Uploaded June 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
Up in the workshop, general contractor Tom Silva and host Kevin O'Connor build a tool storage cabinet, perfect for any basement or garage.
SUBSCRIBE to This Old House: bit.ly/SubscribeThisOldHouse.
Then, Tom and Kevin, along with landscaping contractor Roger Cook and plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey ask, "What is it?" Then Kevin works with a damage-prevention specialist to protect a house from catastrophic flooding.
Enjoying full-episodes of This Old House? Join This Old House INSIDER to stream every episode ever made of This Old House (over 1,000 hours), commercial-free. bit.ly/32CLaGe
Want weekly tips, project guides, and behind-the-scenes content from the TOH crew?
Sign up for our free newsletter here: thisoldhouse.com/pages/newsletters
Plus, download our FREE app for full-episode streaming to your connected TV, phone or tablet: thisoldhouse.com/pages/streaming-app
Where to find it?
Table saw: Delta Power Equipment Corp. [http://www.deltamachinery.com]
Concrete mixer: Mix It Quik [http://www.mixitquik.com]
Flood prevention specialist: State Farm Insurance [http://www.statefarm.com]
Washing machine shutoff: Watts Water Technologies [http://www.watts.com]
Leak sensors: The Basement Watchdog [http://www.basementwatchdog.com], FloodStop [http://www.getfloodstop.com], FloLogic, Inc. [http://www.flologic.com]
About Ask This Old House TV: From the makers of This Old House, America’s first and most trusted home improvement show, Ask This Old House answers the steady stream of home improvement questions asked by viewers across the United States. Covering topics from landscaping to electrical to HVAC and plumbing to painting and more. Ask This Old House features the experts from This Old House, including general contractor Tom Silva, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey, landscape contractor Jenn Nawada, master carpenter Norm Abram, and host Kevin O’Connor. ASK This Old House helps you protect and preserve your greatest investment—your home.
Follow This Old House:
Facebook: bit.ly/ThisOldHouseFB
Twitter: bit.ly/ThisOldHouseTwitter
Pinterest: bit.ly/ThisOldHousePinterest
Instagram: bit.ly/ThisOldHouseIG
TikTok: tiktok.com/@thisoldhouse
ASK This Old House | Storage Cabinet, Flood Protection (S9 E24) FULL EPISODE
youtube.com/user/thisoldhouse
Up in the workshop, general contractor Tom Silva and host Kevin O'Connor build a tool storage cabinet, perfect for any basement or garage.
SUBSCRIBE to This Old House: bit.ly/SubscribeThisOldHouse.
Then, Tom and Kevin, along with landscaping contractor Roger Cook and plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey ask, "What is it?" Then Kevin works with a damage-prevention specialist to protect a house from catastrophic flooding.
Enjoying full-episodes of This Old House? Join This Old House INSIDER to stream every episode ever made of This Old House (over 1,000 hours), commercial-free. bit.ly/32CLaGe
Want weekly tips, project guides, and behind-the-scenes content from the TOH crew?
Sign up for our free newsletter here: thisoldhouse.com/pages/newsletters
Plus, download our FREE app for full-episode streaming to your connected TV, phone or tablet: thisoldhouse.com/pages/streaming-app
Where to find it?
Table saw: Delta Power Equipment Corp. [http://www.deltamachinery.com]
Concrete mixer: Mix It Quik [http://www.mixitquik.com]
Flood prevention specialist: State Farm Insurance [http://www.statefarm.com]
Washing machine shutoff: Watts Water Technologies [http://www.watts.com]
Leak sensors: The Basement Watchdog [http://www.basementwatchdog.com], FloodStop [http://www.getfloodstop.com], FloLogic, Inc. [http://www.flologic.com]
About Ask This Old House TV: From the makers of This Old House, America’s first and most trusted home improvement show, Ask This Old House answers the steady stream of home improvement questions asked by viewers across the United States. Covering topics from landscaping to electrical to HVAC and plumbing to painting and more. Ask This Old House features the experts from This Old House, including general contractor Tom Silva, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey, landscape contractor Jenn Nawada, master carpenter Norm Abram, and host Kevin O’Connor. ASK This Old House helps you protect and preserve your greatest investment—your home.
