We meet with host Kevin O’Connor and plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey to talk about clogged sinks. Richard teaches Kevin about common clogging hazards, including debris in traps, grease, and hair. He then demonstrates several practical fixes, shows how chemical cleaners work, and shares some organic alternatives.
Next, we stay in the shop to check in on Kevin and paint expert Mauro Henrique as they discuss lead paint identification. Mauro explains that he’s required to check for lead before beginning work and typically assumes homes built before 1978 contain it. He shows Kevin how to test for lead-based paint using EPA-recognized rapid at-home test kits, then demonstrates how some certified lead assessors detect lead using a handheld X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) analyzer, which provides quick and accurate results.
Finally, mason Mark McCullough travels to New Hampshire to help a homeowner with a steeply sloped yard. After the homeowner explains that the slope makes accessing his fire pit unsafe, Mark works with him to install granite steps that create a safer gravel pathway down the hill.
How to Prevent Sink Clogs
Most sink clogs don’t happen overnight. Instead, they build slowly as grease, soap scum, hair, and debris collect inside the pipes. By the time water starts draining slowly, the buildup may already be significant.
Where to find it?
Drain Maintenance
- Enzymatic Cleaners
Multi-Purpose Enzyme Cleaner
Adds beneficial bacteria to help break down organic material within drains and help deodorize. Use monthly or as directed by the manufacturer. - Baking Soda and Vinegar
The small bubble reaction can help very minor buildups. Baking soda can help deodorize the drain. Use monthly.
Drain Clog Prevention Tools
Drain Cleaning Tools
Richard prefers trying to clear a clog with tools before resorting to chemical drain cleaners.
Chemical Drain Cleaners
Richard advises using chemical cleaners with caution. Especially with septic tanks, garbage disposals, and old pipes like cast iron. While effective, they can cause damage to pipes if used too often.
If one is used and it fails, be wary of opening the pipes and/or plunging, as the splash can cause severe chemical burns. Always tell a plumber if you have used a chemical drain cleaner on a clog that they were called to work on.
How to Test for Lead Paint
Lead paint is a common but dangerous substance found in many older homes. When disturbed, it can create dust that leads to brain damage, learning disabilities, and other serious health issues, especially for children and pregnant people. Because of these risks, contractors working on homes built before 1978 must follow EPA lead-safe renovation practices and often start by testing for lead paint.
Where to find it?
Niton handheld XRF analyzer and expert knowledge provided by: Thermo Fisher Scientific
Handheld X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) Analyzer
Niton XL2 Plus Handheld XRF Analyzer
Professional handheld XRF analyzer for fast elemental analysis, including lead in paint inspection.
Lead Test Kits
Luxfer LeadCheck Swabs
EPA‑recognized swab‑style lead test kit that provides rapid color‑change results to detect lead‑based paint on multiple surfaces.
List of EPA-Recognized Lead Test Kits
EPA’s current list of lead test kits recognized for use by trained professionals under the RRP Rule
Additional Information
Lead-safe renovation information for DIYers
EPA’s guide to planning and completing DIY projects in pre‑1978 homes using lead‑safe work practices
EPA’s certified lead-based paint professional locator
How to Install Granite Hillside Steps
In a perfect world, every homeowner’s yard would be flat and ideal for hosting. But when a homeowner realized his yard wasn’t so ideal, thanks to the steeply sloped path from his driveway to his fire pit, he knew he needed help. Mason Mark McCullough offered a perfect solution: granite steps on the hillside.
Where to find it?
- Mark uses granite as steps on the side of the yard. (Can be found at a local stone yard)
- Mark uses a dolly to carry stones down the hillside.
- Mark uses a pry bar to break up the dirt below the stone’s intended area.
- Mark uses a tape measure to measure the length and width where the stones will go.
- Mark uses spray paint to mark where the stone steps are meant to land.
- Mark uses a hand tamper to flatten/level the dirt beneath the hole he created for the stone step.
- Mark uses a wheelbarrow to carry various materials such as granite, dirt, and tools. You can also rent them at Home Depot
- Mark uses a level to ensure the stone step is level for safe walking.
- Mark uses a shovel to dig the proper-sized hole for the granite step.
- Mark uses granite chips to fill in the dirt surrounding the granite step.
- Mark uses a mattock to break up the dirt on the hillside.
- Mark uses a rubber mallet to tap the stones in place.
- Mark uses a string line to mark the step layout and keep everything aligned.
- Mark uses stakes to keep all of the stones aligned.
- Mark uses landscape fabric to keep the weeds from sprouting between the rocks.
Original Air Date: Mar 26, 2026, Season 24; Ep. 17, 23:42
Products and services
- Expert assistance: Thermo Fisher Scientific
- Lead test kits: Environmental Protection Agency
All other products and materials provided by Home Depot and Amazon.
