This Old House Radio Hour

Unclog Any Drain + David Sedaris’ N.C. Retreat + Contractor Installation Red Flags 30.06.2026 50min

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.

Air Conditioning Myths + Ben Gleib's Mid-Century Studio + The Garage Conversion Guide 23.06.2026 49min

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 Warning Signs + Annabelle Gurwitch’s Healing Wallpaper + Backyard Water Features 16.06.2026 49min

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 Woes + Ann Patchett’s Wild Childhood Home + Heat Pump Advantages 09.06.2026 49min

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

No More Open Kitchens + Fab 5 Freddy’s Harlem Brownstone + Fence Building 101 02.06.2026 49min

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.

Cleaning Dirty Ducts + Sheng Wang’s Bayou Childhood + Forced Air vs. Baseboard Heat 26.05.2026 49min

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

Vacation-Proof Your Home + Italian Family Memories + Attic Renovation Secrets 19.05.2026 50min

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.

Grow Better Tomatoes + Tom Papa’s Jersey Shore Chaos + The Shed Showdown 12.05.2026 50min

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.

Fire Safety 101 + Rob Corddry’s Childhood Home + Cut Renovation Costs 05.05.2026 50min

A house fire can start in seconds. This week, a firefighter breaks down the simple two-minute plan that could save your life and the most common mistakes people make in an emergency. Then, comedian Rob Corddry returns to his childhood home in Massachusetts, reflecting on the place that shaped him and the moment everything changed. Plus, how to handle renovation sticker shock, what contractors wish homeowners knew, and your home improvement questions answered.In This Episode You’ll Learn:* How to fix a countertop gap caused by an out-of-square wall.* Whether a standard water heater can replace a boiler in a radiant heating system. * How to think about moisture and vapor barriers when re-siding a home in a humid climate. * Why caulk keeps cracking and how to fix it so it actually lasts.All of this, plus we’re answering your home improvement questions at 877-This Old House Radio Hour! — That’s (877) 864-7460.

Smart Home Security 101 + Alonzo Bodden’s Dream House + Hydrangea Grow Guide 28.04.2026 50min

Your smart home might be making your life easier, but it could also be making you an easy target. A cybersecurity expert explains the most common mistakes people make with connected devices and the simple fixes that can protect your home. Then, comedian Alonzo Bodden takes us inside the Los Angeles hill house he dreamed about for decades after years on the road. Plus, if your hydrangeas aren’t blooming, it might come down to when and how you’re pruning. We break down how to identify your plants and get them thriving again.In This Episode You’ll Learn: * How to safely install a corner shelf in a tiled shower without damaging the tile * What to do when a ceiling fan loses power after an electrical mishap involving a backup generator * How to fix squeaky, uneven second-floor floors without removing newly installed carpet * How to diagnose water seeping into a garage foundation and whether a neighbor’s construction could be the cause_All of this, plus we’re answering your home improvement questions at 877-This Old House Radio Hour! — That’s (877) 864-7460.

Stop Killing Your Plants + Carl Radke’s Story of Home + Flooring Mistakes to Avoid 21.04.2026 50min

If your houseplants keep dying, it might not be your fault, it might be your approach. The duo behind Tanner the Planter share simple, practical ways to actually keep your plants alive, from choosing the right plant for your space to knowing when (and when not) to water. Then, Bravo’s Carl Radke takes us back to the small Pittsburgh home that shaped his childhood—filled with both warmth and hardship—and reflects on how that space still defines his idea of home today. Plus, A flooring expert breaks down the real differences between hardwood, laminate, and LVP, and how to decide whether to repair or replace when damage starts to show.In This Episode You’ll Learn: * Whether to use spray foam insulation in a cold, old farmhouse basement (and concerns about future renovations, safety, and off-gassing). * How to handle stone steps and a walkway that have become embedded in a growing tree without damaging it.* The correct step-by-step order for renovating a basement bathroom from scratch.* Diagnosing a mysterious intermittent scratching noise coming from a cold air return vent.All of this, plus we’re answering your home improvement questions at 877-This Old House Radio Hour! — That’s (877) 864-7460.