Follow This Old House:
Facebook: bit.ly/ThisOldHouseFB
Twitter: bit.ly/ThisOldHouseTwitter
Pinterest: bit.ly/ThisOldHousePinterest
Instagram: bit.ly/ThisOldHouseIG
TikTok: tiktok.com/@thisoldhouse
ASK This Old House | Storage Cabinet, Flood Protection (S9 E24) FULL EPISODE
youtube.com/user/thisoldhouse


![How to Repair Brick Fireplace Surround Cracks | Ask This Old House
In this video, host Kevin O’Connor and mason Mark McCullough review two viewer-submitted fireplace cracks and explain how to repair them.
SUBSCRIBE to This Old House: http://bit.ly/SubscribeThisOldHouse.
Fireplace cracking along mortar joints is a common issue, even with relatively new fireplaces. They’re often caused by normal movement, improper installation, or different materials expanding and contracting at different rates. Fortunately, these cracks are usually cosmetic and can be repaired with a few masonry tools and fresh mortar.
Looking for more step by step guidance on how to complete projects around the house? Join This Old House Insider to stream over 1,000 episodes commercial-free: https://bit.ly/2GPiYbH
Want weekly tips, project guides, and behind-the-scenes content from the TOH crew?
Sign up for our free newsletter here: https://www.thisoldhouse.com/pages/newsletters
Plus, download our FREE app for full-episode streaming to your connected TV, phone or tablet: https://www.thisoldhouse.com/pages/streaming-app
Materials
Type N mortar mix [https://homedepot.sjv.io/xLOrQv]
Bond breaker [https://bit.ly/4cEikud] (self-adhering stainless steel flashing)
Foam backer rod [https://homedepot.sjv.io/m4gkz7]
Tools
Safety glasses [https://homedepot.sjv.io/EKWeAX]
Earplugs [https://homedepot.sjv.io/MKNnjJ]
Brick hammer [https://homedepot.sjv.io/MAyDXM]
Masonry chisel [https://homedepot.sjv.io/0GJzbJ] (hand-guarded preferred)
Plugging chisel [https://homedepot.sjv.io/6kbzvG]
HEPA shop vacuum [https://homedepot.sjv.io/gOD03r]
Flat chip brush [https://homedepot.sjv.io/7XmK4Q]
Mortar mixing tub [https://homedepot.sjv.io/LXrLbM]
Brick trowel [https://homedepot.sjv.io/aN1ZRQ]
Tuck pointing trowel [https://homedepot.sjv.io/B5XYX4]
Brick concave jointer [https://homedepot.sjv.io/R5rJ49]
Masonry sponge [https://homedepot.sjv.io/9VJGrW]
About Ask This Old House TV: From the makers of This Old House, America’s first and most trusted home improvement show, Ask This Old House answers the steady stream of home improvement questions asked by viewers across the United States. Covering topics from landscaping to electrical to HVAC and plumbing to painting and more. Ask This Old House features the experts from This Old House, including general contractor Tom Silva, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey, landscape contractor Jenn Nawada, master carpenter Norm Abram, and host Kevin O’Connor. ASK This Old House helps you protect and preserve your greatest investment—your home.
Follow This Old House:
Facebook: http://bit.ly/ThisOldHouseFB
Twitter: http://bit.ly/ThisOldHouseTwitter
Pinterest: http://bit.ly/ThisOldHousePinterest
Instagram: http://bit.ly/ThisOldHouseIG
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thisoldhouse
How to Repair Brick Fireplace Surround Cracks | Ask This Old House
https://www.youtube.com/user/thisoldhouse/ How to Repair Brick Fireplace Surround Cracks | Ask This Old House](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/VHKbjENdN9c/mqdefault.jpg)
![Adding Fire Sprinklers to a Home | This Old House
Bringing the third floor of the Saratoga house into compliance with local building codes includes installing fire sprinklers throughout the home. Richard Trethewey met up with Albany Fire Protection designer Scott Kelly to learn about the requirements for this system and how it will operate. Kelly explains the reason for the requirement in this house, how they design a system, and what its components are. Then they set off one sprinkler head to dispel the myth that when one goes off, they all go off.
