Ep 19. Flickering Lights, Brick Stairs

In the 19th episode of the 19th season of Ask This Old House, titled "Flickering Lights, Brick Stairs," the team of experts from This Old House receives a range of interesting home renovation requests.

The first project tackled in the episode involves fixing a series of flickering lights in a historic home. Electrician Heath Eastman and host Kevin O'Connor discuss some of the potential causes of the issue, which could range from loose connections to faulty bulbs. After diagnosing the problem, Heath gets to work replacing light switches and checking all the wiring to ensure the lights work correctly.

Next, carpenter Nathan Gilbert takes on the task of repairing some worn brick stairs in another homeowner's property. Nathan carefully removes the damaged bricks and cuts new ones to size before constructing a solid base and rebuilding the stairs from scratch. Along the way, he offers helpful tips on how to make sure the bricks stay in place, how to create a consistent look throughout the staircase, and how to maintain the overall integrity of the structure.

Finally, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey takes on a unique request from a homeowner who wants to remove his old heating oil tanks and convert his home to a natural gas heating system. Richard explains the benefits of natural gas over oil heating systems and takes the homeowners through the process of finding a suitable contractor to carry out the job. He also walks them through some of the other changes they will need to make, such as upgrading their duct system and installing a new gas meter.

Throughout the episode, the team offers up plenty of valuable tips and tricks for homeowners looking to improve their homes. From basic electrical troubleshooting to advanced bricklaying and plumbing, viewers will learn how to tackle a range of challenges and create the homes of their dreams. With easy-to-follow instructions and plenty of insider knowledge, the experts from This Old House are sure to inspire DIY enthusiasts everywhere.