Ask This Old House (2002)
The crew at This Old House take on some pretty big projects, which means they can only work on one or two houses a year. But homeowners have a virtual truckload of questions on smaller projects, and the This Old House crew is ready to answer. Ask This Old House solves the steady stream of home improvement problems faced by viewers - and the crew even makes house calls!
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Episode 1 - Collapsing Garage Roof; Installing a Dry Well
Release Date: 2008-10-02Ask This Old House kicks off its 7th season on PBS. General contractor Tom Silva prevents a garage roof from collapsing by replacing a rotting support post. Then Tom, along with host Kevin O'Connor, landscaping contractor Roger Cook and plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey ask, "What is it?" Then, Roger helps two homeowners dry out their basement by installing a dry well to handle discharge from their sump pump.
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Episode 2 - Mature Tree; Noisy Heating System
Release Date: 2008-10-09Landscaping contractor Roger Cook shows a pair of homeowners how to transplant a large, mature tree to their front yard. Then Roger, along with host Kevin O'Connor, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey and general contractor Tom Silva ask, "What is it?" Then, Richard helps two homeowners sleep better at night by quieting their noisy heating system.
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Episode 3 - Pendant Lighting; Care for Succulents
Release Date: 2008-10-16Host Kevin O'Connor travels to Nashville, Tennessee, where he helps a pair of homeowners brighten up their kitchen with some new pendant lighting. Then, up in the loft, houseplant expert Carrie Kelly shows Roger how to care for cactus plants and other succulents.
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Episode 4 - Damaged Lawn; Curved Stair Molding
Release Date: 2008-10-23Landscaping contractor Roger Cook helps two homeowners repair the damage done to their lawn when a new well was installed. Then Roger, along with general contractor Tom Silva, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey, and host Kevin O'Connor ask, "What is it?" Then, Tom shows a homeowner how to make a piece of curved stair molding with some red oak and a few simple power tools.
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Episode 5 - Increasing Water Pressure; Transplanting a Bush
Release Date: 2008-10-30Landscaping contractor Roger Cook helps a homeowner transplant a giant Rhododendron bush. Then Roger, along with plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey, general contractor Tom Silva, and host Kevin O’Connor ask, "What is it?" Then, Richard helps a homeowner increase his water pressure with an electric water pressure booster.
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Episode 6 - Laminate Countertops; Brick Walkway; Furnace Filters
Release Date: 2008-11-06Up in the loft, general contractor Tom Silva shows host Kevin O’Connor how to repair damaged laminate countertops. Then, landscape contractor Roger Cook helps a homeowner rebuild a brick walkway. Then Tom, Kevin, Roger, and plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey ask, "What is it?" Then Richard shows Kevin several different types of filters for forced-air heating and cooling systems.
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Episode 7 - Reducing Heating Costs; Using a Whole House Fan
Release Date: 2008-11-13This episode has many tips for making your home more energy efficient. First, general contractor Tom Silva shows several different ways to seal the openings around doors, windows, and other penetrations in the shell of a house. Next, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey helps a homeowner reduce his heating costs by installing a weather-responsive control on his boiler. Then, landscape contractor Roger Cook shares some tips on reducing energy costs. Finally, Tom helps a homeowner keep things cool with a whole house fan.
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Episode 8 - Waterproofing System/Installing A Privacy Screen
Release Date: 2008-11-20General contractor Tom Silva helps a homeowner prepare a shower enclosure for tile using a new type of waterproofing system. Then Tom, along with host Kevin O'Connor, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey, and landscaping contractor Roger Cook ask, "What is it?" Then, Roger helps two homeowners install a privacy screen using bushes and a decorative flower garden.
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Episode 9 - Building a Retaining Wall; Loud Faucet
Release Date: 2008-11-27Landscaping contractor Roger Cook helps a pair of homeowners build a retaining wall using pressure-treated timbers. Afterward, Roger, along with general contractor Tom Silva, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey and host Kevin O'Connor ask, "What is it?" Then, Richard has an easy fix for a kitchen faucet that is making a loud, shuddering sound.
