1 00:00:00,700 --> 00:00:04,766 ♪♪ 2 00:00:04,833 --> 00:00:06,200 Kevin: On "Ask This Old House," 3 00:00:06,266 --> 00:00:08,766 Our experts travel across the country 4 00:00:08,833 --> 00:00:11,300 to answer questions about your house. 5 00:00:11,366 --> 00:00:18,100 ♪♪ 6 00:00:18,166 --> 00:00:21,866 Today, Lee improves the soil conditions of a garden space 7 00:00:21,933 --> 00:00:24,266 that takes it from dreary to dreamy. 8 00:00:24,333 --> 00:00:25,800 Tracy: I cannot believe the difference 9 00:00:25,866 --> 00:00:27,833 from this morning till now. 10 00:00:27,900 --> 00:00:30,533 Kevin: Then we meet a painter whose passion for the trades 11 00:00:30,600 --> 00:00:34,600 inspires those who work around her. 12 00:00:34,666 --> 00:00:38,000 And Heath installs a bathroom vent for a homeowner 13 00:00:38,066 --> 00:00:41,133 in an old house with some vintage wiring. 14 00:00:41,200 --> 00:00:44,433 That's all coming up next on "Ask This Old House." 15 00:00:46,933 --> 00:00:50,966 ♪♪ 16 00:00:51,033 --> 00:00:52,933 Tracy: Lee. Lee: Hi, Tracy. How are you? 17 00:00:53,000 --> 00:00:54,733 Tracy: Fine. Nice to meet you. Lee: Nice to meet you too. 18 00:00:54,800 --> 00:00:56,433 Got an e-mail from you about a project 19 00:00:56,500 --> 00:00:57,866 you have going on in the back. 20 00:00:57,933 --> 00:01:00,433 Tracy: Yeah, my backyard right now is a blank slate. 21 00:01:00,500 --> 00:01:02,700 Lee: Okay. Tracy: I travel quite a bit, 22 00:01:02,766 --> 00:01:05,233 and I haven't had a chance to do anything back there. 23 00:01:05,300 --> 00:01:07,800 So I'm looking for something low maintenance 24 00:01:07,866 --> 00:01:09,733 and to fill it in, make it look better. 25 00:01:09,800 --> 00:01:10,800 Lee: Great. Let's go take a look at it, 26 00:01:10,866 --> 00:01:11,700 see what we got. Tracy: Great. 27 00:01:11,766 --> 00:01:14,300 Lee: Okay. 28 00:01:14,366 --> 00:01:19,166 Tracy: So here is my lovely yard. 29 00:01:19,233 --> 00:01:21,366 Lee: [ Laughs ] Tracy: Nothing here. 30 00:01:21,433 --> 00:01:25,900 The soil doesn't look great and I don't know what to do with it. 31 00:01:25,966 --> 00:01:27,300 It's rather daunting. 32 00:01:27,366 --> 00:01:28,766 Lee: You definitely could have a nice garden here, 33 00:01:28,833 --> 00:01:31,333 but the conditions aren't really right right now, 34 00:01:31,400 --> 00:01:32,633 so we'll work on those. 35 00:01:32,700 --> 00:01:33,733 Tracy: I would like that because it's, you know, 36 00:01:33,800 --> 00:01:34,900 it's cozy back here. 37 00:01:34,966 --> 00:01:36,400 Or it could be if we had some plants. 38 00:01:36,466 --> 00:01:37,600 Lee: Sure. A lot of stones. 39 00:01:37,666 --> 00:01:39,533 Somebody looks like somebody used 40 00:01:39,600 --> 00:01:41,000 the peastone for, like, a mulch. 41 00:01:41,066 --> 00:01:43,100 Tracy: That's what it was when I moved in here. 42 00:01:43,166 --> 00:01:46,166 There was white peastone everywhere 43 00:01:46,233 --> 00:01:48,466 and tried to rake up as much as I could. 44 00:01:48,533 --> 00:01:50,900 But every time it rains, it comes back to the surface. 45 00:01:50,966 --> 00:01:54,633 Lee: Okay. Also, we have an issue with the pH, 46 00:01:54,700 --> 00:01:56,166 so we got some moss growing in here. 47 00:01:56,233 --> 00:01:58,600 Tracy: Is that what happens with the pH level? 48 00:01:58,666 --> 00:02:00,500 Lee: So what I want to do is like amend the soil 49 00:02:00,566 --> 00:02:02,266 and it will help the plants that we want to put in. 50 00:02:02,333 --> 00:02:04,266 Tracy: Alright. So that fixes the pH level. 51 00:02:04,333 --> 00:02:05,566 Lee: That should. 52 00:02:05,633 --> 00:02:07,000 And it also looks like we have a little heat, 53 00:02:07,066 --> 00:02:08,500 you know, issue probably. 54 00:02:08,566 --> 00:02:09,900 Tracy: It does. It gets really warm here, 55 00:02:09,966 --> 00:02:13,033 particularly until like mid part of the afternoon. 56 00:02:13,100 --> 00:02:14,866 Lee: Okay, great. So I'd like to introduce 57 00:02:14,933 --> 00:02:16,866 drip irrigation in here. Tracy: Okay. 58 00:02:16,933 --> 00:02:18,633 Lee: I think it'll work really well. Okay? 59 00:02:18,700 --> 00:02:20,233 Tracy: Alright. Lee: And that goes down 60 00:02:20,300 --> 00:02:21,633 and we'll put them around all the plants, 61 00:02:21,700 --> 00:02:24,033 and that will water the plants, so it'll be good. 62 00:02:24,100 --> 00:02:26,800 Tracy: Alright. So if we can fix it all up, 63 00:02:26,866 --> 00:02:28,766 then we can have a nice garden back here? 64 00:02:28,833 --> 00:02:29,966 Lee: It'll work. Tracy: Alright. 65 00:02:30,033 --> 00:02:31,133 Lee: Alright? Tracy: Let's do it. 66 00:02:31,200 --> 00:02:32,366 Lee: Okay. Let's go. 67 00:02:34,433 --> 00:02:36,033 So, let's do some raking. 68 00:02:36,100 --> 00:02:38,400 Let's get these stones up the best we can. 69 00:02:38,466 --> 00:02:40,466 Tracy: Alright. They make such a mess. 70 00:02:40,533 --> 00:02:41,933 Lee: I know. We're not gonna get them all, 71 00:02:42,000 --> 00:02:45,733 but we'll get a good percentage. 72 00:02:45,800 --> 00:02:47,466 We'll just put them in small piles. 73 00:02:47,533 --> 00:02:54,233 ♪♪ 74 00:02:54,300 --> 00:02:55,866 Tracy: Look at that. Looking good. 75 00:02:55,933 --> 00:02:58,000 Lee: Yeah. Not bad. 76 00:02:58,066 --> 00:03:00,133 Now we're going to till the soil. 77 00:03:00,200 --> 00:03:01,433 So that goes there. 78 00:03:01,500 --> 00:03:04,900 Tracy: Alright. Lee: Okay. I'll start this one. 79 00:03:07,100 --> 00:03:08,633 Good? Tracy: Yep. 80 00:03:08,700 --> 00:03:11,166 Lee: All I want to do is go back and forth nice and slow. 81 00:03:11,233 --> 00:03:12,766 Let the machine do the work. 82 00:03:12,833 --> 00:03:17,400 ♪♪ 83 00:03:17,466 --> 00:03:19,466 Just like that. 84 00:03:19,533 --> 00:03:21,966 This will allow us to add fertilizer, and it'll 85 00:03:22,033 --> 00:03:26,233 help the pH level and restore the soil quality. 