SUBSCRIBE to This Old House: http://bit.ly/SubscribeThisOldHouse.
Installer: Albany Fire Protection [http://www.albanyfire.com/]
Looking for more step by step guidance on how to complete projects around the house? Join This Old House Insider to stream over 1,000 episodes commercial-free: https://bit.ly/2GPiYbH
Want weekly tips, project guides, and behind-the-scenes content from the TOH crew?
Sign up for our free newsletter here: https://www.thisoldhouse.com/pages/newsletters
Plus, download our FREE app for full-episode streaming to your connected TV, phone or tablet: https://www.thisoldhouse.com/pages/streaming-app
About This Old House TV: This Old House is America’s first and most trusted home improvement show. Each season, we renovate two different historic homes—one step at a time—featuring quality craftsmanship and the latest in modern technology. We demystify home improvement and provide ideas and information so, whether you are doing it yourself or hiring out contractors, you’ll know the right way to do things or the questions to ask. Our experts including general contractor Tom Silva, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey, landscape contractor Jenn Nawada, master carpenter Norm Abram, and host Kevin O’Connor give you the tools you need to protect and preserve your greatest investment—your home.
Follow This Old House:
Facebook: http://bit.ly/ThisOldHouseFB
Twitter: http://bit.ly/ThisOldHouseTwitter
Pinterest: http://bit.ly/ThisOldHousePinterest
Instagram: http://bit.ly/ThisOldHouseIG
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thisoldhouse
Adding Fire Sprinklers to a Home | This Old House
https://www.youtube.com/user/thisoldhouse/ Adding Fire Sprinklers to a Home | This Old House](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/VqmWAtxunt8/mqdefault.jpg)

![How to Install Functional Wood Shutters | Ask This Old House
In this video, Carpenter Nathan Gilbert calls on a local expert to help a pair of homeowners replace their shutters in historic New Orleans.
SUBSCRIBE to This Old House: http://bit.ly/SubscribeThisOldHouse.
When a pair of homeowners in New Orleans wanted to replace their shutters, they needed a historically accurate solution that the city would approve of. Carpenter Nathan Gilbert partnered with a local expert to develop the perfect solution.
Looking for more step by step guidance on how to complete projects around the house? Join This Old House Insider to stream over 1,000 episodes commercial-free: https://bit.ly/2GPiYbH
Want weekly tips, project guides, and behind-the-scenes content from the TOH crew?
Sign up for our free newsletter here: https://www.thisoldhouse.com/pages/newsletters
Plus, download our FREE app for full-episode streaming to your connected TV, phone or tablet: https://www.thisoldhouse.com/pages/streaming-app
Where to find it?
Materials:
Self-centering drill bit [https://homedepot.sjv.io/Bn1LV1]
New shutters [https://homedepot.sjv.io/5kkgx3]
¼-inch wood stock [https://homedepot.sjv.io/ennKbX]
Finish nails [https://homedepot.sjv.io/4PGvmZ]
Wood glue [https://homedepot.sjv.io/DyBM5y]
New hinge kit [https://homedepot.sjv.io/kOVN3L]
Catch latch [https://homedepot.sjv.io/gOJ4B5]
Slide bolt [https://homedepot.sjv.io/raRBrG]
Primer [https://homedepot.sjv.io/JkkzW7]
Tools:
You may want to rent a ladder [https://homedepot.sjv.io/4G2B31], depending on the height of your windows.
