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

Hard Water Woes + Ann Patchett’s Wild Childhood Home + Heat Pump Advantages

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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.