86 00:03:26,300 --> 00:03:35,866 ♪♪ 87 00:03:35,933 --> 00:03:38,066 We rototilled the soil, so it's got some oxygen in there. 88 00:03:38,133 --> 00:03:41,000 It's nice and fluffy right now, but let's add compost in, okay? 89 00:03:41,066 --> 00:03:46,900 This will help the plants take off and survive. 90 00:03:46,966 --> 00:03:50,500 They love this. It's all organic. 91 00:03:50,566 --> 00:03:53,733 So beneficial to the flower beds. 92 00:03:53,800 --> 00:03:56,600 So now I want to put some organic fertilizer. 93 00:03:56,666 --> 00:03:58,866 It'll help the roots get going. Tracy: Great. 94 00:03:58,933 --> 00:04:02,800 ♪♪ 95 00:04:02,866 --> 00:04:05,766 Lee: And what I want to do now, we'll rototill this in. 96 00:04:05,833 --> 00:04:08,633 [ Motor starts ] 97 00:04:08,700 --> 00:04:10,533 And I'm just going to do a light one. 98 00:04:10,600 --> 00:04:11,766 We went down nice and deep before. 99 00:04:11,833 --> 00:04:13,300 I just want to get a nice mix. 100 00:04:13,366 --> 00:04:21,500 ♪♪ 101 00:04:21,566 --> 00:04:29,733 ♪♪ 102 00:04:29,800 --> 00:04:32,500 Soil is all amended and ready to go. 103 00:04:32,566 --> 00:04:34,000 So I picked out some plants. 104 00:04:34,066 --> 00:04:36,700 We did some boxwoods, hide the foundation, 105 00:04:36,766 --> 00:04:38,633 evergreen all year round. Tracy: I like that. 106 00:04:38,700 --> 00:04:40,666 Lee: Alright. And then I went with some hydrangeas. 107 00:04:40,733 --> 00:04:42,666 This is an Annabelle hydrangea here. 108 00:04:42,733 --> 00:04:45,300 And then this one over here is a lacecap hydrangea. 109 00:04:45,366 --> 00:04:47,600 Nice burgundy color, leaf in the fall, real pretty. 110 00:04:47,666 --> 00:04:49,066 Tracy: I love hydrangea. Lee: Yep. 111 00:04:49,133 --> 00:04:51,733 And then we did some sedums down below for fall color. 112 00:04:51,800 --> 00:04:54,600 Tracy: Nice. Lee: Catmint, pollinator. 113 00:04:54,666 --> 00:04:56,066 All the plants. 114 00:04:56,133 --> 00:04:57,233 Tracy: I'm not familiar with that plant. 115 00:04:57,300 --> 00:04:59,300 So pollinator for bees and butterflies? 116 00:04:59,366 --> 00:05:01,066 Lee: Correct. They love it. Tracy: Great. 117 00:05:01,133 --> 00:05:02,966 Lee: And then I topped it off with some black-eyed Susans 118 00:05:03,033 --> 00:05:04,966 for like that summer color. Tracy: Nice. 119 00:05:05,033 --> 00:05:06,233 Lee: Okay? I think we're good. 120 00:05:06,300 --> 00:05:09,066 Tracy: It looks great. Lee: Thank you. 121 00:05:09,133 --> 00:05:10,700 I'm gonna have you hold that for a second. 122 00:05:10,766 --> 00:05:13,100 Thank you. Tracy: Got this one. 123 00:05:13,166 --> 00:05:14,700 Lee: Let's try to get these plants in the ground, 124 00:05:14,766 --> 00:05:17,400 and then we can add our irrigation. 125 00:05:19,433 --> 00:05:21,666 What I like to do is see how it's all root-bound? 126 00:05:21,733 --> 00:05:23,233 Tracy: Yes. Lee: Okay. 127 00:05:23,300 --> 00:05:26,366 You just want to break it up a little bit. 128 00:05:26,433 --> 00:05:27,866 We'll put it in the ground. 129 00:05:27,933 --> 00:05:29,433 Tracy: And how high up do you put it? 130 00:05:29,500 --> 00:05:31,933 Lee: I like to put it down level with the flowerbed that we have. 131 00:05:32,000 --> 00:05:33,100 Tracy: Okay. Lee: Okay? 132 00:05:33,166 --> 00:05:34,700 Keep it right at the same level. 133 00:05:35,933 --> 00:05:40,400 So I like to plant the hole a little bit bigger than the pot. 134 00:05:40,466 --> 00:05:43,700 Tracy: Makes sense. 135 00:05:43,766 --> 00:05:44,866 They look great. 136 00:05:44,933 --> 00:05:52,700 ♪♪ 137 00:05:52,766 --> 00:05:54,566 I asked a good friend of mine, Mark, to come by. 138 00:05:54,633 --> 00:05:57,533 They're going to put the irrigation line in the ground, 139 00:05:57,600 --> 00:05:59,633 and what they use is a ditch digger, 140 00:05:59,700 --> 00:06:01,300 so we don't have to dig up a trench. 141 00:06:01,366 --> 00:06:03,700 Does a nice clean job. So now what we're going to do 142 00:06:03,766 --> 00:06:06,200 is temporarily remove a piece of the bluestone 143 00:06:06,266 --> 00:06:08,333 so we can get the line underneath the walkway. 144 00:06:08,400 --> 00:06:17,233 ♪♪ 145 00:06:17,300 --> 00:06:20,800 Then they can run the lines around the plants as usual. 146 00:06:20,866 --> 00:06:29,166 ♪♪ 147 00:06:29,233 --> 00:06:31,133 So, drip irrigation has been put in. 148 00:06:31,200 --> 00:06:32,666 So I think we're ready for mulching. 149 00:06:32,733 --> 00:06:34,033 I love to use this leaf mulch. 150 00:06:34,100 --> 00:06:36,100 Tracy: How is that different from other mulches? 151 00:06:36,166 --> 00:06:38,066 Lee: Well, other mulches are more like wood chippy 152 00:06:38,133 --> 00:06:39,433 and a kind of like dye 153 00:06:39,500 --> 00:06:40,800 and stuff like that they put on them. 154 00:06:40,866 --> 00:06:43,066 This is all organic. It breaks down beautifully. 155 00:06:43,133 --> 00:06:45,300 Tracy: Yeah, it looks really nice and a lot of moisture, 156 00:06:45,366 --> 00:06:46,533 it seems like. Lee: Correct. 157 00:06:46,600 --> 00:06:48,000 It'll hold the water. 158 00:06:48,066 --> 00:06:50,500 So what I want to do is probably put like two inches down. 159 00:06:50,566 --> 00:06:52,166 Tracy: Okay. 160 00:06:55,033 --> 00:06:57,333 Wow. Look at it. Lee: What do you think? 161 00:06:57,400 --> 00:06:59,066 Tracy: Oh, it looks amazing. Lee: Not too bad. 162 00:06:59,133 --> 00:07:02,100 Tracy: I cannot believe the difference from this morning till now. 163 00:07:02,166 --> 00:07:03,200 Looks great. 