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Ask This Old House
Season 4
Episode 12

Washing Windows; What Is It? Flushing an Electric Water Heater

December 22, 2005

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Ask This Old House - S4 - E12

Host Kevin O'Connor heads to southern California and meets with a local expert to learn about the proper tools techniques for window washing. Then back in the loft, Kevin, along with landscaping contractor Roger Cook, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey, and general contractor Tom Silva ask, "What is it?" Then, Richard helps a pair of homeowners flush the sediment out of their aging electric water heater. Later, up in the loft, Richard demonstrates several water heater maintenance tips.

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Ask This Old House: Season 4 - 26 Episode s

4x1 - Mortared Stone Walkway Repair; Patching an Oak Floor
October 6, 2005
Our 4th season begins with a house call from landscaping contractor Roger Cook who helps a homeowner repair a loose flagstone in his mortared front walkway. 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 helps a handy homeowner patch a hardwood floor where an interior wall once stood.
4x2 - Creaky Stairs; Static Cling Solution; Electric Shut-Off Valve
October 13, 2005
General contractor Tom Silva quiets a homeowner's squeaky stairs and replaces a broken baluster. Then Tom, along with plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey, landscaping contractor Roger Cook, and host Kevin O'Connor ask, "What is it?" Then, Richard helps a homeowner prevent a damaging flood by installing an automatic shut-off valve for her washing machine.
4x3 - Under-Sink Water Filter; Planting a Drought Resistant Tree
October 20, 2005
Plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey helps a homeowner improve the quality of her drinking water by installing an under-sink filter. After that, Richard and host Kevin O'Connor are joined in the loft by water-filtration expert Bill McTighe who explains several other types of residential water filters. Then, landscaping contractor Roger Cook helps a homeowner select a drought-resistant tree and plant it properly in her sloped front yard.
4x4 - Flat Tire; Aluminum Rain Gutter; Thermal Expansion Tank
October 27, 2005
Up in the loft, landscaping contractor Roger Cook shows host Kevin O'Connor how to repair a flat wheelbarrow tire. He also shows a new type of flat-free tire. Then, general contractor Tom Silva helps a homeowner repair an aluminum rain gutter. Then, back in the loft, Kevin and Tom demonstrate a tip sent in from a viewer on how to drill a hole in ceramic tile. Then, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey helps a homeowner with a leaking T&P valve on his water heater by installing a thermal expansion tank.
4x5 - Rose Bushes; Wobbly Toilet; Water Leak; Hydraulic Cement
November 3, 2005
Landscaping contractor Roger Cook heads to Grandview, Missouri to help a homeowner care for an ailing rose bush. Then Roger, along with general contractor Tom Silva, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey, and host Kevin O'Connor ask, "What is it?" Up in the loft, Richard shows Kevin a number of ways to steady a wobbly toilet. Then, Tom helps a homeowner prevent water from leaking through a hole in his foundation into his basement.
4x6 - Raised Garden Bed with Timbers; Clearing a Bathtub Drain
November 10, 2005
Landscaping contractor Roger Cook helps a young couple build a raised garden bed using composite landscape timbers made from recycled plastic and sawdust. Back in the loft, Roger shows host Kevin O'Connor several other types of landscape timbers, including one that has been pressure-treated with liquid glass. Then, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey helps a homeowner clear a slow-draining bathtub using a plumbing snake.
4x7 - Moss, Algae and Lichen; Leaky Water Valve; Planting Shade
November 17, 2005
General contractor Tom Silva shows a homeowner how to remove moss and lichen from his shade-covered roof and keep them from coming back. Then Tom, along with plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey, landscaping contractor Roger Cook, and host Kevin O'Connor ask, "What is it?" Up in the loft, Richard shows Kevin how to repair a leaky valve by replacing the washer and valve seat. Then, Roger helps a homeowner plant shade-loving groundcover under a 100-year-old beech tree.
4x8 - Circular Saw 101; Outdoor PEX Faucet; Cabling an Oak Tree
November 24, 2005
Up in the loft, general contractor Tom Silva gives host Kevin O'Connor a few lessons on the proper use of a circular saw. Then, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey installs a new outdoor faucet for a homeowner using flexible plastic tubing called PEX. Then Richard, along with Tom, Kevin and landscaping contractor Roger Cook ask, "What is it?" And arborist Matt Foti prevents a tree from splitting in half by installing steel cables and through-bolts to hold it together.
4x9 - Garage Roof Re-Shingling with Asphalt; Fiberglass Shingles
December 1, 2005
Plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey starts the show with a suggestion sent in by a viewer. Richard shows how to use a common wire nut to save a partially-used tube of caulk and demonstrates a new replacement caulk tip. Then, general contractor Tom Silva helps a pair of homeowners replace the worn-out roof on an old garage. Together, they tear off the old roof, lay down felt paper, and re-shingle the roof using new asphalt-fiberglass shingles.
4x10 - Pruning an Overgrown Privet Hedge; New Laundry Sink
December 8, 2005
Landscaping contractor Roger Cook helps a pair of homeowners tame an overgrown privet hedge with some "rejuvenation pruning." Then, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey helps a homeowner install a laundry sink in the basement of her new townhouse. Together, they run the copper pipes for the water supply, make the new PVC drain connection, and connect the plumbing vent.
4x11 - Snowthrowers; What Is It? Installing A New Exterior Door
December 15, 2005
Landscaping contractor Roger Cook and host Kevin O'Connor bundle up and head outside for a few lessons on the different types of snowthrowers and how to use them properly. Back in the barn loft, Roger and Kevin, along with plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey and general contractor Tom Silva ask, "What is it?" Then, Tom makes a housecall to help a homeowner replace an old, drafty exterior door with a new pre-hung, energy-efficient unit.
4x12 - Washing Windows; What Is It? Flushing an Electric Water Heater
December 22, 2005
Host Kevin O'Connor heads to southern California and meets with a local expert to learn about the proper tools techniques for window washing. Then back in the loft, Kevin, along with landscaping contractor Roger Cook, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey, and general contractor Tom Silva ask, "What is it?" Then, Richard helps a pair of homeowners flush the sediment out of their aging electric water heater. Later, up in the loft, Richard demonstrates several water heater maintenance tips.
