Ask This Old House Season 17 Episode 9 Seismic Retrofit; Dryer Vent

In season 17, episode 9 of Ask This Old House, host Kevin O’Connor travels to Seattle to help a homeowner with a seismic retrofit project. With the Pacific Northwest being an earthquake-prone region, it’s important to ensure that homes have adequate structural support to withstand the tremors. Kevin meets with a specialist who explains the importance of bolting the home’s frame to its foundation and adding additional support using plywood sheathing and metal connectors. Kevin and the homeowner then work together to install these reinforcements, which will help protect the home in the event of an earthquake.

Next, Kevin heads back to the Ask This Old House studio to meet with heating and plumbing expert Richard Trethewey. This week, Richard is helping a viewer with a common issue: a clogged dryer vent. Richard demonstrates some simple maintenance tasks that homeowners can do themselves to keep their dryer vents clean and running smoothly. He also shows viewers what to look for when inspecting their vents and explains how to tell if it’s time to call in a professional. By the end of the segment, viewers will have a better understanding of how to keep their dryer vents in good working order and avoid costly repairs.

As always, the episode closes out with the show’s popular “Ask This Old House” segment, where the team answers questions from viewers. This time, they cover topics such as repairing a damaged subfloor, installing a kick plate on a sink, and replacing a water heater’s anode rod.

Overall, season 17, episode 9 of Ask This Old House provides viewers with valuable information about two important home maintenance topics. By following the experts’ advice, viewers can help ensure their homes are more resilient to earthquakes and reduce the risk of dryer vent fires and other hazards. With its engaging hosts and practical tips, Ask This Old House is a must-watch for anyone who wants to improve their DIY skills.