164 00:07:03,266 --> 00:07:04,766 Lee: So I need you to do me a favor. 165 00:07:04,833 --> 00:07:07,733 I need you to water every day for about 10 days, okay? 166 00:07:07,800 --> 00:07:09,800 Tracy: Okay. Lee: Alright? About 25 minutes 167 00:07:09,866 --> 00:07:11,566 each time we're watering, okay? Tracy: Alright. 168 00:07:11,633 --> 00:07:13,700 And the irrigation system will be set up 169 00:07:13,766 --> 00:07:15,166 to do it that way? Lee: Correct. 170 00:07:15,233 --> 00:07:17,466 Tracy: Okay. Great. Great for me. 171 00:07:17,533 --> 00:07:18,966 Lee: Thank you. Tracy: Oh, thank you so much. 172 00:07:19,033 --> 00:07:20,200 Lee: Nice to meet you. We'll see you soon. 173 00:07:20,266 --> 00:07:21,433 Tracy: Nice to meet you too, Lee. Take care. 174 00:07:21,500 --> 00:07:23,400 This is incredible. Lee: Thank you. Bye-bye. 175 00:07:23,466 --> 00:07:33,400 ♪♪ 176 00:07:33,466 --> 00:07:35,700 Kevin: We meet contractors all across the country 177 00:07:35,766 --> 00:07:37,766 who go above and beyond in their trades. 178 00:07:37,833 --> 00:07:40,866 Today, we want to shine a spotlight on a talented painter 179 00:07:40,933 --> 00:07:43,700 who's brushing her way through the world of home improvement. 180 00:07:46,133 --> 00:07:48,966 Stephanie: When you're in the room, a painter sees everything. 181 00:07:49,033 --> 00:07:51,000 We see every imperfection, everything. 182 00:07:51,066 --> 00:07:53,066 You as a customer, you're not even going to see that. 183 00:07:53,133 --> 00:07:54,600 Hi, I'm Stephanie Young. 184 00:07:54,666 --> 00:07:57,266 I own Pro Image Painting LLC in Londonderry, New Hampshire. 185 00:07:58,933 --> 00:08:00,600 In high school, I thought I was gonna be a dental hygienist. 186 00:08:00,666 --> 00:08:02,433 Like, that's what I originally went to school for. 187 00:08:02,500 --> 00:08:05,466 Then I was going to get my EMT and paramedic and go that route. 188 00:08:05,533 --> 00:08:08,233 And then I ended up really liking painting. 189 00:08:08,300 --> 00:08:10,233 I was meeting different people all the time. 190 00:08:10,300 --> 00:08:11,800 I was working in different houses, 191 00:08:11,866 --> 00:08:14,766 I was going different places. And that really was -- 192 00:08:14,833 --> 00:08:17,100 it made me, like, really love it even more. 193 00:08:17,166 --> 00:08:20,333 And I found that painting was one of those gratifying things 194 00:08:20,400 --> 00:08:23,333 that when you finish it, it looks beautiful. 195 00:08:23,400 --> 00:08:25,533 I've always worked really hard at whatever I've done. 196 00:08:25,600 --> 00:08:29,200 So, I started the company in 2007. 197 00:08:29,266 --> 00:08:31,033 It was not glamorous when I first started. 198 00:08:31,100 --> 00:08:33,500 It was super-hard work. 199 00:08:33,566 --> 00:08:36,133 I didn't make any money for like at least five years, 200 00:08:36,200 --> 00:08:37,800 you know, but I stuck with it. 201 00:08:39,533 --> 00:08:42,366 After nine years, I actually called one of my leads 202 00:08:42,433 --> 00:08:44,066 that was with me before then. 203 00:08:44,133 --> 00:08:46,566 I trained them on how to do stuff slow and steady, 204 00:08:46,633 --> 00:08:49,266 what we need to do step by step. 205 00:08:49,333 --> 00:08:50,866 And this is actually how the business grew. 206 00:08:50,933 --> 00:08:52,600 We ended up getting one more person 207 00:08:52,666 --> 00:08:54,033 and then another, and then another. 208 00:08:54,100 --> 00:08:55,766 And once I could trust them providing the product 209 00:08:55,833 --> 00:08:57,933 that I provided for the last 10 years, 210 00:08:58,000 --> 00:09:00,033 I was able to let them do their thing. 211 00:09:00,100 --> 00:09:01,933 So all this stuff tomorrow is going to have to kind of move 212 00:09:02,000 --> 00:09:03,933 because they're going to put a giant couch right there 213 00:09:04,000 --> 00:09:05,900 and then in the other room. So we'll see what we got left. 214 00:09:05,966 --> 00:09:07,333 Man: Alright. Stephanie: Thanks. 215 00:09:07,400 --> 00:09:09,700 And that actually turned into what we are now. 216 00:09:09,766 --> 00:09:13,333 We have actual employees. They're not subcontractors. 217 00:09:13,400 --> 00:09:15,600 I have long, you know, reputable employees. 218 00:09:15,666 --> 00:09:18,266 Ten years, five years, six years that have been with me. 219 00:09:18,333 --> 00:09:19,700 So, I picked these up the other day that 220 00:09:19,766 --> 00:09:21,733 all the brass hinges are going to get replaced with. 221 00:09:21,800 --> 00:09:23,233 I think it's so important to believe 222 00:09:23,300 --> 00:09:25,100 in the people that are under you and train them 223 00:09:25,166 --> 00:09:26,700 the best they can, because honestly, 224 00:09:26,766 --> 00:09:29,433 like, that's the outcome that we want, right? 225 00:09:29,500 --> 00:09:31,033 Like, I need people to support me. 226 00:09:31,100 --> 00:09:33,566 I need to support them. 227 00:09:33,633 --> 00:09:35,600 It's so cool to see people grow 228 00:09:35,666 --> 00:09:39,100 and be appreciated in a job that if you work hard, 229 00:09:39,166 --> 00:09:40,400 you're going to get the benefits from it. 230 00:09:40,466 --> 00:09:42,200 And I make sure of that 231 00:09:42,266 --> 00:09:45,033 because I've worked hard my entire life on some jobs 232 00:09:45,100 --> 00:09:46,733 and it doesn't get you anywhere. You know what I mean? 233 00:09:46,800 --> 00:09:48,466 Like, in life, like, I think it's fair 234 00:09:48,533 --> 00:09:50,300 that if you're going to put in like 110%, 235 00:09:50,366 --> 00:09:53,100 like, pay it forward to that. 236 00:09:53,166 --> 00:09:55,200 Let's all grow together. Let's be the best we can. 237 00:09:55,266 --> 00:09:57,033 Even if employees weren't going to stay with me forever, 238 00:09:57,100 --> 00:09:58,600 it's a true thing, right? Like, stop the whole 239 00:09:58,666 --> 00:10:00,033 "Well, I don't want to train them 240 00:10:00,100 --> 00:10:01,300 because they're going to start their own company." 