Safety goggles [https://homedepot.sjv.io/VxgjnR]
Screwdriver [https://homedepot.sjv.io/kOVN3L]
Tape measure [https://homedepot.sjv.io/XmWKAX]
Hammer [https://homedepot.sjv.io/POJdrQ]
Jig saw [https://homedepot.sjv.io/XY3njX]
Circular saw [https://homedepot.sjv.io/Kjbqyv]
Power planer [https://homedepot.sjv.io/yqWB33]
Chisel [https://homedepot.sjv.io/k034nN]
Paintbrush [https://homedepot.sjv.io/7XmK4Q]
Drill [https://homedepot.sjv.io/DyBJg2]
About Ask This Old House TV: From the makers of This Old House, America’s first and most trusted home improvement show, Ask This Old House answers the steady stream of home improvement questions asked by viewers across the United States. Covering topics from landscaping to electrical to HVAC and plumbing to painting and more. Ask This Old House features the experts from This Old House, including general contractor Tom Silva, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey, landscape contractor Jenn Nawada, master carpenter Norm Abram, and host Kevin O’Connor. ASK This Old House helps you protect and preserve your greatest investment—your home.
Follow This Old House:
Facebook: http://bit.ly/ThisOldHouseFB
Twitter: http://bit.ly/ThisOldHouseTwitter
Pinterest: http://bit.ly/ThisOldHousePinterest
Instagram: http://bit.ly/ThisOldHouseIG
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thisoldhouse
How to Install Functional Wood Shutters | Ask This Old House
https://www.youtube.com/user/thisoldhouse/ How to Install Functional Wood Shutters | Ask This Old House](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/VyVNW97-OaM/mqdefault.jpg)
![How to Replace Battery Smoke Detectors | Ask This Old House
In this video, Master electrician Heath Eastman helps a homeowner upgrade outdated battery-operated smoke detectors to a safer hardwired, interconnected system.
SUBSCRIBE to This Old House: http://bit.ly/SubscribeThisOldHouse.
Smoke alarms are one of the most important safety devices in any home. While older battery-powered detectors can still provide protection, many homes today are upgrading to hardwired, interconnected smoke alarm systems that provide faster, more reliable warnings.
Looking for more step by step guidance on how to complete projects around the house? Join This Old House Insider to stream over 1,000 episodes commercial-free: https://bit.ly/2GPiYbH
Want weekly tips, project guides, and behind-the-scenes content from the TOH crew?
Sign up for our free newsletter here: https://www.thisoldhouse.com/pages/newsletters
Plus, download our FREE app for full-episode streaming to your connected TV, phone or tablet: https://www.thisoldhouse.com/pages/streaming-app
Where to find it?
Codes vary by location. Check with your local fire department to learn the local requirements, including questions about which detectors to purchase and where to install them.
Smoke Detectors Installed
Combo Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarms = BRK SMC0110V-AC [https://bit.ly/4rNOuHP] – Heath installed at least one on every floor, and one installed within 10 feet of each bedroom door.
Smoke Detectors = BRK SM110V-AC [https://bit.ly/47imaGo] – Heath installed smoke detectors inside the bedrooms, at the base of each stairway, and made sure one was installed within 1,200 square feet of living space for each floor level.
Cut Holes for Detectors
Tape Measure [https://homedepot.sjv.io/LKWkyj]
Nonconductive Fiberglass 4 ft. Ladder [https://homedepot.sjv.io/xL1BGv]
Safety Glasses [https://homedepot.sjv.io/4GXnQM]
Hearing Protection [https://homedepot.sjv.io/baWkLm]
Insulation Supports [https://homedepot.sjv.io/PO5oDQ] – Heath used as a feeler bit to make sure the area above the ceiling was free of obstructions before drilling.
