Ep 25. Deck Staining; Water Monitoring

Ask This Old House season 17 episode 25 is titled "Deck Staining; Water Monitoring." This show provides helpful advice and demonstrations of various home renovation and maintenance tasks, and this episode is no exception.

The main theme of this episode is maintaining and improving outdoor spaces, starting with a segment on deck staining. Host Mark McCullough takes on the task of staining a worn and faded deck with the help of a viewer named Mike. Together, they give a step-by-step guide on how to properly prepare the surface of the deck and apply the stain for a long-lasting, attractive finish. They also provide some useful tips on how to maintain the deck over time.

In the second segment of the show, host Kevin O'Connor meets with a homeowner who is concerned about the quality of his well water. Kevin notes that well water can be subject to various contaminants, but it can also vary in quality depending on several factors. To get a better idea of what might be in the homeowner's water, Kevin and the homeowner take a sample of the well water and send it off to a lab for testing. The results highlight the importance of monitoring and maintaining well water, and Kevin offers some advice on how to keep a well in good condition.

Later in the episode, Kevin heads to a nearby lake to learn more about water monitoring in a larger context. He talks with a group of volunteers who are using simple tools and techniques to collect data on water quality in the lake. They explain how this data can be used to identify trends and potential issues with the lake's ecosystem, and how citizen science efforts like theirs can help promote environmental awareness and action.

The final segment of the show takes a look at a DIY project for creating a portable fire pit. Host Jenn Nawada demonstrates how to make a simple yet sturdy fire pit using a large metal bowl and some basic hardware. She also provides tips on how to safely use and maintain the fire pit, as well as some ideas for creative ways to decorate and personalize it.

Overall, Ask This Old House season 17 episode 25 offers a range of helpful and informative content for homeowners and DIY enthusiasts. Whether you're looking to spruce up your outdoor living spaces, monitor your well water quality, or get creative with a DIY project, there's something for everyone in this episode. The hosts are knowledgeable and engaging, and the show strikes a good balance between practical advice and entertaining content.