4x13 - New Vinyl Floor; What Is It? Preventing Frozen Pipes
December 29, 2005
General contractor Tom Silva heads to New York's "lower east side" to help a pair of apartment-dwellers install a new vinyl floor. Then Tom, along with plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey, landscaping contractor Roger Cook and host Kevin O'Connor ask, "What is it?" Then, up in the loft, Richard shows Kevin a few ways to prevent plumbing pipes from freezing in the winter and the proper way to thaw pipes if they do freeze.
4x14 - Radon Mitigation System; Pruning an Apple Tree
January 5, 2006
Host Kevin O'Connor heads to Minneapolis, Minnesota to help a pair of homeowners who have discovered dangerous levels of radon gas in their finished basement. Then, up in the loft, Kevin shows a number of radon test kits available at home centers and local health departments. Then, landscaping contractor Roger Cook shows a homeowner how to prune his apple tree to produce healthy fruit.
4x15 - In-Ground Sprinkler System; Pouring a Concrete Footing
January 12, 2006
Landscaping contractor Roger Cook heads to Dallas, Texas to help a homeowner install a low cost in-ground sprinkler system. Then Roger, along with plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey, general contractor Tom Silva, and host Kevin O'Connor ask, "What is it?" Then, Tom helps a homeowner pour new concrete footings for a backyard deck.
4x16 - Choosing Hammers; Pressure-Assisted Toilet; Plastered Wall
January 19, 2006
Up in the loft, general contractor Tom Silva shows host Kevin O'Connor several different types of hammers and how to use them properly. Then, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey helps a homeowner repair a pressure-assisted toilet. Tom then gives Kevin some lessons on how to patch a large hole in a wall using veneer plaster and blueboard.
4x17 - Residential Well Repair; Repairing a Hole in Vinyl Siding
January 26, 2006
Plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey and a specialist repair a residential well system for a homeowner by replacing the pump and pressurized well tank. Then general contractor Tom Silva helps a homeowner repair a small hole in his vinyl siding.
4x18 - Transplanting a White Spruce; Extending a Staircase Handrail
February 2, 2006
Landscaping contractor Roger Cook shows a homeowner how to transplant a spruce tree that was originally planted too close to her house. Then Roger, along with plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey, general contractor Tom Silva, and host Kevin O'Connor ask, "What is it?" Then, Tom heads off to Seattle to help a homeowner extend a staircase handrail using a new type of fastening system.
4x19 - Custom Radiator Cover; Installing a Steam Humidifier
February 9, 2006
General contractor Tom Silva shows host Kevin O'Connor how to build a custom cover for a radiator. Then plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey shows Kevin several different types of humidifiers and then makes a housecall to help a homeowner install a steam humidifier on her forced-air heating system.
4x20 - Granite Driveway Marker; Hot Water Radiator System
February 16, 2006
Landscaping contractor Roger Cook and a specialist help a homeowner install a granite driveway marker so that visitors can more easily find his house. Then Roger, along with plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey, general contractor Tom Silva, and host Kevin O'Connor ask, "What is it?" Afterward, Richard heads to Pennsylvania to fix a hot water radiator that is not providing any heat.
4x21 - Water Heater; Planting Trees to Save Energy; Cellulose Insulation
February 23, 2006
This special episode is all about making your home more energy-efficient. Plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey heads to Atlanta where he helps a homeowner install an instantaneous water heater to save on rising fuel costs. Then, up in the loft, landscaping contractor Roger Cook shows how proper planting of deciduous and evergreen trees can help reduce the costs of heating and cooling your house. Then, general contractor Tom Silva helps a pair of homeowners insulate the walls of their antique Victorian using blown-in cellulose insulation. Back in the loft, Tom demonstrates how to add additional fiberglass insulation to an attic.
4x22 - Cast-Iron Radiator and Bathtub; Grading; Wobbly Newel Post
March 2, 2006
Up in the loft, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey shows host Kevin O'Connor how to repair damaged threads on a radiator using a drill and "tap." Then, landscaping contractor Roger Cook helps a homeowner solve a grading problem that is causing wood rot on the side of her house. Then Richard and Kevin, along with general contractor Tom Silva and host Kevin O'Connor ask, "What is it?" Afterward, Tom shows Kevin how to stabilize a wobbly newel post. Then, Kevin and a tub refinisher help a homeowner refinish her old cast-iron bathtub and make it look like new.
4x23 - Replacing an Interior Door; Leaky Kitchen Faucet
March 9, 2006
General contractor Tom Silva helps a homeowner replace an interior "hollow-core" door with a heavier, more attractive, "solid-core" door. Then, up in the loft, Tom and host Kevin O'Connor cut several doors in half to reveal how different types of doors are constructed. Then, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey heads to Philadelphia to repair a leaky kitchen faucet. Afterward, back in the loft, Richard shows Kevin several types of kitchen faucets and a few tips on repairing them
4x24 - Replacing a Dishwasher; Sharpening a Chisel; Lawn Spreaders
March 16, 2006
Plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey helps a homeowner select and install a new dishwasher. Then, Richard, along with general contractor Tom Silva, landscaping contractor Roger Cook and host Kevin O'Connor ask, "What is it?" Then, up in the loft, Tom shows Kevin how to sharpen wood chisels using different types of sharpening stones. Then, Roger and Kevin head outside for some lessons on proper use of lawn spreaders.
4x25 - Cutting Ceramic and Stone Tile; Installing a Sump Pump
March 23, 2006
Up in the loft, tile expert Joe Ferrante shows host Kevin O'Connor the proper way to cut several different types of tile. Then, general contractor Tom Silva helps a homeowner with a wet basement install a sump pump. Back in the loft, Tom and plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey discuss emergency backup systems for sump pumps.
4x26 - Mini-Split Air Conditioning System; De-Thatching a Lawn
March 30, 2006
Plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey visits a homeowner in Kansas to help install a mini-split air conditioning system. Then, Richard, along with general contractor Tom Silva, landscaping contractor Roger Cook, and host Kevin O'Connor ask, "What is it?" Then, Roger helps a homeowner "wake up the lawn" in preparation for spring by using a de-thatching machine.

