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
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Episode #324

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

Episode #323

Clearing a clogged vent stack, building a backyard ice rinks… more

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
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Episode #316

Replicating moldings, fixing an unlevel patio, and stripping wallpaper
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Episode #315

Replacing an old storm window, winterizing shrubs, and using carbon monoxide detectors
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Episode #314

Repairing a glass door, and pruning a Pin Oak
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Episode #313

Planting a new lawn, and replacing a kitchen sink
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Episode #312

Repairing cracked stucco, cleaning a lawnmower, and installing a dehumidifier pump
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Episode #311

Learning about ladder safety and rebuilding a crumbling retaining wall
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Episode #310

Silencing a noisy toilet, cutting crown molding, and replacing broken tile
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Episode #309

Repairing leaky valves, replacing a cellar door, and repairing a leaky drip irrigation hose
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Episode #308

Original Air Date: Week of November 22, 2004

General contractor Tom Silva helps homeowners Rich and Sarah Paisner of Brighton, Massachusetts, get organized by installing adjustable shelves on the wall in their den. Back in the loft, Tom, along with plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey, landscaping contractor Roger Cook, and host Kevin O'Connor, ask "What is it?" Then Roger is joined by soil expert Roberta Clark from the University of Massachusetts for some tips on testing soil before planting. Then Richard gets Tewksbury, Massachusetts, homeowner Paige Impink into hot water by installing a hot water re-circulator pump in her upstairs bathroom.



Hanging Shelves
Tom showed a young couple how to install simple shelves in their small condominium. First, using a tape measure and level, he decided the exact positioning for the new shelves. He then drilled holes into the wall where the standards will be attached. He screwed in the standards using screws where there was structure behind the wall and toggle bolts where there was no structure. He then installed the brackets and new shelves. (For step-by-step instructions, see the Homeowner's Handbook on

Where to Find It
Shelf standards, brackets, shelves, and fasteners can be purchased at your local home center

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

Where to Find It
Roger showed a plastic guard that protects a tree trunk from a string trimmer. It was purchased at The Home Depot (manufacturer unknown).

Soil Testing
Roger and horticulturist Roberta Clark talked about why you should test your soil before planting. They showed different types of soil (sandy, loam, and clay) and talked about soil tests.

Where to Find It
Roger showed a do-it-yourself soil test kit. Soil test kits can be purchased at your local home center or garden center.

Hot Water Recirculator Richard installed a hot water recirculator for a homeowner tired of having to wait for hot water in her upstairs bathroom. The pump also helps to conserve water.

Hot water recirculating pump

401-942-8000

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
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Episode #306

Adding window boxes, identifying a cordless drill holder, and how to install sod
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Episode #305

Removing damaged bolts and screws; creating a walkway edge; What Is It?; jacking up a porch to fix a rotting post
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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
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Episode #302

Replacing a clogged trap, brick walkway patterns, and covering a cracked ceiling with drywall
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Episode #301

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