241 00:10:01,366 --> 00:10:02,800 Honestly, like, things are going to happen. 242 00:10:02,866 --> 00:10:04,500 They're going to happen. You know, do the best you can 243 00:10:04,566 --> 00:10:06,133 and then train them like they're going to be here forever 244 00:10:06,200 --> 00:10:07,400 and it's only going to help everybody. 245 00:10:07,466 --> 00:10:11,133 ♪♪ 246 00:10:11,200 --> 00:10:12,766 And I know that, honestly, I couldn't do this 247 00:10:12,833 --> 00:10:14,966 physically forever. I've had back problems. 248 00:10:15,033 --> 00:10:16,733 I blew my knee out two years ago, 249 00:10:16,800 --> 00:10:18,533 and the only difference between my back and my knee, 250 00:10:18,600 --> 00:10:20,733 when my knee blew out, I was like, "oh, my gosh, 251 00:10:20,800 --> 00:10:23,600 I have a crew that can still keep going." 252 00:10:23,666 --> 00:10:25,166 You know, we're not just a company, 253 00:10:25,233 --> 00:10:26,766 we're not just one person or two people painting before. 254 00:10:26,833 --> 00:10:28,900 We're a company and we're going to support each other. 255 00:10:28,966 --> 00:10:30,800 I think it's great for us to be prepared. 256 00:10:30,866 --> 00:10:31,966 You can call the crew and make sure they have 257 00:10:32,033 --> 00:10:33,700 everything that they need. 258 00:10:33,766 --> 00:10:35,400 Pro Image Paint Academy is something 259 00:10:35,466 --> 00:10:36,800 we kind of just came up with because everyone's been 260 00:10:36,866 --> 00:10:38,833 reaching out to me on, like, how to apply products 261 00:10:38,900 --> 00:10:42,300 and do stuff, and I'm able to, like, help them 262 00:10:42,366 --> 00:10:44,400 with, like, troubleshooting or growing their business. 263 00:10:44,466 --> 00:10:45,566 Right? Like, we're all in the same boat. 264 00:10:45,633 --> 00:10:46,933 We're just trying to, like, survive. 265 00:10:47,000 --> 00:10:49,366 We're trying to, like, do the best we can. 266 00:10:49,433 --> 00:10:50,833 Obviously, I've been painting forever, 267 00:10:50,900 --> 00:10:52,366 and the worst part about painting 268 00:10:52,433 --> 00:10:55,066 was cleaning paint brushes. 269 00:10:55,133 --> 00:10:58,133 And I was like, "There has to be a better way." 270 00:10:58,200 --> 00:11:00,666 So I came up with a great idea. I went to the hardware store. 271 00:11:00,733 --> 00:11:03,866 I ended up grabbing some tools to make the idea happen. 272 00:11:03,933 --> 00:11:05,833 I tested it. 273 00:11:05,900 --> 00:11:07,866 The Brush Wash is a tool I created. 274 00:11:07,933 --> 00:11:11,800 It cleans paint brushes. 275 00:11:11,866 --> 00:11:14,366 And the best part now is that you can find the Brush Wash. 276 00:11:14,433 --> 00:11:16,333 If you just search online, it'll come up for you. 277 00:11:16,400 --> 00:11:20,833 ♪♪ 278 00:11:20,900 --> 00:11:23,366 Every week we're working for a repeat customer, 279 00:11:23,433 --> 00:11:26,766 whether it was 16 years ago or like a couple months ago. 280 00:11:26,833 --> 00:11:28,933 No joke. Like, that's why we're so successful 281 00:11:29,000 --> 00:11:30,933 is because it's all about the repeat business for us. 282 00:11:31,000 --> 00:11:33,866 We're doing something right. I love what I do. 283 00:11:33,933 --> 00:11:35,566 I want to provide the best product for people. 284 00:11:35,633 --> 00:11:37,866 And I think that comes across when we're in your house 285 00:11:37,933 --> 00:11:40,033 and then delivering it. Right? 286 00:11:40,100 --> 00:11:41,633 I think people need to take more chances 287 00:11:41,700 --> 00:11:43,733 and just start training people. 288 00:11:43,800 --> 00:11:46,266 You just have to put the work in. Don't be lazy about it. 289 00:11:46,333 --> 00:11:48,833 It's not going to happen overnight. 290 00:11:48,900 --> 00:11:50,133 Kevin: If you know a contractor 291 00:11:50,200 --> 00:11:51,800 who you think is worthy of celebrating, 292 00:11:51,866 --> 00:11:55,766 we'd love to hear about them. Write us and let us know. 293 00:11:57,766 --> 00:11:59,633 Heath: So, today I'm heading to meet a homeowner 294 00:11:59,700 --> 00:12:00,966 who's looking to do a project 295 00:12:01,033 --> 00:12:03,566 in the second-floor bathroom of her 1920s home. 296 00:12:03,633 --> 00:12:05,166 Now, while I love working on older homes, 297 00:12:05,233 --> 00:12:07,900 the age is a little bit concerning. 298 00:12:07,966 --> 00:12:09,833 I'm anticipating that we're going to find some wiring 299 00:12:09,900 --> 00:12:12,400 that's much older than what we want to deal with. 300 00:12:12,466 --> 00:12:13,900 It doesn't mean the project can't be done, 301 00:12:13,966 --> 00:12:16,166 it just means it'll take a little more work to get there. 302 00:12:17,366 --> 00:12:18,600 Jericho: Hi, Heath. Heath: Hey, Jericho. 303 00:12:18,666 --> 00:12:20,133 Nice to meet you. Jericho: Nice to meet you. 304 00:12:20,200 --> 00:12:22,366 Heath: So, I saw that you wrote in about a bathroom fan issue 305 00:12:22,433 --> 00:12:24,233 that you're having. Jericho: Yeah. It's upstairs. 306 00:12:24,300 --> 00:12:26,533 Heath: Let's go take a look and see what's going on. 307 00:12:33,433 --> 00:12:35,933 Jericho: So, this is the main bathroom. 308 00:12:36,000 --> 00:12:37,933 We do everything in here, shower, 309 00:12:38,000 --> 00:12:39,666 and we get a lot of moisture. 