Ask This Old House Season 14, Episode 5: Home Composting, Steam Boiler

1

Classroom Garden, House Fan

The Season 14 premiere features a whole house fan installation; and an explanation of new water heater regulations. Also: working with students to liven up a school's garden.

30 min

2

Garage Power, Chainsaw Safety

Chainsaw safety is discussed; a garage's electrical connection is improved; and squeaky floors are silenced in a baby's room.

30 min

3

Driveway Patch, Shaker Table

A driveway pothole is repaired; and an old railroad lantern is given new life. Also: building a Shaker-styled nightstand.

30 min

4

Renewable Energy

Energy efficiency is explored during a visit to Germany. Also: installing a residential wind turbine in Texas.

30 min

5

Home Composting, Steam Boiler

How to create soil from organic garbage. Also: why a steam boiler is losing water.

30 min

6

Sink Mistake, Security Light

Richard travels to Atlanta to replace a vessel sink with a self-rimming sink. Scott installs a motion sensor security light in a driveway. And the guys ask "What is it?"

30 min

7

Butterfly Garden, Dark Closet

Roger heads to Texas for a lesson on planting a butterfly garden. Tom maps out the best tools for woodworking beginners. And Scott helps a homeowner find illumination in her closet.

30 min

8

Home Brew Beer, Rain Barrel

Kevin heads to a brewery to learn how to make his own beer at home. Bridget Lancaster from America's Test Kitchen stops by with a lesson on ales versus lagers. Tom is in Baltimore to help install a do-it-yourself rain barrel. And Richard has advice on what not to put in your disposers.

30 min

9

Childproofing; Falling Sink

Kevin visits Delaware to help a new mother childproof her home. Richard uses his skill to fix an under counter mount sink. And Scott gives Kevin a tutorial on the latest voltage testers.

30 min

10

Winter Weather Special

Scott Caron offers an electrical solution to ice dams. Kevin talks climate change with Weather Channel meteorologist Jim Cantore. Roger shares a few tips on snowblower maintenance. And Richard goes over furnace upkeep.

30 min

11

Coffee Table; Grass Paver

Roger heads to Cape Cod to transform a patch of grass into a lawn you can drive on! In "Build It," Tom and Kevin use reclaimed oak wood to create a coffee table. Richard explains how to keep pipes from freezing in the winter months. And the guys ask, "What Is It?"

30 min

12

Post Light, Pedestal Sink

Scott heads to South Dakota to install a post light. Richard is in Delaware to replace a pedestal sink. Landscape designer Jenn Nawada explains how to make succulent plants into a piece of art. And it's a wand with three probes. "What is it?"

30 min

13

Kitchen Makeover; Attic Stair

Installing a new attic staircase; updating a kitchen; blowtorches

30 min

14

Smart Lock; Outdoor TV

Kevin uses a smartphone app to help a homeowner turn his front door deadbolt into an electronic entrance. Scott installs a television outdoors for a little open-air entertainment. And it's a white sphere with blue holes, but "What is it?

30 min

15

Philly Sconce; Trim Closet

Tom trims a coat closet to include a shelf and hanger pole and then installs a pre-hung door. Richard explains why a toilet may be leaking. And Scott gives an old Philadelphia church a new look with an outdoor wall sconce.

30 min

16

Maple Syrup; Chicken Coop; USB

Tom and Kevin head to Connecticut to construct a back yard chicken coop in "Build It." Jenn Nawada visits a Vermont maple syrup farm to learn how it's made. Christopher Kimball from America's Test Kitchen stops by to break down the best and worst maple syrup. And Scott explains how to choose the right USB outlet.

30 min

17

Chimney, Exhaust Fan, Shingle

A chimney overhaul; the installation of an exhaust fan in a kitchen; and a tutorial on roof shingles.

30 min

18

Overflow, Antique Fixture

Scott heads to St. Paul to wire a light fixture to match the aesthetic of an antique home. Richard makes an old tub safe by installing an overflow. Tom explains what every homeowner should have for insulation when it comes to R-value. And the guys ask "What Is It?"

30 min

19

Wildlife Garden, Floor Patch

Converting a front yard into a wildlife oasis; restoring a wood floor; unclogging a sink.

30 min

20

Potato Farm, Track Lighting

Growing potatoes in Idaho; Jim Cantore talks about weather stations; installing track lighting.

30 min

21

Washer-Dryer, Chandelier

A washer and dryer are installed; and a chandelier is added to a dining room. Also: using a power driver.

30 min

22

Short Door, Grow Herbs

Repairing an antique door; and growing edible herbs indoors. Also: disappearing toilet water.

30 min

23

Deck Lighting, Fireplaces

A deck is given festive lighting; and fireplace options are discussed. Also: the best tools for first-time gardeners.

30 min

24

Nick Offerman, Pipe Shelf

Nick Offerman visits. Also: creating a steel pipe shelf; and building a pond-less waterfall.

30 min

25

Murphy Door, House Hydrant

A bookshelf is turned into a secret door; and an outdoor house hydrant is installed. Also: the two tools used for most electrical work.

30 min

26

Doorbell, Home Gym, Pipes

A home gym is built for a wounded Navy SEAL; and a faulty doorbell is repaired. Also: the important roles that 22 and 45 play under the sink.

30 min