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Episode 10 - Whole-House Water Filter; Repairing a Roof
Release Date: 2008-12-04Plumbing & heating expert Richard Trethewey heads to Indianapolis to help a pair of homeowners install a whole-house water filter. Then Richard, along with general contractor Tom Silva, landscaping contractor Roger Cook, and host Kevin O'Connor ask, "What is it?" Then Tom helps a homeowner repair a hole in a rubber roof and Richard shares a viewer tip for cutting PVC pipe without a saw.
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Episode 11 - Repairing a Deck; Hydrangea Bush
Release Date: 2008-12-11General contractor Tom Silva helps a homeowner repair a very dangerous deck. Then Tom, along with landscaping contractor Roger Cook, plumbing & heating expert Richard Trethewey and host Kevin O'Connor ask, "What is it?" Then, Roger helps a homeowner with a hydrangea bush that won't flower.
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Episode 12 - Removing A Boulder; Securing Loose Pipes
Release Date: 2008-12-18Landscaping contractor Roger Cook helps a pair of homeowners break apart and remove a large boulder in their backyard. Then Roger, along with host Kevin O'Connor, plumbing & heating expert Richard Trethewey and general contractor Tom Silva ask, "What is it?" Next, Richard helps two homeowners secure their loose pipes inside a shower wall and Tom shares a viewer tip about getting a secure grip on a hammer.
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Episode 13 - Energy-Efficient Water Heater; Leveling a Concrete Walkway
Release Date: 2008-12-27Plumbing & heating expert Richard Trethewey and host Kevin O'Connor replace an old tank-type water heater with a new, energy-efficient "tankless" unit fueled by propane. Then Richard and Kevin, along with landscaping contractor Roger Cook and general contractor Tom Silva ask, "What is it?" Then, Roger helps a homeowner level his sagging concrete walkway using a method called "mudjacking," and Tom shares a viewer tip for removing hammer dents from a piece of wood.
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Episode 14 - Backyard Gate; Basement Window; Using Expanding Foam
Release Date: 2009-01-01Landscaping contractor Roger Cook helps a homeowner in Charleston, South Carolina fix a sagging wooden gate. Then Roger, along with plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey, host Kevin O'Connor, and general contractor Tom Silva ask, "What is it?" Then, Tom helps a homeowner replace his drafty old basement windows with new energy-efficient ones. Later, up in the loft, Tom and Richard discuss how to properly use different types of liquid foam insulation to prevent drafts.
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Episode 15 - Painting Kitchen Cabinets; Installing Cabinet Accessories
Release Date: 2009-01-08This special episode is dedicated to making the most out of your existing kitchen cabinets. First, host Kevin O'Connor and expert painter Rich O'Neil show a homeowner how to prepare and paint her oak kitchen cabinets. Next, general contractor Tom Silva visits a pair of Connecticut homeowners in need of some organization solutions for their cramped, cluttered cabinets.
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Episode 16 - Bathtub Conversion; Wood Fill; Solar-Powered Fountain
Release Date: 2009-01-15Plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey helps a homeowner convert a claw foot bathtub into a shower. Then Richard, along with host Kevin O'Connor, general contractor Tom Silva and landscape contractor Roger Cook ask, "What is it?" Later, Tom shows Kevin how to use different types of "fillers" for both wood and PVC trim. Then Roger helps a homeowner install a solar-powered fountain in her yard.
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Episode 17 - Staining A Deck; Preventing Sewage Backups
Release Date: 2009-01-22General contractor Tom Silva helps a homeowner clean, stain and seal his mahogany backyard deck. Then Tom, along with host Kevin O'Connor, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey and landscape contractor Roger Cook ask, "What is it?" Kevin makes a House call to Chicago to help a homeowner prevent sewage backup in her basement by replacing her flood control system. In the Ask This Old House loft, Tom and Richard share a viewer tip on how to remove a wood plug from a hole saw.