310 00:12:39,733 --> 00:12:42,666 So during the summer we open the window. 311 00:12:42,733 --> 00:12:44,800 But during the winter... Heath: A little chilly. 312 00:12:44,866 --> 00:12:46,166 Jericho: Yeah, a little bit cold, so... 313 00:12:46,233 --> 00:12:47,533 Heath: So this is the main bathroom that everyone 314 00:12:47,600 --> 00:12:49,466 pretty much uses for the shower, so this is getting used 315 00:12:49,533 --> 00:12:51,366 for multiple warm showers a day. Jericho: Right. 316 00:12:51,433 --> 00:12:53,466 Heath: Okay. And we really probably ought to have 317 00:12:53,533 --> 00:12:55,766 some kind of ventilation in here besides that window. 318 00:12:55,833 --> 00:12:57,100 Jericho: Right. We definitely need a vent. 319 00:12:57,166 --> 00:12:59,633 Heath: Alright. So we could probably cut one in, 320 00:12:59,700 --> 00:13:01,366 but I'm not really sure what's upstairs. 321 00:13:01,433 --> 00:13:03,533 Is the attic open? Do we have some potential access? 322 00:13:03,600 --> 00:13:05,033 Jericho: Yeah. We can go up. Heath: Yeah. 323 00:13:05,100 --> 00:13:07,100 Let's take a look and see what we can fit in there. 324 00:13:17,366 --> 00:13:18,633 Oh, wow. This is a great attic. 325 00:13:18,700 --> 00:13:20,466 Jericho: Thank you. Heath: Alright. 326 00:13:20,533 --> 00:13:22,433 And that looks like our main plumbing stack. 327 00:13:22,500 --> 00:13:27,666 So this is roughly the width of that hallway. 328 00:13:27,733 --> 00:13:30,133 And our bathroom wall was about five feet deep. 329 00:13:30,200 --> 00:13:31,900 And we had a little bump inside the bathroom 330 00:13:31,966 --> 00:13:34,000 where this should be. 331 00:13:34,066 --> 00:13:36,066 And that makes sense. That's our five-foot mark there. 332 00:13:36,133 --> 00:13:38,033 That's where that little bump would be. 333 00:13:38,100 --> 00:13:40,333 So good. And then we can see this pipe 334 00:13:40,400 --> 00:13:42,433 right there that lines up at that same mark. 335 00:13:42,500 --> 00:13:44,233 So that should be somewhere inside that bathroom 336 00:13:44,300 --> 00:13:45,566 wall as well. 337 00:13:45,633 --> 00:13:47,700 So it looks like our bathroom wall comes here 338 00:13:47,766 --> 00:13:50,100 and runs down about nine feet. 339 00:13:51,900 --> 00:13:54,733 Great. So we have our switch here. 340 00:13:54,800 --> 00:13:58,000 This whole ceiling area, it's all wide open 341 00:13:58,066 --> 00:13:59,566 and we have perfect access for that ceiling 342 00:13:59,633 --> 00:14:00,800 to add whatever you want for a fan. 343 00:14:00,866 --> 00:14:02,500 Jericho: Great. 344 00:14:02,566 --> 00:14:04,933 Heath: So we have a couple of options. 345 00:14:05,000 --> 00:14:06,933 We can either do a conventional fan, 346 00:14:07,000 --> 00:14:08,133 which you'll typically see whether it be 347 00:14:08,200 --> 00:14:09,933 a 10x10 square, give or take, 348 00:14:10,000 --> 00:14:12,366 or one of the large round ones, cuts into the ceiling, 349 00:14:12,433 --> 00:14:14,433 has the ductwork come up and vent out. 350 00:14:14,500 --> 00:14:16,566 The motor's down there, does a great job, 351 00:14:16,633 --> 00:14:18,833 but a little bit louder. You can add a light. 352 00:14:18,900 --> 00:14:20,066 It's a little bit bigger and bulkier, 353 00:14:20,133 --> 00:14:21,500 where you kind of have a small ceiling 354 00:14:21,566 --> 00:14:22,933 and a light fixture there. 355 00:14:23,000 --> 00:14:25,433 I'm not sure if that's the best answer for us. 356 00:14:25,500 --> 00:14:28,433 So I do have another solution. We can do a remote motor, 357 00:14:28,500 --> 00:14:31,000 a remote fan where the motor goes up here. 358 00:14:31,066 --> 00:14:33,666 We just put a small duct in the ceiling downstairs, 359 00:14:33,733 --> 00:14:35,600 draws a lot of air up here, 360 00:14:35,666 --> 00:14:37,633 and then pushes it out the side of the gable. 361 00:14:37,700 --> 00:14:39,233 A lot quieter, cleaner, 362 00:14:39,300 --> 00:14:40,933 smaller footprint down there. What do you think? 363 00:14:41,000 --> 00:14:42,933 Jericho: Okay, I love the idea of a quiet fan. 364 00:14:43,000 --> 00:14:45,200 Heath: Perfect. So let's go grab the fan. 365 00:14:45,266 --> 00:14:46,733 I'll give you a couple of switch options, 366 00:14:46,800 --> 00:14:48,566 make a couple of decisions, and we'll go from there. 367 00:14:48,633 --> 00:14:49,666 Jericho: Okay. Great. Thank you. 368 00:14:49,733 --> 00:14:54,866 ♪♪ 369 00:14:54,933 --> 00:14:55,933 Heath: Alright, Jericho. 370 00:14:56,000 --> 00:14:57,500 So, these are the parts of the fan 371 00:14:57,566 --> 00:14:59,666 we're going to install up there. So the heart of the system 372 00:14:59,733 --> 00:15:01,733 is that fan motor that goes in the attic. 373 00:15:01,800 --> 00:15:04,466 This is the unit right here. So it's pretty simple. 374 00:15:04,533 --> 00:15:06,533 It's just a motor that will power up. 375 00:15:06,600 --> 00:15:09,166 It has a four-inch intake, four-inch exhaust. 376 00:15:09,233 --> 00:15:11,766 And this will just go right out the side of the house. 377 00:15:11,833 --> 00:15:13,266 But in the bathroom itself, 378 00:15:13,333 --> 00:15:14,800 that four-inch intake comes out of this. 379 00:15:14,866 --> 00:15:17,566 So we're going to stick this in the bathroom somewhere. 