Ep 2. Preventing Plumbing Disasters

In Ask This Old House season 19 episode 2, titled "Preventing Plumbing Disasters," the team of experts tackles common plumbing issues that homeowners may encounter during everyday use. The episode begins with the host of the show, Kevin O'Connor, demonstrating how to prevent frozen pipes during the winter months. Frozen pipes can cause severe damage to the home's plumbing system, and Kevin shows viewers how to protect these pipes by insulating them with foam pipe coverings.

Next, plumbing expert Richard Trethewey takes on two plumbing-related problems. The first is a bathroom sink that is not draining correctly. Richard demonstrates how to remove and unclog the sink's drain trap, which is often the primary cause of blockages in bathroom sinks. He also shares tips for using eco-friendly drain cleaners to prevent future blockages.

Richard's second task is to fix a leaky showerhead in the master bathroom. He explains that showerheads can become loose over time, causing leaks that result in water wastage and higher utility bills. Richard demonstrates how to reattach the showerhead properly using plumber's tape, so the shower works like new again.

In the next segment of the episode, Kevin meets with plumbing expert Tom Silva, who is installing a new toilet in a homeowner's bathroom. Tom explains that the homeowner wanted a comfort-height toilet, which sits higher than a traditional toilet and is more accessible for people with mobility issues. Tom walks viewers through the installation process, including how to secure the toilet flange and seal the bowl to prevent leaks.

Finally, the episode wraps up with a visit to a homeowner's basement, where plumbing expert Jenn Nawada is demonstrating how to prevent sewer backups. Jenn explains that the main cause of sewer backups is flushing non-degradable items such as wipes, paper towels, and hygiene products down the toilet. She shares tips for proper waste disposal, such as using a trash can instead of flushing items down the drain.

Overall, Ask This Old House season 19 episode 2 provides homeowners with valuable information on how to prevent common plumbing disasters. The experts demonstrate that a little prevention and maintenance can go a long way in keeping a home's plumbing system in top shape. Viewers will learn how to protect their pipes from freezing, how to unclog a sink, how to fix a leaky showerhead, and how to install a new toilet correctly. They will also gain insight into how to prevent sewer backups and the importance of proper waste disposal.