A stubborn clog doesn't always require harsh chemicals. Chicago plumber Benjamin Vance explains how a wet/dry vacuum, a towel, and a few simple tools can clear drains throughout your home. Author David Sedaris shares the story of finally buying the North Carolina beach house his family had dreamed about for decades, and why it remains deeply connected to memories of his mother. Plus, Contractor Confidential reveals what homeowners should know before agreeing to a professional installation.

On this episode you’ll learn:
* Why your dryer might be showing an airflow error after a move and the simple steps that could solve it.
* What's causing stucco to peel from a retaining wall and why the real problem may be hidden behind it.
* How to safely remove old fiberglass insulation and decide whether replacing it is a DIY job or a task for the pros.
* The best way to run a dedicated electrical circuit for a new appliance while keeping wiring protected and up to code.

All of this, plus we’re answering your home improvement questions at 877-864-7460.

Every dad seems to have a theory about the thermostat, but does turning off your AC, closing vents, or buying a bigger unit actually save money? Building science expert Allison Bailes shares the smartest ways to stay cool without driving up your energy bill. Then, comedian Ben Gleib takes us inside his San Fernando Valley home, a modest mid-century house transformed into a late-night television studio. Finally, This Old House contractor Charlie Silva explains what it really takes to convert a garage into a livable space.

In This Episode You'll Learn:
* Why common thermostat and AC "money-saving" tricks often don't work the way people think.
* How to diagnose and solve humidity problems in a crawl space before they lead to mold.
* What might be causing grout to crumble and whether it's worth repairing or replacing.
* The biggest mistakes homeowners make when converting a garage into living space.

All of this, plus we’re answering your home improvement questions at (877) 864-7460.

Hantavirus may be rare, but it can pose a serious risk to homeowners dealing with rodent infestations. Dr. Zachary Rubin explains where the virus hides, how to safely clean up droppings, and the warning signs every homeowner should know. Then, writer Annabelle Gurwitch shares how a roll of vintage wallpaper helped transform a room filled with painful memories into a place of healing and hope. Plus, landscape contractor Jen Nawada breaks down everything you need to know about adding a water feature to your yard, from simple birdbaths to backyard streams.

In This Episode You'll Learn:
* Whether adding insulation to a 100-year-old home is worth the investment and the best ways to do it.
* What it really takes to add a wood-burning fireplace to a home that never had one.
* How to investigate and solve a recurring mold problem before it affects your family's health.
* What homeowners should know when they discover old knob-and-tube wiring behind their walls.

Hard water is quietly damaging your pipes, appliances, hair, and skin. Plumbing expert Tucker Yarbrough explains what causes it, how to spot it, and the best solutions for every budget. Then, bestselling author Ann Patchett takes us back to the wild Tennessee farm of her childhood. Plus, building engineer Ross Trethewey explains why understanding your home as a system can save you thousands, and where homeowners should start before investing in solar panels or a new heating system.

In This Episode You'll Learn:
* Whether waterproofing an entire bathroom floor is worth it when installing a freestanding tub
* How difficult it is to restore painted mid-century wood ceilings and fireplaces
* How to protect an upstairs laundry room from leaks and washing machine failures
* What might be causing a lingering odor after mold remediation and flooring replacement

All of this, plus we’re answering your home improvement questions at 877-This Old House Radio Hour! — That’s (877) 864-7460.

Open floor plans promised connection and convenience, but more homeowners are starting to want their walls back. Architect Alexander Dahlgren-Jawad explains why separate rooms may actually make homes more functional, private, and comfortable. Then, hip hop pioneer Fab 5 Freddy takes us inside his historic Harlem brownstone filled with jazz history, original woodwork, and stories from the Harlem Renaissance. Plus, fence expert Brian King shares the biggest mistakes homeowners make when installing a fence.

In This Episode You’ll Learn:
* What to do when old shower tile starts failing and how to safely handle concerns about silica dust.
* How to investigate a mysterious basement ceiling water stain after a harsh winter.
* Why windows in a manufactured home may shift out of plumb after being moved and how to fix them.
* Whether broken pull-chain ceiling lights and fans can be repaired without replacing the entire fixture.

All of this, plus we’re answering your home improvement questions at 877-This Old House Radio Hour! — That’s (877) 864-7460.

A five-foot snake inside the ductwork?! This week on Radio Hour, we uncover the strange, dusty, and sometimes creepy world hiding inside your vents — and what actually happens during a duct cleaning. Comedian Sheng Wang takes us back to his packed suburban Houston childhood home, where 12 relatives shared one house and the neighborhood bayou became an endless adventure. Plus, House Therapy tackles a family battle over baseboard heat versus forced hot air, and we answer your questions about damaged cork floors, mysteriously heated tiles, rocky hillsides, and cracking plaster ceilings.

In This Episode You’ll Learn:
* How to repair shiny tape damage on cork flooring without refinishing the entire floor
* Whether warm floor tiles could mean leaking HVAC ducts beneath a slab foundation
* What plants can actually survive on a steep shale hillside with almost no soil
* What causes “alligator” cracking on old plaster ceilings and how to fix it

All of this, plus we’re answering your home improvement questions at 877-This Old House Radio Hour! — That’s (877) 864-7460.

Before you leave for vacation, your home might need a checklist of its own. Home maintenance expert Kyshawn Lane shares the simple steps that can help prevent leaks, odors, pests, and costly surprises while you’re away. Then, “Bare Feet” on PBS host Mickela Mallozzi reflects on growing up in a loud, loving Italian-American home in Stamford, Connecticut, where food, family, and constant renovations shaped her idea of home. Plus, builder Charlie Silva explains what it really takes to turn an attic into usable living space.

In This Episode You’ll Learn:
* Whether ventless all-in-one washer dryers are a smart choice for older homes
* How to properly paint stucco without trapping moisture
* What to do after discovering rodent nests inside bathroom walls
* Why a UPS battery backup might warn you about “faulty wiring”

All of this, plus we’re answering your home improvement questions at 877-This Old House Radio Hour! — That’s (877) 864-7460.

Tomatoes are the holy grail of the home garden, but getting them right isn’t always easy. This week, Farmer Dean shares a simple, surprisingly effective way to grow thriving plants almost anywhere, no backyard required. Then, comedian Tom Papa takes us back to his childhood beach house on the Jersey Shore, where 17 people, one bathroom, and endless pasta dinners somehow added up to pure magic. Plus, House Therapy returns with a couple at a crossroads: rebuild a rotting pool shed piece by piece, or start fresh with something new. And as always, we’re taking your calls and tackling real home dilemmas.

In This Episode You’ll Learn:
* How to remove deep, dark water stains from wood flooring. (7:38)
* What to look for when comparing contractor bids for foundation repair. (14:02)
* Whether ice dams are still a threat after installing a new roof. (19:07)
* How to diagnose and fix high indoor humidity in an older home. (24:52)

All of this, plus we’re answering your home improvement questions at 877-This Old House Radio Hour! — That’s (877) 864-7460.