Jimmy DiResta, Trough Planter | Ask TOH
Coming up on Ask This Old House
Richard demonstrates solutions for replacing a water main shutoff; Jenn travels to Tennessee to build a planter out of an animal feeding trough; Mark waterproofs brick; Kevin heads back to Jimmy DiResta’s shop to build a sign.
How to Repair a Damaged Main Shutoff Valve
Richard demonstrates solutions for replacing a water main shutoff.
Where to find it?
If the house’s water main shutoff malfunctions, the water utility usually has a shutoff outside the home that they can access.
Richard showed two methods of freezing a pipe when working in a multifamily home or where no outdoor shutoff is available. One uses carbon dioxide; the other is a refrigerant-based machine. Pipe freezers can be found at plumbing supply stores or rented from tool rental shops.
Richard recommends upgrading older gate valves to the more reliable ball valve, which can be found at plumbing supply stores and home centers.
Expert assistance for this segment was provided by A.E. Carter Plumbing and Heating.
How to Turn a Feeding Trough into a Planter
Jenn travels to Tennessee to build a planter out of an animal feeding trough.
Where to find it?
Jenn used a galvanized steel animal feeding trough, purchased at Tractor Supply Company. Feeding troughs are available at most livestock supply stores.
Non-biodegradable packing peanuts can only be found in certain states at shipping supply stores. Jenn also suggests using plastic planters upside down to help fill the void at the bottom of the planter if necessary.
Jenn used an organic garden soil mix manufactured by Holy Cow Materials.
For this planter’s location and climate, Jenn selected Arbor vitae as a screening plant, Lantana for color, and Liriope to add color and variety of height.
The other materials Jenn used to make the planter, including a drill, window screen, and landscape fabric, can be found at home centers and nurseries.
Expert assistance for this segment was provided by Nawada Landscape Design.
How to Waterproof Concrete Brick
Mark explains and demonstrates the benefits of waterproofing concrete brick.
Where to find it?
Mark applied Siloxane 20 solvent-based water repellant, manufactured by Umaco.
Expert assistance for this segment was provided by MJM Masonry.
Build It | Channel Letters with Jimmy DiResta
Kevin heads back to Jimmy DiResta’s shop to build a sign.
Where to find it?
Everything Jimmy and Kevin used to make the channel letters, including the metal flashing, plywood, lights, spray paint, and hot glue, can be found at home centers.
Expert assistance for this segment was provided by Jimmy DiResta.
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