380 00:15:17,633 --> 00:15:19,566 And you can see it's got a fairly small footprint 381 00:15:19,633 --> 00:15:21,233 compared to a conventional fan. 382 00:15:21,300 --> 00:15:22,533 This is really all you're going to see. 383 00:15:22,600 --> 00:15:23,900 Jericho: Oh, okay. Heath: A lot cleaner, 384 00:15:23,966 --> 00:15:25,666 a lot smaller. I think it looks really, really good. 385 00:15:25,733 --> 00:15:27,266 Jericho: Yeah. Heath: So the next question is 386 00:15:27,333 --> 00:15:28,900 where do you think you may want to locate this? 387 00:15:28,966 --> 00:15:30,366 We can pretty much put it anywhere in that ceiling 388 00:15:30,433 --> 00:15:31,966 in that bathroom. Jericho: So I was thinking in 389 00:15:32,033 --> 00:15:33,600 the center of the shower. Heath: Okay. 390 00:15:33,666 --> 00:15:36,200 And the last decision is how do we want to control it? 391 00:15:36,266 --> 00:15:37,766 So we have a few options. 392 00:15:37,833 --> 00:15:39,866 Normally you can just do a simple switch, 393 00:15:39,933 --> 00:15:42,166 but I think we may want to go with a couple of other choices 394 00:15:42,233 --> 00:15:44,066 that may work better for us. 395 00:15:44,133 --> 00:15:46,066 So the first one would be a humidity sensor 396 00:15:46,133 --> 00:15:47,566 where we can set the humidity level, 397 00:15:47,633 --> 00:15:49,766 and as it senses the steam from the shower, it turns on. 398 00:15:49,833 --> 00:15:52,266 Then as it goes away, it turns itself off. 399 00:15:52,333 --> 00:15:53,800 The other option is maybe a timer, 400 00:15:53,866 --> 00:15:55,100 something with just a predetermined time 401 00:15:55,166 --> 00:15:57,000 that you press a button that goes on for 15, 402 00:15:57,066 --> 00:16:00,533 20, 30 minutes. Pretty simple. Any preference? 403 00:16:00,600 --> 00:16:02,366 Jericho: I think I like the idea of the timer. 404 00:16:02,433 --> 00:16:03,433 Heath: Timer? Jericho: Yeah. 405 00:16:03,500 --> 00:16:05,066 Heath: Great. Attic, 406 00:16:05,133 --> 00:16:07,300 bathroom, ceiling over the tub. 407 00:16:07,366 --> 00:16:09,766 Throw the timer in and we'll be all set. Just that easy. 408 00:16:09,833 --> 00:16:10,866 Jericho: Okay, great. Heath: Let's grab the tools 409 00:16:10,933 --> 00:16:13,333 and get to work. Jericho: Okay. 410 00:16:13,400 --> 00:16:15,200 Heath: Alright. So we've turned the power off. 411 00:16:15,266 --> 00:16:17,000 Just want to make sure. 412 00:16:17,066 --> 00:16:18,600 Yeah, none of the lights work. 413 00:16:18,666 --> 00:16:21,266 So we're good. So let's go ahead and take this switch apart 414 00:16:21,333 --> 00:16:22,933 and see what we're working with. 415 00:16:29,700 --> 00:16:30,966 Kind of what I expected, 416 00:16:31,033 --> 00:16:32,866 but I was hoping for might get a little better. 417 00:16:32,933 --> 00:16:34,600 So this is BX wiring. 418 00:16:34,666 --> 00:16:36,066 It's probably original to the house 419 00:16:36,133 --> 00:16:37,933 based on the age of the home, 420 00:16:38,000 --> 00:16:39,500 and this is something that we can't extend. 421 00:16:39,566 --> 00:16:41,933 We don't want to add a fan control off of this circuit. 422 00:16:42,033 --> 00:16:43,366 At some point. You should probably consider 423 00:16:43,433 --> 00:16:44,933 looking at having some of this updated 424 00:16:45,000 --> 00:16:47,000 based on the age and condition. So we think 425 00:16:47,066 --> 00:16:48,766 we still want the fan switch somewhere over here 426 00:16:48,833 --> 00:16:50,533 or somewhere else in the bathroom at this point? 427 00:16:50,600 --> 00:16:52,100 Jericho: Yeah, ideally right next to the light switch. 428 00:16:52,166 --> 00:16:53,333 Heath: Right next to that? Okay. 429 00:16:53,400 --> 00:16:54,733 So we'll put this back 430 00:16:54,800 --> 00:16:55,833 and then we're gonna look for another power source 431 00:16:55,900 --> 00:16:57,133 to power this fan. Jericho: Okay. 432 00:16:57,200 --> 00:17:01,033 ♪♪ 433 00:17:01,100 --> 00:17:03,366 Heath: The first thing I need to do is source an access point 434 00:17:03,433 --> 00:17:07,000 to fish the new wire for the remote motor. 435 00:17:07,066 --> 00:17:08,833 It looks like I can drill a hole that will run parallel 436 00:17:08,900 --> 00:17:11,600 to this plumbing chase from the basement to the attic. 437 00:17:13,633 --> 00:17:15,500 I want to go up to the attic and do the same thing, 438 00:17:15,566 --> 00:17:17,666 staying as in line as I can. 439 00:17:20,000 --> 00:17:23,000 Next, I'm dropping a fiberglass fish down from the attic 440 00:17:23,066 --> 00:17:26,233 and catching it in the basement... 441 00:17:26,300 --> 00:17:28,966 tying the new wire on and then pulling it back up to the attic. 442 00:17:29,033 --> 00:17:35,033 ♪♪ 443 00:17:35,100 --> 00:17:37,333 I'll repeat the same process to wire in the bathroom 444 00:17:37,400 --> 00:17:38,600 fan switch. 445 00:17:38,666 --> 00:17:45,566 ♪♪ 446 00:17:45,633 --> 00:17:47,433 To install the grill in the shower, 447 00:17:47,500 --> 00:17:51,366 I'm cutting the hole using a six-inch hole saw. 448 00:17:51,433 --> 00:17:53,166 To help with the installation of the ductwork, 449 00:17:53,233 --> 00:17:54,900 I've called a sheet metal technician. 450 00:17:54,966 --> 00:18:03,333 ♪♪ 451 00:18:03,400 --> 00:18:05,466 Now that the damper is dropped into place, 452 00:18:05,533 --> 00:18:08,433 I'll secure it to the joists using wood screws. 453 00:18:08,500 --> 00:18:11,733 And finally, we'll install the exhaust grill on the ceiling. 454 00:18:13,900 --> 00:18:15,933 With the remote motor mounted and wired, 455 00:18:16,000 --> 00:18:17,666 all that's left to do is connect the ductwork 456 00:18:17,733 --> 00:18:20,766 and run it to the exterior of the gable end. 457 00:18:20,833 --> 00:18:22,466 Hey, Jericho, you want to come check it out? 458 00:18:22,533 --> 00:18:23,833 Jericho: Sure. How's it going? Heath: I think we're done. 459 00:18:23,900 --> 00:18:25,600 You want to give it a shot? Jericho: Sure. 460 00:18:28,900 --> 00:18:31,766 [ Faint humming ] Heath: Just barely hear it. 461 00:18:31,833 --> 00:18:33,233 Jericho: Yeah. It's quiet. Heath: Yeah. 462 00:18:33,300 --> 00:18:35,033 So it's actually moving a lot more air than you think. 