Ask This Old House Season 1 Episode 16 Aerating the Lawn; What Is It?; Hanging Pictures

Ask This Old House is a television series that focuses on providing practical home improvement advice to homeowners and DIY enthusiasts. In season 1 episode 16, the show covers a range of topics including aerating the lawn, explaining what coolant is, and providing tips on hanging pictures.

The first segment of this episode tackles the importance of aerating the lawn. One of the hosts, Roger Cook, visits a homeowner who wants to know why his lawn is not doing well despite regular watering and fertilizing. Roger explains that the soil may be compacted, preventing oxygen, water, and nutrients from reaching the grass roots. To remedy this, he demonstrates how to rent and use a lawn aerator machine, which punctures the soil with small holes, allowing the grass to breathe and grow better. He also advises the homeowner to seed and fertilize the lawn after aerating, and to water it deeply but less frequently.

In the second segment, the show answers a viewer's question about coolant. Plumbing expert Richard Trethewey explains that coolant, also known as antifreeze, is a liquid that helps regulate the temperature of an engine or radiator by preventing freezing and overheating. He then shows how to flush and replace old coolant in a car engine, using a drain plug and a funnel to refill it with a 50-50 mixture of antifreeze and water. He also warns to dispose of old coolant properly, as it can be toxic and harmful to the environment.

The third and final segment of the episode offers tips on hanging pictures. Host Kevin O'Connor visits an art collector who wants to add more paintings to her gallery wall. Kevin demonstrates how to use a laser level and painter's tape to plan and mark the placement of the pictures beforehand. He also recommends using different sizes and styles of frames, spacing them evenly, and hanging them at eye level to create a visually appealing and cohesive display. He also shows how to use picture hangers and anchors appropriate to the weight of each piece, to ensure they are securely mounted.

Overall, this episode of Ask This Old House provides practical advice on lawn care, car maintenance, and home decor. It showcases the expertise and experience of the show's hosts, who are knowledgeable and approachable in explaining complex topics. Viewers can learn from their hands-on demonstrations and apply these tips to their own homes and projects.