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Episode 18 - Tree Pruning; Installing a Shower Mixing Valve
Release Date: 2009-01-29Landscape contractor Roger Cook shows a homeowner how to prune her neglected crabapple tree properly. Then Roger, along with host Kevin O'Connor, general contractor Tom Silva and plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey ask, "What is it?" Later, Richard helps a homeowner install a new "anti-scald" shower-mixing valve.
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Episode 19 - Banging Pipes; Installing Fiberglass Door
Release Date: 2009-02-05Plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey helps a homeowner quiet his banging pipes by installing a water hammer shock suppressor. Then Richard, along with host Kevin O'Connor, general contractor Tom Silva and landscaping contractor Roger Cook ask, "What is it?" Then, Tom and Kevin show how to install a pre-hung fiberglass exterior door.
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Episode 20 - Kids Projects; Vegetable Garden; Mini-Golf; Rocket Launcher
Release Date: 2009-02-12Our annual "kids" episode features family-friendly projects that parents and kids can build together! First, landscaping contractor Roger Cook helps a 12-year-old budding master gardener build a raised bed for growing vegetables. Then, up in the loft, general contractor Tom Silva and plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey, with the help of several kids, build a miniature indoor golf course. Next, Kevin and a middle school teacher show some eager students how to build a model rocket launcher using commonly available household and hardware store items.
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Episode 21 - Water Saving Toilet; In-Ground Sprinkler System
Release Date: 2009-02-19Plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey helps a homeowner install a new "dual flush" water-saving toilet. Then Richard, along with host Kevin O'Connor, landscaping contractor Roger Cook and general contractor Tom Silva ask, "What is it?" Next, Roger and Kevin head outside to install an in-ground sprinkler system that any homeowner can install.
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Episode 22 - Heating & Cooling System Controller; Re-Grout Tile Floor
Release Date: 2009-02-26Plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey helps a California homeowner install a new type of "zoning" control for her forced-air heating and cooling system. Then Richard, along with landscaping contractor Roger Cook, host Kevin O'Connor and general contractor Tom Silva ask, "What is it?" Next, Tom helps a homeowner re-grout the tile floor in her master bathroom.
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Episode 23 - Basement Wallboards; Tying Knots; Storm-Damaged Trees
Release Date: 2009-03-07General contractor Tom Silva helps a homeowner prepare his concrete basement walls for finished wallboard. Then, up in the loft, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey shows host Kevin O'Connor how to tie a few basic knots. Next, Tom, Kevin and Richard, along with landscaping contractor Roger Cook ask, "What is it?" Then, Roger and certified arborist Matt Foti demonstrate how to care for storm-damaged trees.
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Episode 24 - Garage Door Installation; Preventing Frozen Pipes
Release Date: 2009-03-12General contractor Tom Silva helps a homeowner install a new garage door. Then plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey shows a homeowner how to "winterize" his plumbing to prevent frozen pipes when the house is unoccupied.
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Episode 25 - Ventilation Fan Installation; Chemical Free Lawn Care
Release Date: 2009-03-21Kevin O'Connor and electrician Brian Bergeron help a homeowner install a new ventilation fan in her bathroom. Tom, Kevin O'Connor, and Richard Trethewey examine an unfamiliar object and try to guess how it is used. Roger Cooks show two homeowners how to care for their lawn without using pesticides or chemicals. He obtains a soil test before performing work on the lawn, then he spreads lawn fertilizer with chicken manure as the primary ingredient and uses grass seed enhanced with fungal endophytes.
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Episode 26 - Leaky PVC Drain Trap; Installing Bamboo Flooring
Release Date: 2009-03-28This episode demonstrates how to repair a leaking PVC drain trap under a kitchen sink, how to install a bamboo "floating" floor in a basement, and how to clean roof gutters without a ladder.