Plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey teaches us all about the modern marvel that is plumbing. Richard explains how lucky we are to have clean water flowing through our homes and systems to remove the waste. He even explains how some of the terms we use today came to be and how today’s plumbing systems came about and why.
Next, we meet host Kevin O’Connor back at the shop for a lesson on cable railings with carpenter Nathan Gilbert. Nathan shows Kevin the different types of fittings one might use for a cable railing before installing one and walking Kevin through the process. The two also discuss the maintenance needs of these modern railing systems.
Afterward, we head on a house call with Richard as he helps a homeowner solve a cold bathroom issue. After upgrading the old boiler to a new system, the homeowner’s bathroom was left unheated, so Richard helps the homeowner install a radiant floor system to keep the space toasty.
Finally, we head back to the shop with Kevin to discuss planting zones with landscape contractor Jenn Nawada. Jenn explains how the zones are chosen, what the newest update has been, and what that might change for DIY garden enthusiasts and contractors selecting their next plants.
Modern Plumbing
Plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey explains the modern marvel that is plumbing and why he enjoys it so much.
How to Choose and Maintain Cable Railing Systems
Carpenter Nathan Gilbert shares a few connection options for cable railings and the best way to maintain each system. There are several fastener options, but the three most common are clip, lag bolt, and base plate fasteners.
Where to find it?
For maintenance, Use a soft nylon brush to remove dirt and wash your railing with warm water
and mild dish soap. If you see signs of rust, use a rust remover to clear any signs of rust. Use a protective lubricant coating to protect the metal from rust and corrosion.
How to Retrofit Radiant Heating in a Bathroom
When a homeowner upgraded his old boiler to a new combi system that worked with his heat pumps, he noticed he could not get his bathroom to warm up. With the idea of tapping into his boiler’s water supply to install radiant floor heating in mind, the homeowner called the team at Ask This Old House for help, and Richard Trethewey answered.
Where to find it?
Richard mounts the heat exchanger by securing it with screws. Then, using a pipe cutter, he cuts to allow room for a T-fitting. Richard uses compression connections and push-to-connect fittings to run the piping from the T-fitting supply and return of the heat exchanger.
Richard mounts the manifold by securing it to the plywood with screws. He then uses a pipe cutter to cut and connect the piping from the supply and return of the heat exchanger into the supply and return lines on the manifold.
Richard mounts the radiant heat transfer plates to the underside of the subfloor using screws.
The homeowner snaps the PEX piping into the mounted channel plates up and down the joists for the length of the room and then packs fiberglass insulation on top of the piping to ensure that all the heat generated by the radiant goes up towards the bathroom.
Understanding the Plant Hardiness Zone Map Update
Landscape designer Jenn Nawada shares the recent updates to the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone map, what the changes mean, how to read the map, and how to use the information to select the best plants for a landscape.
Where to find it?
The 2023 USDA Hardiness Zone Map
Expert assistance with this project was provided by the United States Department of Agriculture.
Original Air Date: Apr 11, 2023, Season 22; Ep. 19 23:42
Products and services from this episode
- Special assistance: United States Department of Agriculture