Landscaper contractor Lee Gilliam takes us on a house call to solve a homeowner’s privacy issues with a long-term solution. After assessing the area in question, which doesn’t do a great job of blocking the neighbor’s view, Lee helps the homeowner identify some invasive species, as well as calling in a friend for tree removal. Then, the two get to work removing the encroaching vines before planting rhododendrons that will grow and block the view over time.
Next, we meet host Kevin O’Connor and mason Mark McCullough back at the shop to talk about chimney caps. Mark explains the purpose of a chimney cap, the different types that exist, and a solution for when two chimney flues are too close together for individual caps.
After that, we leave the shop and hit the road with plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey. Richard takes us to a bathroom renovation where the homeowner would like a toilet-bidet combination installed. Richard explains the process while installing the new unit and then walks the homeowner through the different functions the new bidet offers.
Finally, we head back to the shop for an in-depth dive at bidet retrofits. Richard teaches Kevin about the different types of available bidet seats, from simple and affordable to high-end and pricey.
How to Manage Invasive Plants
Lee Gilliam identifies and removes invasive plants in a homeowner’s garden, including removing a tree overrun with ivy, with the help of an expert arborist.
Where to find it?
Lee identifies two invasive species of plants inhabiting the homeowner’s yard:
- English Ivy – Often confused for an invasive species, but is native to New England. However, if not properly maintained, it can become problematic.
- Asian Bittersweet – An invasive species that is very aggressive and quick to overtake native plants and strangle stems and trunks.
Wearing garden gloves, Lee and the homeowner remove the asian bittersweet by pulling them as well as digging it out from the roots. They also trimmed the english ivy back using pruning shears and loppers.
The arborist, Brandon from Maltby and Company, identifies a blue spruce and notes that is diseased. It has needlecast – a fungal disease specific to spruce trees. Because the tree is too sick to save, Brandon and his team remove the tree and use a stump grinder to grind and remove the stump.
Lee installs PMJ Rhododendrons, where the tree was removed, to still give the homeowner a level of privacy.
Understanding Chimney Caps
Mark McCullough shares his thoughts on chimney caps, how homeowners can decide if and when they need one, and what options are available.
Where to find it?
Mark discusses several size options for chimney caps depending on flue size, including:
As well as collapsible options that are easy to assemble.
How to Install a Bidet Toilet
Plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey helps a homeowner install a tankless toilet-bidet combination unit. Richard talks about nonelectric and electric bidet options.
Where to find it?
Richard places the wax ring on the flange. Once the toilet is aligned over the flange and bolts, Richard sets the wax ring by pressing down evenly on the toilet. Richard uses a wrench to install a washer and nut onto each bolt, making sure to tighten the nuts one-quarter turn beyond hand tight.
The toilet-bidet combination manufacturer is Bio Bidet. The product is the Bio Bidet Bliss BB2000 which costs about $500.
How to Select a Bidet
Plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey teaches host Kevin O’Connor what to know about bidet retrofit seats as an affordable alternative to expensive combination units.
Where to find it?
Richard discusses options available to retrofit a toilet into a bidet.
Richard first talks about nonelectric bidet options. This bidet attachment uses the current toilet seat and connects to a water source. It has a t-valve installed at the water connection to the tank and utilizes dual nozzles.
Next, Richard talks about electric bidet options available. These require an outlet within four feet of the toilet to plug into. The first design he mentions is slim and replaces the current toilet seat. It uses a special t-valve to attach two hoses, the flush hose, and the bidet hose, to the toilet.
The second electric design Richard considers to be as close as you can get to the bidet toilet combo without replacing your toilet. It has a similar install to the previous seat. The major difference is its remote-controlled, much like a bidet toilet. Its functions include opening and closing the lid and seat. It also includes a front and rear bidet and uses a stainless steel nozzle. It has a dryer, nightlight, and adjustable temperature for the seat and water.
Original Air Date: Feb 15, 2023, Season 22; Ep. 15 23:42
Products and services from this episode
- Certified arborist: Maltby and Company
- Toilet-Bidet combination manufacturer: Bio Bidet
