This Old House Radio Hour podcast | Listen online for free

74 episodes

The Tankless Water Heater Debate + Jonathan Knight’s Crazy Old House + Grow a Living Fence
11/08/2026 | 51 mins.
Should you replace your traditional water heater with a tankless model? Plumbing expert Ryan Carpenter breaks down the pros, cons, and hidden costs of both systems, including what homeowners should know before making the switch. Jonathan Knight of New Kids on the Block and Farmhouse Fixer shares memories of growing up in a bustling Victorian home that sparked his lifelong passion for restoring old houses. Then, In The Secret History of Your Home, we take a look at the long, messy history of the toilet. Finally, Landscape contractor Jenn Nawada explains why "living fences" are becoming one of the hottest trends in backyard design.

On this episode you'll learn:
* How to know whether a damaged standing seam metal roof needs a simple repair or a full replacement.
* Whether a solar chimney can actually cool your home and why it works better in some climates than others.
* What might be causing squeaky parquet floors and a simple trick that could quiet them down.
* Why bathroom ceiling paint keeps bubbling and peeling, even after you've repainted it.

All of this, plus we’re answering your home improvement questions at (877) 864-7460.
Should You Kill Your Lawn? + Nathaniel Rich’s Artist’s Retreat + When Contractors Wreck Your Home
04/08/2026 | 50 mins.
Is the traditional American lawn doing more harm than good? Botanist Joey Santore makes the case for replacing thirsty turf with native plants that support wildlife and require far less maintenance. Author Nathaniel Rich reflects on the secluded Maine artist's studio that transformed the way he thinks about creativity. In The Secret History of Your Home, we look at an item in your bathroom that’s been around for 3,500 years. Finally, contractor Zack Dettmore explains what homeowners should do when a renovation goes wrong and how to protect themselves before small problems become expensive ones.

On this episode you'll learn:
* What might be causing mysterious circular stains to appear on your ceiling, even when your roof isn't leaking.
* How to stop water from seeping into your basement around a sump pump and radon system.
* What it takes to convert a basement half bath into a full bathroom with a shower.
* The best way to reinstall a rare vintage ceramic fireplace tile without damaging it.

All of this, plus we’re answering your home improvement questions at (877) 864-7460.
The Right Way to Load Your Dishwasher + Colson Whitehead’s Family Retreat + Grow Backyard Fruit
25/07/2026 | 50 mins.
Is there really a right way to load a dishwasher? Technology expert Alec Watson explains the science behind cleaner dishes, why you should stop pre-rinsing, and how a few simple changes can improve your dishwasher's performance. Pulitzer Prize-winning author Colson Whitehead reflects on the modest Sag Harbor cottage that has been at the heart of his family's summers for generations. In The Secret History of Your Home, we unveil the deadly story behind the modern-day refrigerator. Lastly, horticulturist Josh Davis reveals how grafting lets you grow multiple varieties of fruit on a single tree.

On this episode you'll learn:
* How to prioritize home renovation projects when your budget won't cover everything at once.
* What you can do to repair peeling thermofoil cabinets before resorting to a full kitchen replacement.
* Whether it's possible to uncover and restore hardwood floors hidden beneath old flooring.
* How to plan lighting and electrical circuits during a whole-home rewiring project with modern LED fixtures.

All of this, plus we’re answering your home improvement questions at (877) 864-7460.
The Right Way to Load Your Washing Machine + Mary H.K. Choi's Texas Home + Contractor Truths
17/07/2026 | 50 mins.
The debate over front-load versus top-load washing machines has homeowners fiercely divided, but laundry expert Zach Pozniak says the science points to one clear winner. Then, bestselling author Mary H. K. Choi reflects on moving from a tiny Hong Kong apartment to an enormous Texas house that never quite felt like home. Plus, This Old House’s Zack Dettmore pulls back the curtain on why so many renovation projects go sideways and how homeowners can set better expectations before construction begins.

In This Episode You'll Learn:
* How to choose between a designer and a design-build firm for your next renovation.
* The best way to clean, protect, and maintain soapstone countertops without damaging them.
* Whether painting a concrete floor is a smart alternative to replacing old carpet.
* Why one room in your home may never feel comfortable and what can be done to fix it.

All of this, plus we’re answering your home improvement questions at (877) 864-7460.
Avoid Locksmith Scams + Adam Rehmeier’s Hollywood Hideaway + Carpet Buying 101
14/07/2026 | 49 mins.
Getting locked out of your house is stressful enough, but choosing the wrong locksmith could turn it into a $1,000-dollar mistake. Locksmith Phil Mortillaro reveals the biggest red flags of a locksmith scam and how to make sure you're hiring someone you can trust. Then, filmmaker Adam Rehmeier looks back on the ramshackle Hollywood Hills cabin where he chased his dream of becoming a director. Plus, flooring expert Aaron Johnson explains how to choose the right carpet by focusing on what really matters beyond color and price.

In This Episode You'll Learn:
* Whether old jack posts under a historic home should be adjusted or replaced
* How to repair cracked concrete pool coping and when it's time for a full replacement
* Whether you can replace just the rotted parts of a deck railing or need an entirely new system
* How to repair and seal hairline cracks in a concrete basement floor before painting

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

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About This Old House Radio Hour

This Old House has been America’s most trusted source for home improvement, expert renovation advice, and DIY inspiration for over 40 years. Now, that trusted guidance comes to your ears with This Old House Radio Hour—a weekly home improvement podcast designed to help homeowners, renters, and renovators take better care of the places they live. Hosted by This Old House editor Jenn Largesse, and featuring fan-favorite experts like Zack Dettmore (general contractor), Richard Trethewey (plumbing and HVAC specialist), and Jenn Nawada (landscape designer), each episode offers practical, step-by-step solutions to real home improvement problems. Listeners can expect weekly episodes packed with actionable advice on everything from plumbing and electrical upgrades to bathroom remodels, basement waterproofing, HVAC maintenance, flooring installation, window repair, insulation tips, and more. We answer listener questions, break down renovation techniques, and spotlight smart fixes for everyday challenges. Whether you're a first-time DIYer, a seasoned weekend warrior, or just trying to make sense of home maintenance, This Old House Radio Hour is your go-to podcast for trusted home improvement tips, expert advice, and project ideas that actually work. Subscribe today on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts—and start building a better home, one episode at a time.

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