We join host Kevin O’Connor and general contractor Tom Silva to talk about caulking. Tom shows Kevin the different types of caulk and what they’re designed for. Tom then explains how to make sure caulking sticks in the joint before showing Kevin what each product looks like by squeezing a few beads from a caulking gun.
Next, heating and plumbing expert Richard Trethewey takes us on a housecall to help a homeowner with the one thing her builder forgot: a garbage disposal. Richard shows the homeowner how her new garbage disposal works, including a rundown on the activation air switch. Then, the two work together to install the new garbage disposal, including the drain and dishwasher hookup.
Finally, host Kevin O’Connor is joined by Wendy and Kaden, the young hosts of the popular online channel “Toys and Colors,” to build the perfect solution for their dress-up collection. Built from 1x12s and joined with pocket holes, the three build a three-shelf closet complete with a hanging rod. After priming and painting the closet, we even get to see Kevin in a few wardrobe changes like never before.
Picking the Best Caulk for the Job
Ask anyone who’s been down the caulk aisle at their local home improvement store: there are a lot of options. While choosing the right caulk might feel confusing, there’s a reason there are so many types. Host Kevin O’Connor gets a primer on caulking from general contractor Tom Silva, who explains the key points so he can choose the right product for the task at hand.
Where to find it?
Acrylic Latex Caulk aka Latex Caulk
- General-purpose caulk. Easy to clean up and very paintable. Sometimes called “painter’s caulk.”
- Best to use if you plan on painting for a seamless finish. Good for filling joints around things like doorframes, baseboards, crown molding, and interior trim. Use in dry, temperature-controlled areas.
Acrylic Latex Plus Silicone, aka Siliconized Acrylic Latex Caulk
- Still paintable and easy to use, but the silicone adds flexibility and water resistance. Also more durable where temperature changes occur.
- Good for sealing exterior siding, gaps around windows, and damp areas.
- Creates a waterproof barrier and is usually mold-resistant. Durable in extreme temperatures and can handle UV rays.
- Not paintable but comes in many colors to find the right color match.
- Good for areas that are constantly exposed to moisture, such as showers, bathtubs, and sinks.
- Even more flexible than the silicone caulks, able to handle vibrations and material expansion and contraction. Waterproof and can withstand extreme temperatures. It’s long-lasting and stays rubbery.
- Sticky and messy to work with.
- Good for roof flashing, gutters, metal siding, vents, and chimneys.
How to Install a Garbage Disposal with an Air Switch
When a homeowner called plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey for help with her new kitchen, he didn’t know what to expect. The renovation was only a few years old, but the builder forgot one critical detail: a garbage disposal. With a plan and the right parts in hand, Richard helps the homeowner solve the oversight.
Where to find it?
- InSinkErator Garbage Disposal Air Switch Kit, Dual Outlet Sink Top Switch Button
- Moen Host Series ¾-HP Continuous Garbage Disposal
- Dishwasher branch connector
- Oatey All-Purpose Pipe Clear cleaner
- Pilot drill bit
- Impact drill driver
- 1-¼” hole saw
Build It | Toys and Colors
Wendy and Kaden, young hosts of the online channel “Toys and Colors,” travel to the shop to collaborate with Ask This Old House on a project. General contractor Tom Silva develops a design for a dress-up closet. Then Kevin O’Connor teaches Wendy and Kaden how to assemble it. With basic power tools and pocket hole joinery, the trio builds a shelf before having a dress-up party of their own.
Where to find it?
- Kevin and the Toys and Colors guests use a tape measure to get the correct measurements for their dress-up closet.
- Kevin and the Toys and Colors guests use a miter saw to cut each individual wood piece for the dress-up closet.
- Kevin and the Toys and Colors guests use pocket screws to assemble the closet.
- Kevin teaches his guests how to use a drill driver to assemble the dress-up closet.
- Kevin and his guests use a pocket hole jig to drill accurate holes for assembling the closet.
- Kevin and his guests use a clamp to hold the wood in place while drilling, screwing, and cutting.
- Kevin and his guests use a cordless drill to assemble the dress-up closet.
- Kevin and his guests use a nail gun to assemble the back piece of the dress-up closet.
- Kevin and his guests use paintbrushes to paint the dress-up closet.
- Kevin and his guests use paint rollers to even out the paint on the dress-up closet.
- Kevin and his guests use paint to decorate the dress-up closet.
Original Air Date: Feb 12, 2026, Season 24; Ep. 15, 23:42
Products and services
Expert assistance: Toys and Colors
All other tools and materials provided by Home Depot.
