Ask This Old House Season 2 Episode 8 Installing Engineered Floor; Replacing a Sink Stopper

In episode 8 of season 2 of Ask This Old House, titled "Installing Engineered Floor; Replacing a Sink Stopper," the expert team of Tom Silva, Norm Abram, Richard Trethewey, and Roger Cook is back to tackle more homeowner questions and provide valuable advice.

The episode kicks off with a visit to a homeowner who is looking to replace their dated and worn-out flooring with a beautiful engineered wood floor. Host Tom Silva and a local flooring expert discuss the advantages of engineered wood, particularly its stability and ability to resist moisture. They share valuable tips on preparing the subfloor, such as checking for flatness and making necessary adjustments to ensure a smooth installation.

Back in the workshop, Norm Abram joins Tom to demonstrate the step-by-step process of installing an engineered wood floor. They discuss the different techniques for attaching the tongue-and-groove boards and emphasize the importance of leaving proper expansion gaps. As they work, Norm shares his expertise on choosing the right tools and techniques to make the installation process easier and more efficient.

Meanwhile, plumbing expert Richard Trethewey is called in to assist a homeowner with a pesky sink stopper that is constantly leaking and causing frustration. Richard starts by showing the homeowner how to remove and clean the existing stopper assembly. However, after inspection, he determines that a replacement stopper is needed to fix the issue permanently. Richard walks the homeowner through the process of selecting the correct replacement and proceeds to install it, ensuring a watertight seal. Along the way, Richard offers helpful tips and tricks for maintaining a properly functioning sink stopper.

Outside, landscape contractor Roger Cook is faced with a common homeowner dilemma – an uneven and lumpy lawn. He visits a homeowner struggling with a bumpy lawn and provides guidance on the best approach to resolve the problem. Roger explains the importance of proper soil compaction and demonstrates how to use a roller to achieve a level surface. Additionally, he shares advice on overseeding and fertilizing to promote healthy grass growth.

Before the episode comes to a close, the Ask This Old House team gathers for a segment of "What Is It?" – a fun game where viewers send in pictures of mysterious objects for the experts to identify. With their combined knowledge and experience, Tom, Norm, Richard, and Roger attempt to unravel the mysteries behind the unusual items, often leading to interesting discussions and surprising discoveries.

Overall, season 2, episode 8 of Ask This Old House offers engaging and informative content for homeowners looking to enhance their living spaces. From flooring installations and plumbing fixes to lawn maintenance tips, the expert team addresses a range of common homeowner questions and provides practical solutions that can be easily applied. Tune in to learn from the seasoned professionals and gain the knowledge and confidence needed to tackle your own home improvement projects.