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Richard replaces a shower valve; Nathan refinishes stair treads; Tom cleans off a roof.

In this episode: Richard Trethewey tests a new kind of faucet; Mark McCullough travels to Chicago to install a wood mantel on a homeowner’s 1980s contemporary fireplace; Ross Trethewey and Mauro Henrique discuss how to remove cigarette smell from a home and why it is important to do so; Heath Eastman helps a homeowner connect four separate switches that control six lights in the same room. How to Install a Mantel on a Stone Fireplace Mark McCullough travels to Chicago to install a wood mantel on a homeowner’s 1980s contemporary fireplace....

In this episode: Richard explains how, where, and why plumbing systems fail. Richard gives a deep dive on when and how plumbing pipes and connections can be repaired or replaced. Ross explains and demonstrates how to prevent plumbing failures with new technology. Preventing Water Damage Kevin O’Connor and damage prevention specialist Michael Milligan toured a home to identify ways to prevent plumbing leaks and other flood damage. Where to find it?...

In this episode: In this special episode of Ask This Old House, Tom Silva and Kevin O’Connor explain everything you need to know about using, installing, maintaining and repairing a window. First, Kevin explains the anatomy of a window: The sash, stool, sill, jamb, head and side casings, apron, trim and stiles. Kevin takes a deep dive into the history and manufacture of glass, the most important part of any window: Single pane, double pane, triple pane, coated, safety etc....

In this episode: It has been a little bit of everything this week at the 1890s West Roxbury Victorian. The homeowners decided to match the new floors with the old, the interior trim is starting to go in, and the base cabinets and island are installed in the new modern kitchen. Kevin O’Connor gives builder Deliandro a hand installing the two-toned upper cabinets. Upstairs, Boston designer and color expert Cheryl Rosenberg has brought in mood boards and samples inspired by a modern twist on the Bohemian style, Boho Chic....

In this episode: A little over a year ago, the 1890s West Roxbury Victorian was a tired-looking house. Now, it’s all dressed up and looking good. Jenn Nawada and Kevin O’Connor show off the changes to the front and back of the house, creating an open and welcoming environment for the city neighborhood. Inside, Tom Silva assists homeowner Derek with installing an adjustable closet system in the new master closet. Richard Trethewey recaps changes to the HVAC system and basement, including the addition of a new cold-weather inverter heat pump unit, instantaneous gas water heater, foundation repair, and full access to the laundry and electrical panel....

The History Located in Kentucky’s state capital, this simple two-story house was built in 1894 as a parsonage for the First Corinthian Missionary Baptist Church. From 1951 to 1960 it was home to Rev. Charles King, a World War I veteran who gained national renown, becoming the first Black elected to a high office in the historically white Southern Baptist Convention. In April, the house was moved across the street to make way for a planned community center....

How to Fix Shut-Off Valve Leak Tools

Payment options (40 points): Options include purchase, loan, lease, and Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs). Companies receive points for each of those four options it provides. Solar services (30 points): Does the company provide in-house installation of solar panels and battery backups? Can the company also monitor energy production and perform energy-efficiency audits to ensure system performance. The more options available, the higher the score. Warranty options (10 points): The success of a residential solar system depends on the workmanship, performance guarantees, and length of product coverage....

Most commonly used to reheat leftovers or prepare frozen meals, microwaves are an essential part of a functional kitchen. Today, microwaves contain an array of settings, such as pre-programmed buttons for food-specific cooking and adjustable power levels for a controlled cooking temperature. Top 4 Microwaves Best Medium Capacity: Toshiba Microwave Oven Most Space: BLACK+DECKER Digital Microwave Oven Best Value: COMFEE’ Countertop Microwave Oven Best Settings: Panasonic Microwave Oven Best Medium Capacity: Toshiba Microwave Oven This microwave comes with smart-sensor technology that adjusts its runtime and temperature based on the food inside....

Top 4 Outdoor Ceiling Fans Best Reach: Harbor Breeze Outdoor Downrod Ceiling Fan Most Versatile: Prominence Home Outdoor Ceiling Fan Most Rustic: Hunter Fan Company Key Biscayne Indoor/Outdoor Ceiling Fan Most Industrial: Minka-Aire Outdoor Ceiling Fan Best Reach: Harbor Breeze Outdoor Downrod Ceiling Fan This product has two mini fans with three blades each on either side of a light with a frosted glass shade. With an airflow of 4,450 cubic feet per minute and a reach of 72 inches, the three-speed motor can cool large porches and patios....

Top 4 Portable Power Stations Most Powerful: Jackery Portable Power Station Most Lightweight: AIMTOM Power Station Most Ports: GOLABS Portable Power Station Fasted Recharge: FF FLASHFISH Portable Power Station Most Powerful: Jackery Portable Power Station Pros and Cons ✔ Has a specially designed motor to limit noise when it’s in use ✔ Can provide power to devices while it’s being recharged ✔ Can power up to eight devices at once ✘ Has a high price point than some other, similar products ✘ Weighs 22 pounds, making it less portable than the other options in this review What Customers Are Saying Customers complimented how powerful and well-designed this unit was....

Top 4 Tape Measures Best Value: Komelon SL2825 Self-Lock Power Tape Best Protection: Craftsman CMHT37216S Tape Measure Best Digital Tape Measure: eTape16 ET16.75-db-RP Digital Tape Measure Best Blade: DAYOU Nylon Wrap Blade Tape Measure Best Value: Komelon SL2825 Self-Lock Power Tape This product is the most affordable option in this review. It includes standard tape measure features, including a rubberized case, nylon-coated blade, and self-locking mechanism. In addition, the Komelon tape measure has push buttons that allow you to retract the blade when you’re done measuring....

Best Survival Gear: LifeStraw Personal Water Filter This filtration straw doesn’t expire and has a compact design, making it a good addition to emergency kits. Along with filtering bacteria, it also removes microplastics to provide cleaner water. Additionally, LifeStraw covers a year’s supply of drinking water for a child in need with the purchase of one of the company’s products. Key Features Filters 1,000 gallons of water Comes in multiple colors and quantities Removes microplastics, bacteria, and parasites Made from plastic...