In this episode:

Plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey helps a homeowner solve a hot water shortage problem. Thinking that they had an on-demand water heater, the homeowner couldn’t understand why the water from the tub spout would cool before the tub would fill. Richard discovers it’s a combi unit with a water tank and helps the homeowner solve the problem by installing a reserve tank.

Next, we meet paint expert Mauro Henrique, who teaches host Kevin O’Connor everything he needs to know about paint project clean-up. Mauro explains the benefits of water-based paints, such as latex or acrylic, as they’re easier to clean than oil paint and are widely available. He then shows Kevin his methods for cleaning paint brush and roller sleeves.

Finally, Kevin heads to the shop where general contractor Tom Silva shows him how to build regulation, cornhole boards. Starting with a few pieces of kiln-dried lumber and some interior plywood, Tom shows Kevin how to cut the front, back, and sides to regulate width and length. They then attach the plywood to the base, add legs, and cover the entire project with a finish and a pretty neat decal!

How to Install a Reserve Tank

Richard Trethewey helps a homeowner understand how different flow rates in water fixtures could be the culprit behind a bathtub that turns cold after only being halfway filled.

Where to find it?

Richard discovers the tankless water heater can’t keep up with the tub spout’s flow rate. He suggests installing a separate 80-gallon reserve tank that can easily handle the 60-gallon soaker tub. With the assistance of a plumbing specialist, an ideal location for the new unit is identified. Richard suggests an area near the existing tank that isn’t prone to freezing.

After disconnecting the electrical supply, connect the tankless inlet to a bronze or stainless steel
circulator. On the tank, tankless outlet, use both thread tape and pipe dope and connect a 3/4 inch tube adapter and connect to the hot tankless coil outlet on the boiler.

Use both thread tape and pipe dope to connect a 3/4 inch NPT brass tee. In the run of the brass tee, install a 3/4 inch NPT brass T-long element for hot water heaters, as required by local codes. In the bottom of the tee vertically down, install a 3/4 inch NPT x 3/4 inch tube adapter. Then install two 3/4 inch sweat street 90-degree elbows. Fill the storage tank by opening the cold water shut-off valve. Make certain any drain valves are completely closed. Purge air from the system by opening a hot water outlet at a fixture in a kitchen or bathroom.

When water flows freely from the outlet, the system is purged. Set the storage tank to the desired
temperature. The boiler high limit should be set at least 20 degrees F higher than the storage tank temperature setting.

Water heater products were manufactured by Heat Transfer Products (HTP) and Jomar Distributors.

Expert assistance is provided by Papalia Home Services.

Mauro’s Pro Tips for Paint Project Clean Up

Mauro Henrique gives his best tips on cleaning up after any paint project.

Where to find it?

Water-based paint, such as latex or acrylic, is more homeowner-friendly and widely available. If
spilled, it can be easily cleaned with a bucket of clean water and a rag.

To clean paint brushes: Wash the brushes in a bucket of warm water. If the brush does not clean
thoroughly, rewash it with soap or mild detergent. Use a metal comb to comb out the bristles of the brush.

Rollers: Wet rollers can be cleaned with water and a 5-in-1 painter’s tool.

Paint Cans: If you choose to dispose of paint cans, there are a few things to consider:

• Check with local laws to follow proper disposal as it differs state to state and town to town.
• Never throw paint cans away in household waste. This is a potential risk for the paint to contaminate local soil or water supplies and negatively impact communities and local wildlife.

Build It | Cornhole

Tom Silva and Kevin O’Connor build a simple corn hole game set using birch plywood and 2x4s, following the American Cornhole Association regulations.

Where to find it?

Use 3-inch deck screws to fasten the 2x4s into a frame with the 21-inch pieces inside the 48-inch pieces to form a 2×4 foot box. Fasten the plywood sheets onto the frame with 1-5/8 inch deck screws. T

o find the center point for the hole, measure 9 inches down from the top and 12 inches in from each side of the board. Using a 6-inch hole dozer bi-metal hole saw cut out the center hole in the board. Use a jigsaw to make a full 3-1/2 inch radius cut on one end of each leg.

To make this cut, measure 1-3/4 inch down the length of the 2×4 and draw a line across it. Place a compass point centered on that line, then draw an arc.

Turn the box upside down and lay a leg parallel, up against one of the top corners with the radius side in the corner and use a clamp to hold the leg in place.

Mark the center of the 2×4 vertically inside the radius. Then drill a 1/2 inch hole through the side of the box and through the support leg. Attach the legs by installing 1/2 inch diameter 13×4 inch stainless steel carriage bolts through both holes with 1/2 inch flat washers and 1/2 inch wing nuts.

To protect the boards, apply a few coats of water-based polyurethane with a roller or sponge brush.

Original Air Date: May 11, 2023, Season 21; Ep. 22 23:42

Products and Services from this Episode

• Water heater products manufacturers:
  Heat Transfer Products (HTP)
  Jomar Distributors
• Expert assistance: Papalia Home Services
• Painting materials disposal: PaintCare
• Cornhole specifications: American Cornhole Association