Ep 18. Overflow; Antique Fixture

In season 14 episode 18 of Ask This Old House titled "Overflow; Antique Fixture," the team tackles two separate projects. The first project involves a homeowner who is experiencing an overflowing toilet. Plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey visits the home to diagnose the issue. He determines that the toilet has an old flapper that is not sealing properly, causing water to leak into the bowl and eventually overflow. Richard replaces the flapper and installs a new fill valve to fix the problem.

The second project involves a homeowner who wants to install an antique light fixture in their dining room. Tom Silva, the show's general contractor, visits the home to help with the installation. He first assesses the wiring and determines that it needs to be updated to support the antique fixture. Tom replaces the wiring and installs a new bracket to hold the weight of the fixture. He then carefully installs the fixture and adds a dimmer switch to allow the homeowners to adjust the lighting to their liking.

Throughout the episode, the team provides helpful tips and tricks for DIY enthusiasts. Richard explains the importance of regularly replacing toilet flappers to prevent overflow issues, while Tom demonstrates how to install a bracket to support heavy light fixtures. The homeowners are thrilled with the completed projects and are grateful for the expert advice and guidance provided by the Ask This Old House team.

Overall, episode 18 of season 14 of Ask This Old House offers valuable information for homeowners looking to tackle common plumbing and electrical projects around the house. The team provides clear and concise instructions, making these projects accessible to DIY enthusiasts of all skill levels.