With a child on the way, a homeowner called the team at Ask This Old House for help organizing her garage and minimizing her storage stress. Master carpenter Nathan Gilbert answered the call, installing a new overhead storage rack to replace the old plastic set and replacing their makeshift tool storage with a quality tool chest.

Next, master electrician Heath Eastman explains how to install a smart three-way switch to control a light from the top or bottom of a set of stairs. After replacing the original three-way switch at the top of the stairs with a new smart model, he shows how to wire a mechanical switch on the other end of the line for convenient operation.

Finally, heating and plumbing expert Richard Trethewey takes us on a road trip to help a homeowner with a common issue: a neglected anode rod. Richard explains anode rod basics to the homeowner before showing him how to remove and replace his own.

How to Install Overhead Storage in a Garage

Garage storage doesn’t always have to be basic plastic racks and messy shelves. When a homeowner called the team at Ask This Old House for help with her garage storage before her new baby arrives, master carpenter Nathan Gilbert knew just what to do: Look overhead.

Where to find it?

Nathan and the homeowner build and install an overhead storage rack.

Nathan and the homeowner build and install a storage shelving unit.

Nathan and a homeowner used a socket set to tighten and loosen nuts, bolts, and other fasteners during the assembly of the rack.

Nathan used a cordless drill driver to drive the fasteners into the rack.

Nathan used an impact driver to install bolts into the rack.

Nathan uses a cordless ratchet wrench to fasten the bolts that are in tight spots.

Nathan uses a hammer to tap parts into place.

Nathan uses an adjustable wrench to tighten bolts.

Nathan uses measuring tape to measure the height of the garage, rack, and other storage items.

How to Upgrade to a 3-Way Smart Switch

Single-pole switches are typically a breeze. However, a lot of folks struggle with three-way switches, especially smart models. Master electrician Heath Eastman shows us exactly how to handle it, installing a smart new three-way switch to help control lighting in a stairway.

Where to find it?

At the top of the stairs Heath installed: Lutron Diva Smart Dimmer Switch for Caseta Smart Lighting, 150-Watt LED.

At the bottom of the stairs Heath installed: Lutron Pico Smart Remote Wall Mounting Kit, for Caseta Smart Dimmer Switch 3-Way Applications.

How to Replace an Anode Rod on a Water Heater

Want to get the longest possible life out of your water heater? Then you have to change your anode rod. If you don’t know what an anode rod is or how to change it, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey is here to guide you.

Where to find it?

Drain Water Tank

• Flathead screwdriver – to open drain valve
• Utility bucket
• Short hose

Removing Anode Rod

• ½ in. Drive Ratcheting Socket Wrench
• ½ in. Drive Breaker Bar
• ½ in. Drive 1-1/16 in. 6-Point Deep Impact Socket — A regular socket is fine for a hand tool like a breaker bar, but an impact socket will be more durable. But if you use an impact wrench, always use an impact socket with an impact tool. A regular socket is only designed for lighter tasks with hand tools.
• Optional: Metal Pipe – for more leverage with a socket wrench.
• Optional: Ratchet Strap — can help stabilize water heater when loosening anode rod.

For extremely stuck anode rods:

½ in. Mid-Torque Impact Wrench w/ Friction Ring — Make sure to use an impact socket with an impact tool. A regular socket is designed for lighter tasks with hand tools.

Install Anode Rod

• Flexible Anode Rod – Use for low ceilings with little clearance. Richard used an aluminum 42 in. flexible rod. Magnesium and zinc are other options.
• OR Standard Straight Anode Rod – Only use if you have enough ceiling clearance to insert the anode rod into the water tank.
• PTFE Thread Seal Tape – wrap around the threads of the new rod before inserting.

Original Air Date: Jan 1, 2026, Season 24; Ep. 9 24:37

Products and services

3-way switch manufacturer: Lutron