Ep 12. Sump Pump, Rusting Railing
In Ask This Old House season 10 episode 12, titled Sump Pump, Rusting Railing, the cast visit Massachusetts to help a homeowner with a faulty sump pump and a deteriorating wrought iron railing.
To begin, the host Kevin O'Connor speaks with homeowner Lisa about the problems she's been having with her sump pump. Lisa explains that she's been experiencing water intrusion in her basement and has noticed that the pump seems to be running more frequently than usual. Kevin brings in plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey to diagnose the issue.
Upon inspection, Richard discovers that the sump pump is old and worn out and recommends that it be replaced with a new, more energy-efficient model. He also suggests that Lisa install a backup sump pump to prevent future water damage.
Next, the team turns their attention to the rusting wrought iron railing on Lisa's front porch. Tom Silva, the show's general contractor, inspects the railing and finds that it's in worse condition than initially thought. He decides that the railing will need to be disassembled and sandblasted to remove the rust before being repainted.
During the disassembly process, Tom discovers that the railing is held in place by loose masonry screws and recommends that Lisa have the screws replaced with larger, more secure ones to ensure the safety of the railing.
Throughout the episode, the show provides detailed instructions and explanations for each step of the process, making it easy for viewers to follow along and potentially tackle similar home repairs on their own.
The episode wraps up with a final walkthrough of the completed projects and a discussion about the importance of regular home maintenance and preventative measures to avoid future issues.
Overall, Ask This Old House season 10 episode 12 offers helpful and informative tips for homeowners looking to address common home repair issues like a faulty sump pump and deteriorating wrought iron railing. With easy-to-follow instructions and practical advice, the show empowers viewers to take charge of their own home repairs and maintenance.