463 00:18:35,100 --> 00:18:36,700 So it's going to really help 464 00:18:36,766 --> 00:18:39,566 keep this room steam-free and quiet. 465 00:18:39,633 --> 00:18:41,033 Jericho: It's great. I love it. 466 00:18:41,100 --> 00:18:43,166 The showers are going to be so much more comfortable. 467 00:18:43,233 --> 00:18:44,766 No more cold in the winter. 468 00:18:44,833 --> 00:18:46,600 Heath: No dripping walls, no steam on the mirror. 469 00:18:46,666 --> 00:18:47,966 You should be good. Jericho: It's great. 470 00:18:48,033 --> 00:18:49,233 Thank you. I appreciate it. Heath: Alright. Thanks. 471 00:18:49,300 --> 00:18:50,933 I'll see you later. Jericho: Alright. 472 00:18:51,000 --> 00:18:52,466 Kevin: Alright. Well, that took a little turn 473 00:18:52,533 --> 00:18:53,966 on you right there. Heath: [ Laughs ] 474 00:18:54,033 --> 00:18:55,600 Kevin: You jumped away from the electrical box quickly. 475 00:18:55,666 --> 00:18:57,533 Heath: I did, I did. Once I found the BX inside 476 00:18:57,600 --> 00:18:59,033 behind there, I knew we didn't want to touch it 477 00:18:59,100 --> 00:19:00,400 and we had to move on to something else. 478 00:19:00,466 --> 00:19:02,033 Kevin: Alright, so I need to know more about BX 479 00:19:02,100 --> 00:19:03,300 because I'm not that familiar with it, 480 00:19:03,366 --> 00:19:04,933 but it looks like we got a history lesson here. 481 00:19:05,000 --> 00:19:06,933 Heath: Yeah. Quick rundown of what we have. 482 00:19:07,000 --> 00:19:09,300 So, the first-generation wiring you might have found 483 00:19:09,366 --> 00:19:10,700 in the house was knob and tube. 484 00:19:10,766 --> 00:19:12,633 I'm sure we've all heard of this at this point. 485 00:19:12,700 --> 00:19:14,500 So it usually had two conductors like this 486 00:19:14,566 --> 00:19:15,833 that would come down side by side 487 00:19:15,900 --> 00:19:18,266 on the other side of a bay or up to a fixture. 488 00:19:18,333 --> 00:19:20,366 They'd be separated by porcelain insulators 489 00:19:20,433 --> 00:19:21,900 that would go through the framing or porcelain 490 00:19:21,966 --> 00:19:24,966 supports to hold the cables up. And this is what we'd see 491 00:19:25,033 --> 00:19:27,400 for the actual conductor inside of each one. 492 00:19:27,466 --> 00:19:28,933 And this is the one you're going to hear about all the time 493 00:19:29,000 --> 00:19:30,266 that people want out of the house. 494 00:19:30,333 --> 00:19:31,466 You don't want to insulate around it 495 00:19:31,533 --> 00:19:33,033 if you're doing any kind of blown-in. 496 00:19:33,100 --> 00:19:34,566 A lot of insurance companies don't even want it in there. 497 00:19:34,633 --> 00:19:37,066 They want it removed before you even get into the house. 498 00:19:37,133 --> 00:19:39,866 Kevin: We see it a lot on the age of the houses that we're doing, 499 00:19:39,933 --> 00:19:41,466 and it always comes out. Heath: Yeah. 500 00:19:41,533 --> 00:19:43,566 So you'll see this in, you know, late 1800s, 501 00:19:43,633 --> 00:19:45,433 up to about 1900, somewhere in there. 502 00:19:45,500 --> 00:19:46,766 Kevin: Okay. And then next up? 503 00:19:46,833 --> 00:19:49,100 Heath: That's the one we found, the BX cable. 504 00:19:49,166 --> 00:19:50,766 Kevin: Right. Heath: So somewhere around 505 00:19:50,833 --> 00:19:55,666 late 1800s, 1900 up to 1930, 1940s, this was used. 506 00:19:55,733 --> 00:19:57,133 Kevin: This is pretty good. I mean, I got to say, 507 00:19:57,200 --> 00:19:58,866 when I see it, I'm just like, "Wow, this is a -- this 508 00:19:58,933 --> 00:20:00,500 is a beefy system right here." Right? 509 00:20:00,566 --> 00:20:02,566 We've got two conductors, which you want. 510 00:20:02,633 --> 00:20:04,233 They're wrapped in this nice metal sheeting. 511 00:20:04,300 --> 00:20:07,066 Heath: It's a very hard jacket. I mean, it's hard to break. 512 00:20:07,133 --> 00:20:08,466 You know, it looks like two good conductors 513 00:20:08,533 --> 00:20:10,366 and they actually feel pretty good. 514 00:20:10,433 --> 00:20:11,366 Kevin: But you jumped away from it. 515 00:20:11,433 --> 00:20:12,833 Heath: I did. Kevin: Why? 516 00:20:12,900 --> 00:20:14,733 Heath: So, what happens is once it's been stripped 517 00:20:14,800 --> 00:20:16,433 and it's exposed, that's when it dries out. 518 00:20:16,500 --> 00:20:18,266 So this cable is roughly 100 years old. 519 00:20:18,333 --> 00:20:19,533 You're worried about it. 520 00:20:19,600 --> 00:20:21,000 So when you start bending it and, you know, 521 00:20:21,066 --> 00:20:23,100 you undo the tape and then rewire it, 522 00:20:23,166 --> 00:20:25,100 insulation really just peels apart. 523 00:20:25,166 --> 00:20:27,333 Once that falls apart, we get an exposed conductor. 524 00:20:27,400 --> 00:20:29,666 Kevin: Yep. So we definitely don't want exposed conductors. 525 00:20:29,733 --> 00:20:31,233 Even if you can wrap them up or whatever. 526 00:20:31,300 --> 00:20:33,200 Heath: Because then we're risking shock and/or fire. 527 00:20:33,266 --> 00:20:34,700 Kevin: Yeah. And you just didn't want to touch it 528 00:20:34,766 --> 00:20:36,066 because you're afraid if you did, 529 00:20:36,133 --> 00:20:37,000 you're going to be the guy that cracks it. 530 00:20:37,066 --> 00:20:38,433 Heath: Yeah. 531 00:20:38,500 --> 00:20:39,800 And we don't want to expand a system like that. 532 00:20:39,866 --> 00:20:42,000 We don't want to add more to it. Kevin: Right. 