Clean Smarter, Not Harder + Chris Hayes’ Dream Cabin + Vintage Toilet Showdown 14.04.2026 50min

Spring cleaning gets a smarter, faster makeover with tips from a viral cleaning expert who shares the tricks that actually make a difference, from ceiling fan hacks to the right way to clean your walls. Then, MS Now anchor Chris Hayes takes us inside his off-the-grid woodland retreat, and his all-in obsession with clean energy. Plus, in House Therapy, a vintage toilet sparks a full-blown standoff, and we help settle whether to restore or replace.In This Episode You’ll Learn: * How to fix stripped cabinet hinge holes so they actually hold.* What to do after uncovering an old (and possibly unusable) fireplace.* How to stop squeaky floors without tearing up your whole house.* Why wood trim can change color over time, and what you can (and can’t) do about itAll of this, plus we’re answering your home improvement questions at 877-This Old House Radio Hour! — That’s (877) 864-7460.

Garage Door 101 + Supreme Court Justice Kennedy’s Home + Smarter Sofa Care 07.04.2026 50min

Garage doors are the hardest-working system in your home, so what happens when they start to fail? We break down how to maintain, repair, and replace them before small issues become costly problems. Then, Senior Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy reflects on the Sacramento home that shaped his lifelong belief in justice, tolerance, and moral responsibility. And finally, a practical guide to cleaning and preserving your upholstery, so your couch can survive everything from spills to everyday wear.In This Episode You’ll Learn: * How to temporarily fix a misaligned window that won’t close (8:52)* Whether and how to rebalance an uneven HVAC system (14:50)* What causes a retaining wall to bulge and how to prevent further damage (20:20)* How to manage humidity and radon in a multi-level home (26:30)All of this, plus we’re answering your home improvement questions at 877-This Old House Radio Hour! — That’s (877) 864-7460.

Bee Problems, Solved + A Secret Speakeasy House Tour + Why Contractors Walk Away 31.03.2026 51min

Got bees? Before you call an exterminator, a professional beekeeper explains why relocation is often the smarter move, and how to keep colonies from moving into your home in the first place. Seinfeld writer Spike Feresten tours his 1939 Paul Williams–designed home in the Hollywood Hills, from a hidden speakeasy to a basement with a surprising past. And we break down why contractors are wary of stepping into partially DIY projects, and what homeowners can do to make those collaborations actually work.In This Episode You’ll Learn: * How to reduce dampness and musty smells in a dirt-floor basement with a fieldstone foundation. (7:30) * How to properly level and maintain a bocce ball court on a slope. (14:16)* Whether it’s worth removing asbestos siding to replace windows and add insulation—and how to do it safely; (20:23) * Why removing paint from brick is so difficult (and when it’s better to leave it alone). (26:14)All of this, plus we’re answering your home improvement questions at 877-This Old House Radio Hour! — That’s (877) 864-7460.

The Truth About Luxury Paint + Jake Tapper’s Lake Escape + Biodiverse Backyards 24.03.2026 51min

Is luxury paint actually worth the splurge, or are you just paying for branding? This week, we dig into what really separates high-end paint from the rest, from durability and scrub-ability to the chemistry inside the can. Then, CNN anchor Jake Tapper takes us to his quiet A-frame lake house in rural Virginia, a family refuge far from the chaos of Washington. And This Old House landscape contractor Jenn Nawada explains how to create a biodiverse yard with native plants, layered landscaping, and habitat that supports birds, bees, and other wildlife.In This Episode You’ll Learn:* How to hang photos and curtain rods on old plaster walls in a renter-friendly way. (7:57)* What might be causing a hump in the floor of a 1909 Craftsman home. (14:19)* Ways to disguise a large crack in a wall-sized mirror. (20:31)* How to make a smart thermostat work in an older home with outdated wiring. (25:28)All of this, plus we’re answering your home improvement questions at 877-This Old House Radio Hour! — That’s (877) 864-7460.Show notes:Find MPI’s Approved Products List or Decision Tree to help find the perfect match at MPI.net. (https://mpi.net/thisoldhouse/)

The End of McMansions + Jesse Thorn’s Victorian + Home Theater Secrets 17.03.2026 51min

We take a look at what comes after the McMansion, as architecture critic Kate Wagner explains how these oversized suburban status symbols came to define an era and why today’s replacement may be even blander. Then, Bullseye host Jesse Thorn takes us inside his lovingly preserved 1888 Queen Anne in Los Angeles, where original craftsmanship, city noise, and a lived-in sense of history make the house feel truly alive. And Turner Classic Movies host Ben Mankiewicz shares simple ways to make your living room feel more like a real movie theater, from better sound to fewer distractions.In this episode you’ll learn:* Whether acoustic insulation above a bathroom ceiling can cause moisture problems, and why proper ventilation is the real key. (8:02)* How to deal with a sink cutout that’s too large for a replacement sink without replacing the whole countertop. (14:16)* The best way to remove raised plaster stencil designs from a wall before repainting. (20:59)* What it could mean when an older home’s floors suddenly develop a hump or slope, and when structural movement may be a concern. (26:09)All of this, plus we’re answering your home improvement questions at 877-This Old House Radio Hour! — That’s (877) 864-7460.