4x1 - Mortared Stone Walkway Repair; Patching an Oak Floor

4x2 - Creaky Stairs; Static Cling Solution; Electric Shut-Off Valve

4x3 - Under-Sink Water Filter; Planting a Drought Resistant Tree

4x4 - Flat Tire; Aluminum Rain Gutter; Thermal Expansion Tank

4x5 - Rose Bushes; Wobbly Toilet; Water Leak; Hydraulic Cement

4x6 - Raised Garden Bed with Timbers; Clearing a Bathtub Drain

4x7 - Moss, Algae and Lichen; Leaky Water Valve; Planting Shade

4x8 - Circular Saw 101; Outdoor PEX Faucet; Cabling an Oak Tree

4x9 - Garage Roof Re-Shingling with Asphalt; Fiberglass Shingles

4x10 - Pruning an Overgrown Privet Hedge; New Laundry Sink

4x11 - Snowthrowers; What Is It? Installing A New Exterior Door

4x12 - Washing Windows; What Is It? Flushing an Electric Water Heater

4x13 - New Vinyl Floor; What Is It? Preventing Frozen Pipes

4x14 - Radon Mitigation System; Pruning an Apple Tree

4x15 - In-Ground Sprinkler System; Pouring a Concrete Footing

4x16 - Choosing Hammers; Pressure-Assisted Toilet; Plastered Wall

4x17 - Residential Well Repair; Repairing a Hole in Vinyl Siding

4x18 - Transplanting a White Spruce; Extending a Staircase Handrail

4x19 - Custom Radiator Cover; Installing a Steam Humidifier

4x20 - Granite Driveway Marker; Hot Water Radiator System

4x21 - Water Heater; Planting Trees to Save Energy; Cellulose Insulation

4x22 - Cast-Iron Radiator and Bathtub; Grading; Wobbly Newel Post

4x23 - Replacing an Interior Door; Leaky Kitchen Faucet

4x24 - Replacing a Dishwasher; Sharpening a Chisel; Lawn Spreaders

4x25 - Cutting Ceramic and Stone Tile; Installing a Sump Pump

4x26 - Mini-Split Air Conditioning System; De-Thatching a Lawn

S1: Season 1

S2: Season 2

S3: Season 3

S4: Season 4

S5: Season 5

S6: Season 6

S7: Season 7

S8: Season 8

S9: Season 9

S10: Season 10

S11: Season 11

S12: Season 12

S13: Season 13

S14: Season 14

S15: Season 15

S16: Season 16

S17: Season 17

S18: Season 18

S19: Season 19

S20: Season 20

S21: Season 21

S22: Season 22