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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
Follow the Artemis mission to bring humanity back to the Moon for the first time since Apollo.
Follow the Artemis mission to bring humanity back to the Moon for the first time since Apollo.
Uncover the story of the revival of northwestern India’s legendary tiger clan.
These tigers had lost their fear of humans — and it cost them their lives.
A tiger’s dangerous behavior shocks researchers, until the reason is revealed.
Faced with a powerful male, a mother tiger must choose: mate, or protect her cubs.
The Butternut Tree- Watch Now!
Gen. Stanley McChrystal (ret.); Aziz Abu Sarah; Maoz Inon; Michael Pollan
Best-selling author Michael Pollan explores our collective consciousness in "A World Appears."
Brooks and Capehart on Trump and Vance clashing with Pope Leo
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Nathan installs top-down bottom-up shades. Jenn landscapes a steep front yard.
Painting an arch accent wall; debunking plant myths; installing a pea gravel patio.
New Orleans shutter installation; choosing a fertilizer; hardwired smoke detectors.
How turf grass seed is harvested and cleaned; how to install a porch swing.
"Toys and Colors" kids help build a dress-up closet. Richard installs a garbage disposal.
How to clean up spilled paint; 3-way switches 101; Installing a split rail fence.
Installing a split heat pump water heater; houseplant pests; installing an attic ladder.
How to paint a ceiling; comparing siding material; a DIY fix for a squeaky floor.
How to use a toilet flange repair kit; gas mower maintenance; installing a hidden door.
Jenn redesigns an Idaho backyard to host large dinner parties; Mark replaces window wells.