533 00:20:42,066 --> 00:20:44,933 Okay, so then they got rid of BX and they gave us what? 534 00:20:45,000 --> 00:20:46,866 Heath: So they started with the first generations of NM 535 00:20:46,933 --> 00:20:48,366 cable, nonmetallic sheathed cable. 536 00:20:48,433 --> 00:20:50,066 And it looks similar to what we have today. 537 00:20:50,133 --> 00:20:51,466 But it's a little bit different. 538 00:20:51,533 --> 00:20:54,233 So you may or may not find a ground in it. 539 00:20:54,300 --> 00:20:56,566 But if you do, the ground is usually smaller 540 00:20:56,633 --> 00:20:58,333 than the actual conductors. Kevin: Oh, interesting. 541 00:20:58,400 --> 00:21:01,600 Heath: This might be a 16-gauge ground with 14-gauge conductors there. 542 00:21:01,666 --> 00:21:03,233 Kevin: So we don't like the fact that it's smaller. 543 00:21:03,300 --> 00:21:04,633 Why is that bad? 544 00:21:04,700 --> 00:21:06,000 Heath: It doesn't help us with the fault path. 545 00:21:06,066 --> 00:21:07,366 If we have something that would need a full size, 546 00:21:07,433 --> 00:21:09,400 we want a full-size grounded conductor to get that. 547 00:21:09,466 --> 00:21:10,900 Kevin: And we do still see this quite a bit. 548 00:21:10,966 --> 00:21:12,766 Right? So I think of it as cloth-covered. 549 00:21:12,833 --> 00:21:14,766 Heath: Right. Kevin: So this can stay, 550 00:21:14,833 --> 00:21:16,000 but it's not the latest and greatest. 551 00:21:16,066 --> 00:21:17,500 Heath: But pay attention to what you wire to it. 552 00:21:17,566 --> 00:21:19,966 Correct. And same thing. You don't want to add to it 553 00:21:20,033 --> 00:21:21,633 when this ground is too small. Kevin: Okay. 554 00:21:21,700 --> 00:21:23,200 And so this is what we really want to see. 555 00:21:23,266 --> 00:21:24,333 Heath: That's the stuff we use today 556 00:21:24,400 --> 00:21:26,466 where everything is the same size, 557 00:21:26,533 --> 00:21:29,600 slightly different jacket and a higher temperature rating. 558 00:21:29,666 --> 00:21:31,833 Kevin: So we like the jacket, three conductors. 559 00:21:31,900 --> 00:21:33,233 And you're telling me that that ground 560 00:21:33,300 --> 00:21:34,700 is actually the same gauge 561 00:21:34,766 --> 00:21:36,200 as the hot and the neutral in there? 562 00:21:36,266 --> 00:21:38,166 Heath: It is. On this particular one, it's the same size. 563 00:21:38,233 --> 00:21:39,833 Kevin: So you had a solution for the homeowner 564 00:21:39,900 --> 00:21:42,366 which was just run new stuff to, you know... 565 00:21:42,433 --> 00:21:43,966 Heath: Wasn't really an option. I was hoping I could find 566 00:21:44,033 --> 00:21:45,700 something else I could tap off of that was newer, 567 00:21:45,766 --> 00:21:47,066 but we just didn't have it. 568 00:21:47,133 --> 00:21:49,500 Kevin: If I find this in my house, what am I doing? 569 00:21:49,566 --> 00:21:50,600 Am I jumping away from it? 570 00:21:50,666 --> 00:21:52,166 Are you going to make me replace all? 571 00:21:52,233 --> 00:21:53,566 Heath: We always want to say don't panic. 572 00:21:53,633 --> 00:21:55,866 You can see a lot of it can be in good shape. 573 00:21:55,933 --> 00:21:57,133 Kevin: Right. Heath: And it's hard to tell 574 00:21:57,200 --> 00:21:58,966 someone, "Go ahead and replace all this wiring, 575 00:21:59,033 --> 00:22:01,600 spend all this money and see no noticeable difference." 576 00:22:01,666 --> 00:22:03,033 Kevin: Yeah. Heath: It's hard to justify, 577 00:22:03,100 --> 00:22:05,300 but at the same time, there can be safety issues. 578 00:22:05,366 --> 00:22:08,033 I would say replace it as you can. 579 00:22:08,100 --> 00:22:09,466 If it's exposed in the basement, 580 00:22:09,533 --> 00:22:11,333 exposed in an attic, you have easy access to it, 581 00:22:11,400 --> 00:22:13,066 it's not too much money and it's within your budget, 582 00:22:13,133 --> 00:22:14,366 go ahead and start replacing it. Kevin: Right. 583 00:22:14,433 --> 00:22:16,200 Heath: As you renovate, definitely replace it. 584 00:22:16,266 --> 00:22:17,400 You don't want to add to it, 585 00:22:17,466 --> 00:22:18,700 but I don't want someone to panic 586 00:22:18,766 --> 00:22:20,333 and think that it's that much of a disaster that 587 00:22:20,400 --> 00:22:21,833 they have to rip it all out at once. 588 00:22:21,900 --> 00:22:23,533 If you go to replace a fixture and take something down 589 00:22:23,600 --> 00:22:24,833 and you see this, you're going to know 590 00:22:24,900 --> 00:22:26,300 if it's brittle and needs to be addressed. 591 00:22:26,366 --> 00:22:27,600 Kevin: And definitely don't add to it no matter what. 592 00:22:27,666 --> 00:22:29,333 Heath: Do not add to it. Kevin: Cool. Alright. 593 00:22:29,400 --> 00:22:31,033 Does the wiring museum know you stole their stuff? 594 00:22:31,100 --> 00:22:32,633 Heath: I only borrowed a couple items. 595 00:22:32,700 --> 00:22:34,200 Kevin: Alright, well, that's it for us. 596 00:22:34,266 --> 00:22:36,233 So until next time, I'm Kevin O'Connor 597 00:22:36,300 --> 00:22:38,066 for "Ask This Old House." 598 00:22:41,833 --> 00:22:44,600 Kevin: Next time on "Ask This Old House," 599 00:22:44,666 --> 00:22:47,566 Ross helps a homeowner install a smart thermostat 600 00:22:47,633 --> 00:22:49,766 with mismatched wires. 601 00:22:49,833 --> 00:22:52,500 Then looking to give your deck a refresh? 602 00:22:52,566 --> 00:22:55,433 Mauro gives tips on staining. 603 00:22:55,500 --> 00:22:58,766 And did winter leave your patio looking dingy? 604 00:22:58,833 --> 00:23:01,133 Mark shows a homeowner how to get theirs 605 00:23:01,200 --> 00:23:02,933 looking as good as new. 606 00:23:03,000 --> 00:23:06,100 Mark: Let the tool do the work. 607 00:23:06,166 --> 00:23:09,500 Kevin: All that on "Ask this Old House."