Ask This Old House - Season 1

In the debut episode, host Steve Thomas joins Richard , Roger, and Tom in the Ask This Old House loft to give viewers a chance to ask questions and get expert advice about their homes.

Roger demonstrates different ways to mend a damaged garden hose. Richard shows plumbing tools he recommends for homeowners. Tom explains how to use a square as a guide for cross-cutting. Tom fixes a noisy garage door opener. Roger helps with a muddy lawn under swings.

Tom helps to hide an ugly back stoop. He shows the different adhesives and fasteners used, as well as more traditional types of decking. Steve and Roger demonstrate a new product that could rid backyards of mosquitoes. Richard Trethewey shows the proper technique for installing a thermostat on an old radiator.

Richard installs an air eliminator valve on a hydronic heating system. Tom shows how to remove nails without damaging trim. Steve and Roger maintain a snow blower. Painting contractor Jim Clark shows ways to clean and maintain old paintbrushes. Tom shows how to use sisal and jute rope to fill the gaps in a 160-year-old pine floor.

Tom and Steve demonstrate two types of floor sanders: a traditional drum sander and a random orbital sander. Roger and Steve dig post holes for a new fence. Richard replaces a corroded pipe on a a boiler. Tom gives Steve a lesson in proper caulking technique.

Tom repairs a cracked plaster ceiling in a condominium. Richard and Steve rebuild a toilet to prevent it from continuously filling. Roger uses a stump grinder to remove an old tree stump. Tom replaces a broken pane of glass and reglazes a window sash.

Tom repairs a sagging floor in a three-family house. The failing beam is jacked up, new concrete footings poured, and several new lally columns installed. Roger works with chainsaw expert Tim Ard to sharpen and maintain his saws.

Tom shows Steve how to cut wooden bung holes and install them in decking. Painter Jim Clark visits a viewer and shows her why the new paint in her bathroom is cracking and peeling. The guys ask "What Is It?" Tom shows how to build an attractive outdoor lattice.

Tom replaces a rotting basement window and installs a new dryer vent. Painting expert Jim Clark shows the proper technique for painting a pre-hung six-panel door. Electrician Allen Gallant installs a new power outlet in a dining room, and Roger shows Steve how to replace the string on a weed trimmer.

Richard and Steve take apart an old washing machine to determine why it's making a loud rumbling. Roger Cook uses a pressure washer to clean off a slippery walkway. The guys ask "What Is It?" Tom demonstrates different types of spirit levels, and Richard helps fix a leaky kitchen faucet.

Roger and garden tool expert Paul Schneider discuss different types of hand pruners. Tom Silva helps repair and reinstall their broken shutters. The guys ask "What Is It?" Richard shows Steve several models of instantaneous water heaters, then examine a tankless hot water system.

Tom shows different types of store-bought sawhorses and teaches Steve how to build a pair from scratch. Richard installs a new frost-proof outdoor faucet. The guys ask "What Is It?" Roger then shows Steve how to collect and compost leaves.

Painter Jim Clark shows the several different types of paint sprayers and demonstrates proper technique. Steve enlists the help of chimney expert Mark Schaub to replace a broken fireplace damper. The guys ask "What Is It?" Steve and Roger head outside to demonstrate different ways to split logs for firewood.

Richard installs a new shower faucet that will eliminate the chance of scalding. Roger and Steve head outside to test the latest robotic lawn mowers. Tom and an animal control expert help "critter-proof" a house.

Roger removes ivy. The guys ask "What Is It?" Tom replaces the window in a third-floor condominium bathroom. Tom explains the proper way to measure for a replacement window.

Painter Jim Clark shows Steve the proper way to paint the exterior of a double-hung window. Roger helps aerate and fertilize a lawn. The guys ask "What Is It?" Tom then shows Steve different ways to hang a picture on a hollow wall.

Richard installs an automatic water shutoff valve on a combination washer/dryer. The guys ask "What Is It?" Tom shows Steve the proper technique for preparing drywall joints. Richard discusses different types of plumbing torches.

Tom Silva shows several products that are designed to keep leaves and other debris out of rain gutters. The guys ask "What Is It?" Richard repairs a wobbly toilet.

Tom Silva installs insulation around sash weight pockets. The guys ask "What Is It?" Richard installs a sewage ejection pump for a new basement toilet.

Tom Silva helps remove the aluminum siding around a window and repair the damaged sill. The guys ask "What Is It?" Painting expert Jim Clark shows Steve how to use different types of paint rollers. Roger and knife sharpening expert Stan Watson sharpen kitchen knives.

Steve and Roger head outside to demonstrate different types of snow shovels and snow throwers. The guys ask "What Is It?" Tom helps repair the broken sash cords on an old window.

Richard examines a leaky shower tub faucet and repairs the fixture. The guys ask "What Is It?" Painting expert Jim Clark helps homeowners Kathleen and Kevin O'Connor remove painted wallpaper. Tom and Steve demonstrate several hot glue guns, including a new cordless model.

Tom installs crown molding. The guys ask "What Is It?" Richard helps a Chicago-area homeowner install insulation to prevent his bathroom pipes from freezing.

Richard installs a new garbage disposer. The guys ask "What Is It?" Roger and hearing protection expert Dr. Mark Stephenson test the decibel level of several power tools. They show Tom several new types of hearing protection.

Tom repairs an exterior door jamb by installing a dutchman. The guys ask "What Is It?" Richard prevents a basement from flooding by installing a leak sensor and automatic water shutoff valve on a water heater.

Richard shows Steve several different ways to clear a toilet stoppage. The guys ask "What Is It?" Tom installs a new set of folding attic stairs and Roger shows Steve how to start tomato plants from seeds.