Drill [https://homedepot.sjv.io/xLRyQk]
3-¾ Hole Saw [https://homedepot.sjv.io/o4rA9m]
Arbor Bit with Pilot Drill Bit [https://homedepot.sjv.io/6y4vZG]
Dust Bowl for Hole Saw [https://homedepot.sjv.io/RGezVb]
Plastic 1-Gang 3-¾ Round Old Work Bracket Box [https://homedepot.sjv.io/QjkB13]
Screwdrivers [https://homedepot.sjv.io/N9maJ7]
Wire Detectors
Fiberglass Fish Stick [https://homedepot.sjv.io/9LKN3W]
Electrical Tape [https://homedepot.sjv.io/OePXJQ]
14/2 NM-B Wire [https://homedepot.sjv.io/rEEQ1y] – to run from power source to the first detector
14/3 NM-B Copper Building Wire [https://homedepot.sjv.io/e1mDGr] - to run wire between all detectors
Universal Wire Stripping Tool [https://homedepot.sjv.io/K0QVAn]
Linesman Pliers [https://homedepot.sjv.io/kOx5Kd]
Diagonal Cutting Pliers [https://homedepot.sjv.io/GKLayL]
Tan/Red Wire Connectors [https://amzn.to/4qJj8To]
About Ask This Old House TV: From the makers of This Old House, America’s first and most trusted home improvement show, Ask This Old House answers the steady stream of home improvement questions asked by viewers across the United States. Covering topics from landscaping to electrical to HVAC and plumbing to painting and more. Ask This Old House features the experts from This Old House, including general contractor Tom Silva, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey, landscape contractor Jenn Nawada, master carpenter Norm Abram, and host Kevin O’Connor. ASK This Old House helps you protect and preserve your greatest investment—your home.
Follow This Old House:
Facebook: http://bit.ly/ThisOldHouseFB
Twitter: http://bit.ly/ThisOldHouseTwitter
Pinterest: http://bit.ly/ThisOldHousePinterest
Instagram: http://bit.ly/ThisOldHouseIG
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thisoldhouse
How to Replace Battery Smoke Detectors | Ask This Old House
https://www.youtube.com/user/thisoldhouse/ How to Replace Battery Smoke Detectors | Ask This Old House](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/W7dRZzOKg2A/mqdefault.jpg)

![How to Start Seeds Indoors | Ask This Old House
In this video, Landscape contractor Jenn Nawada shows host Kevin O’Connor the basics of starting seeds indoors for a strong, healthy growing season.
SUBSCRIBE to This Old House: http://bit.ly/SubscribeThisOldHouse.
Starting seeds indoors is a great way to get a jumpstart on the growing season, especially in colder climates when outdoor planting comes later in the spring. With a simple setup and the right conditions, you can grow healthy seedlings ready for the garden. Jenn Nawada shares a few key tips to help you get started.
Where to find it?
Seed warming mat [https://amzn.to/4slbEGn]
Seeds [https://amzn.to/4u5JqkA]
LED growhouse [https://amzn.to/3OBFDeJ]
Plant tray [https://amzn.to/3OVehjz]
UV lights [https://amzn.to/3OVehjz]
Looking for more step by step guidance on how to complete projects around the house? Join This Old House Insider to stream over 1,000 episodes commercial-free: https://bit.ly/2GPiYbH
Want weekly tips, project guides, and behind-the-scenes content from the TOH crew?
Sign up for our free newsletter here: https://www.thisoldhouse.com/pages/newsletters
Plus, download our FREE app for full-episode streaming to your connected TV, phone or tablet: https://www.thisoldhouse.com/pages/streaming-app
About Ask This Old House TV: From the makers of This Old House, America’s first and most trusted home improvement show, Ask This Old House answers the steady stream of home improvement questions asked by viewers across the United States. Covering topics from landscaping to electrical to HVAC and plumbing to painting and more. Ask This Old House features the experts from This Old House, including general contractor Tom Silva, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey, landscape contractor Jenn Nawada, master carpenter Norm Abram, and host Kevin O’Connor. ASK This Old House helps you protect and preserve your greatest investment—your home.
Follow This Old House:
Facebook: http://bit.ly/ThisOldHouseFB
Twitter: http://bit.ly/ThisOldHouseTwitter
Pinterest: http://bit.ly/ThisOldHousePinterest
Instagram: http://bit.ly/ThisOldHouseIG
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thisoldhouse
How to Start Seeds Indoors | Ask This Old House
https://www.youtube.com/user/thisoldhouse/ How to Start Seeds Indoors | Ask This Old House](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/WVNffjf1Vfc/mqdefault.jpg)

