Ep 25. Garage Door Replacement, Emergency Plumbing Fixes

In season 20 episode 25 of Ask This Old House, experts Tom Silva, Richard Trethewey, Jenn Nawada, and Mark McCullough tackle two common household issues: a garage door replacement and emergency plumbing fixes.

For the first segment, Tom Silva visits a homeowner who wants to replace his old, manually operated garage door with a modern, automatic one. Tom explains the different types of garage doors available on the market, such as wood, steel, and vinyl, and helps the homeowner choose the one that best fits his needs and budget. Tom and the homeowner then install the new garage door, which requires some careful measuring and drilling. Tom also shows the homeowner how to adjust the door's sensitivity settings, balance the door, and maintain it over time.

In the second segment, Richard Trethewey responds to a call from a homeowner who has a leaky pipe in her basement. Richard explains how to locate and shut off the main water valve in case of emergencies, and then inspects the pipe to determine the cause of the leak. He finds that the pipe is corroded and needs to be replaced, and he shows the homeowner how to do it herself using a pipe cutter, soldering tool, and flux. Richard also gives tips on how to prevent pipe corrosion in the future, such as avoiding acidic drain cleaners and keeping the water pH level balanced.

Jenn Nawada and Mark McCullough team up for the third segment, which is also about emergency plumbing fixes. They visit a homeowner who has a clogged kitchen sink and a sluggish toilet. Jenn and Mark use a drain snake and plunger to clear the clog in the sink, and then advise the homeowner to pour a mixture of baking soda and vinegar down the drain regularly to prevent future clogs. Next, they tackle the toilet issue, which turns out to be a problem with the flapper valve. Jenn explains how to replace the valve using a universal flapper and a pair of pliers. They also give general tips on how to maintain a toilet, such as flushing only biodegradable materials and avoiding harsh chemical cleaners.

Throughout the episode, the experts share their knowledge and experience with the homeowners, and take time to explain the steps and tools involved in each project. They also emphasize the importance of safety, including wearing eye protection, gloves, and closed-toe shoes, and turning off the power and water supply before starting any work. By the end of the episode, the homeowners are able to complete their projects and feel more confident about tackling future home repairs.