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Ask This Old House

E17 | Lead Testing, Hillside Steps | Ask This Old House

Season 24 Episode 17 | 23m 42s

Richard Trethewey breaks down why sink clogs happen, how to prevent them, and why chemical drain cleaners can do more harm than good-offering safer maintenance alternatives. Mauro Henrique demonstrates how to test for lead-based paint, comparing at-home rapid tests to a professional XRF analyzer. Then, Mark McCullough installs granite hillside steps, creating safer access to a backyard fire pit.

Aired: 03/25/26 | Expires: 04/09/26
Funding for Ask This Old House is provided by The Home Depot, Renewal By Andersen, and ChipDrop.
Extras
Watch • 8:32
Nature
NATURE - Season 45
Get a sneak peek at a brand new season of NATURE on PBS.
Preview: S45 | 8:32
Wild Kratts
Creature Power Card Generator Gameplay
What if you could collect Creature Power Cards of your favorite animals? Now you can!
Clip: 17:37
Wild Kratts
Aviva's Powersuit Maker Gameplay
Construct Creature Powersuits fit for every habitat and dress up your favorite characters!
Clip: 18:05
Wild Kratts
Baby Animal Rescue Gameplay
Baby animals have been captured, and it is up to the Kratts to rescue them!
Clip: 8:34
Wild Kratts
Cats and Dogs Gameplay
Help the Kratt brothers search for lost animals and meet lots of wild cats and dogs along the way.
Clip: 27:03
Wild Kratts
Amazin' Amazon Adventure Gameplay
Discover all the incredible creatures that call the Amazon home.
Clip: 31:31
Wild Kratts
World Rescue Gameplay
Oh no! Zach has sent his Zach-bots to habits all over the world.
Clip: 37:57
Watch • 55:55
Amanpour and Company
May 22, 2026
Peter S. Goodman; Mamoud Ahmadinejad; Kelli María Korducki
Episode: S2026 E8168 | 55:55
Watch • 57:46
PBS News Hour
May 22, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
May 22, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
Episode: S2026 E106 | 57:46
Watch • 15:59
Amanpour and Company
The “Daughterhood Penalty” in America’s Caregiving Crisis
Kelli María Korducki discusses the burden falling on women caring for their aging parents.
Clip: S2026 E8168 | 15:59
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Outdoor movie night tech; basics of homeowners' insurance; how to build a picnic table.
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E24 | Tile Soap Holders; Swirl Ceiling | Ask This Old House
Replacing vintage ceramic toothbrush and soap holders; patching a swirl ceiling crack.
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E23 | Paver Walkway; Mowing a Lawn 101 | Ask This Old House
Basics of mowing a lawn; how to vet a contractor; installing a concrete paver walkway.
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E22 | Flower Vase; Smart Garage Opener | Ask This Old House
Turning a flower vase on the lathe; upgrading a garage door opener to have smart control.
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E21 | Running Power to a Shed | Ask This Old House
Running power to an outbuilding; basic tools for painting a room; compost versus disposal
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E20 | Hang Shades, Steep Landscaping | Ask This Old House
Nathan installs top-down bottom-up shades. Jenn landscapes a steep front yard.
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E19 | Arch Accent, Pea Stone Patio | Ask This Old House
Painting an arch accent wall; debunking plant myths; installing a pea gravel patio.
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New Orleans shutter installation; choosing a fertilizer; hardwired smoke detectors.
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E16 | Grass Seed Facility, Porch Swing | Ask This Old House
How turf grass seed is harvested and cleaned; how to install a porch swing.
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E15 | Toys and Colors, Air Switch | Ask This Old House
"Toys and Colors" kids help build a dress-up closet. Richard installs a garbage disposal.
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