Plug-and-Play Solar + A Refugee Family’s Blue House + A $39K Historic Steal 10.03.2026 51min

Energy bills are climbing, but a new wave of “plug and play” solar is making it easier for homeowners and renters to start generating their own power without a full rooftop install. Then, author Kao Kalia Yang takes us inside the drafty blue St. Paul duplex that helped her refugee family redefine what “home” could be. Plus, Cheap Old Houses spotlights an 1895 shingle-style Victorian in Arkansas for under $40,000, and the team breaks down what’s charming, what’s risky, and how historic tax credits can help bring a place like this back to life.In This Episode You’ll Learn: * How chain-drive garage door openers compare to belt-drive models, and what’s involved in switching (8:37)* What might cause eerie “whistling” in plumbing after you shut off a faucet, and a simple test to diagnose it (14:19)* Whether salvaging vintage windows for a period home is worth the effort, and how to shop for historically appropriate modern replacements (21:07)* How to prioritize foundation and HVAC concerns when you’re also planning a future addition or major renovation (26:00)

Tornado Shelter Truths + Renovation Red Flags + Tracy Sierra’s 300-Year-Old Colonial 03.03.2026 51min

As tornado season ramps up, we separate myth from fact about storm protection and explain what actually makes a shelter tornado-rated. Then bestselling author Tracy Sierra takes us inside her 300-year-old New England colonial, where squeaky floorboards, carved windowpanes, and a real bump in the night helped spark her latest novel. Finally, structural engineer Dr. Nehemiah Mabry lays out the clear line between cosmetic updates and risky renovations, including the warning signs that mean it’s time to call in a licensed pro.On this episode you’ll learn: * Whether insulating between an 1806 home’s basement and original first-floor wood floors is worth it, and how to do it without trapping moisture. * Why certain rooms and interior walls can feel unusually hot in winter and cold in summer with a ducted heat-pump system, and how to diagnose air leakage or airflow patterns. * What to do when a single slate shower tile starts turning to powder, including whether it’s a bad tile, a moisture issue, and how sealing and maintenance can help. * Options for updating a large vaulted popcorn ceiling in a 1992 home.All of this, plus we’re answering your home improvement questions at 877-This Old House Radio Hour! — That’s (877) 864-7460.

The Truth About House Burping + Nick Offerman’s Farmhouse 21.02.2026 51min

We discuss the truth about “house burping,” when opening your windows helps, when it doesn’t, and what actually keeps your indoor air healthy. Nick Offerman returns to the Illinois farmhouse that shaped his love of building. Plus, we break down how to make sure your contractor pulls the right permits, before a small oversight turns into a big problem.In This Episode You’ll Learn:* How to fix a leaky glass shower door: where the water is really escaping and what stops it. (8:17)* How to switch a wood fireplace to gas or electric and which one is right for you. (14:28)* Which anchors to trust in drywall, how to pick the right strength, and how to secure things without wrecking your walls. (19:44)* The best lighting options for an unfinished basement, when to call an electrician, and why more outlets can save you headaches later. (26:52)All of this, plus we’re answering your home improvement questions at 877-This Old House Radio Hour! — That’s (877) 864-7460.

Building Tomorrow: A Special Look at the Future of Housing 17.02.2026 51min

Building Tomorrow is a special collaboration between Marketplace and This Old House Radio Hour that asks a simple but urgent question: how do we build homes that can last the next hundred years? From wildfire rebuilds to factory-built housing, this hour explores how new materials, new methods, and new ideas about community are reshaping the future of housing in America. Hosted by Jenn Largesse and Marketplace’s David Brancaccio, the episode blends reporting, lived experience, and hard science to show what’s possible right now.In this episode you’ll learn about: * A massive prefab factory where homes are built like cars on an assembly line.* A disaster research campus where engineers crash-test houses against hurricanes, hail, and wildfire.* A cutting-edge microfactory using software and small factories to build homes faster, locally, and at scale.* Touring a pioneering cross-laminated timber home built as a living case study in low-carbon construction.* How a 100-year-old house is transformed into a net-zero, future-ready home.* A tiny-house community redefining retirement, aging, and what “home” really means.Note: In the segment featuring Aloe Blacc's pre fabricated home, the exterior is made of cement fiber but the interior is not. The home's fire resilience comes from a combination of steel framing, fiber cement siding, and triple paned windows.