Ask This Old House Season 1 Episode 12 Sawhorses; Frost-Free Faucet; What Is It?; Collecting and Composting Leaves

In Ask This Old House season 1 episode 12, the team tackles a variety of home improvement questions and projects.

First up, host Kevin O'Connor visits a woodworker's studio to learn how to build a sturdy set of sawhorses. The craftsman provides detailed instructions on cutting and assembling the pieces, explaining how to create a stable base and adjust the legs for uneven floors. Kevin demonstrates the finished sawhorses in action, showing how they can support heavy loads and fold up for easy storage.

Next, plumbing expert Richard Trethewey helps a homeowner install a frost-free faucet on the exterior of their house. Richard explains the benefits of this type of faucet, which prevents freezing and bursting during cold weather. He walks the homeowner through the process of shutting off the water supply, removing the old faucet, and installing the new one. Richard also demonstrates how to properly seal the connections and use a key to turn off the water supply once the faucet is installed.

In the "What Is It?" segment, Kevin heads to the Old Sturbridge Village museum to explore a mysterious antique object. The item in question turns out to be a combination of a candlestick and a tinderbox, used for lighting fires in the 18th century. Kevin examines the intricate design and demonstrates how the different pieces would have been used.

Finally, gardening expert Roger Cook teaches a homeowner how to collect and compost autumn leaves. Roger explains the importance of gathering leaves to prevent them from smothering the grass and contributing to storm water runoff. He demonstrates how to use a leaf blower to corral the leaves into piles, and then shows how to chop them up with a lawnmower for easier composting. Roger also discusses the benefits of using compost as a natural fertilizer for plants.

Overall, Ask This Old House season 1 episode 12 offers a mix of practical advice and historical curiosity, showcasing the team's expertise in woodworking, plumbing, and gardening. Whether you're a homeowner looking for DIY tips or a fan of antique objects and folklore, this episode has plenty to keep you engaged.