Ask This Old House Season 5 Episode 18 Damaged Vinyl Floor; What is It?; Repairing Prinkler System

In season 5 episode 18 of Ask This Old House, the team takes on three different projects related to home repair and maintenance.

First, they tackle a damaged vinyl floor in a homeowner's kitchen. The floor has several cuts and gouges, which can be unsightly and also pose a hazard. The team begins by removing any caked-on dirt or grime from the damaged areas and assessing the extent of the damage. They also discuss the different types of vinyl flooring and the advantages and disadvantages of repairing versus replacing the floor. Ultimately, they decide to remove the damaged tiles and replace them with new ones, using a heat gun and a putty knife to carefully lift the tiles without damaging the surrounding areas.

Next, the team answers a viewer question about a mysterious substance that has turned up in their yard. The homeowner describes a slimy, gelatinous substance that appears after heavy rainfall and asks the crew to identify it. The team performs several tests and determines that the substance is probably a type of slime mold, which is harmless to plants and animals but can be unsightly. They offer some suggestions for controlling the growth of the mold, including raking up any dead leaves or debris and improving drainage in the affected area.

Finally, the team takes on a more complex project involving a damaged sprinkler system. The homeowner explains that their system has not been functioning properly and that they suspect there is a leak somewhere in the underground piping. The team starts by testing the system and tracing the location of the leak using a specialty tool called a "leak detector." Once they have pinpointed the area of the leak, they dig down to the damaged pipe and assess the extent of the damage. They explain the different types of pipe commonly used in sprinkler systems and demonstrate how to repair a damaged section of PVC pipe. The team also offers some general tips for maintaining a sprinkler system, including checking for leaks regularly and adjusting the spray patterns as needed.

Throughout the episode, the team provides detailed explanations and step-by-step instructions for each project. They also discuss the importance of proper maintenance and offer a range of helpful tips for keeping a home in good repair. By the end of the episode, the homeowners have new tools and skills to help them tackle a variety of home repair and maintenance tasks on their own.