ground and attached 2x12 boards using 2" screws. He then filled any voids between the boards and ground using sand and placed a plaster liner on top to hold the water in.

Where to Find It
Lumber, concrete form stakes, and fasteners should be available at most lumber yards, home centers, or stone yards. The large plastic liner Roger used is typically used to cover boats in the winter. Similar liners may be available from marine supply companies or industrial wholesalers such as:

J. Freeman Company
800-841-9442

Episode #322

Riding lawnmowers, garbage disposers, and replacing a rotting wooden threshold… more

Episode #321

Installing a 220 volt receptacle, gardening hand tools, and installing a macerating toilet… more

Episode #320

Leveling a floor, fixing a leaky water shut-off valve, air compressors… more

Episode #319

Composting, and removing a house trap… more

Episode #318

Unclogging bathtub drains, exploring alternatives to window weights and planting a low-maintenance garden … more

Episode #317

Replacing rotted deck balusters, and connecting an icemaker, and stripping wallpaper
… more

Episode #316

Replicating moldings, fixing an unlevel patio, and stripping wallpaper
… more

Episode #315

Replacing an old storm window, winterizing shrubs, and using carbon monoxide detectors
… more

Episode #314

Repairing a glass door, and pruning a Pin Oak
… more

Episode #313

Planting a new lawn, and replacing a kitchen sink
… more

Episode #312

Repairing cracked stucco, cleaning a lawnmower, and installing a dehumidifier pump
… more

Episode #311

Learning about ladder safety and rebuilding a crumbling retaining wall
… more

Episode #310

Silencing a noisy toilet, cutting crown molding, and replacing broken tile
… more

Episode #309

Repairing leaky valves, replacing a cellar door, and repairing a leaky drip irrigation hose
… more

Episode #308

Installing adjustable shelves, identifying a plastic guard for a tree trunk, and testing your soil before planting
… more

Episode #307

Relacing a water heater's anode rod, installing a rain diverter, identifying a gutter cleaner and no-caulk flashing, and installing thermostatic valves on steam radiators
… more

Episode #306

Adding window boxes, identifying a cordless drill holder, and how to install sod
… more

Episode #305

Removing damaged bolts and screws; creating a walkway edge; What Is It?; jacking up a porch to fix a rotting post
… more

Episode #304

Cutting a kitchen pass-through; What Is It?; stopping a toilet from running… more

Episode #303

Repairing a fence, restoring hot water by fixing an anti-scald valve, and installing a keyless chuck on an older drill
… more

Episode #302

Replacing a clogged trap, brick walkway patterns, and covering a cracked ceiling with drywall
… more

Episode #301

Edging a garden bed, choosing drill bits, identifying a nail finder, and how to use a fire extinguisher. … more