Hard Water Woes + Ann Patchett’s Wild Childhood Home + Heat Pump Advantages
6/9/202650 min
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.
Clips
Transcript preview
First 90 secondsJenn Largesse· Host0:00
[upbeat music] From Last and APM American Public Media, it's This Old House Radio Hour. I'm Jen Lardjas. Hard water is destroying your hair, skin and pipes. We'll tell you how to fix it.
Tucker Yarborough· Guest0:13
Hard water is nothing more than minerals suspended in water. Across the US everybody has hard water.
Jenn Largesse· Host0:20
Novelist Anne Patchett returns to the wild Tennessee home she'd rather forget.
Ann Patchett· Soundbite0:26
And I've never driven down that road again. Not until today, not until this conversation, I have not driven down that road again.
Jenn Largesse· Host0:33
Most people fix their homes one problem at a time, but understanding your home as a system could save you thousands. All of this, plus we're answering your home improvement questions at 877-864-7460. That's 877-864-7460. Coming up next. [upbeat music] It's This Old House Radio Hour. I'm Jen Lardjas. If you've ever stepped out of the shower with dry skin, dull hair, or just the feeling that nothing rinsed clean, you've experienced hard water. Surprisingly, it affects most homes in America and quietly damages everything from your pipes to your appliances. Today Tucker Yarborough of Yarborough & Sons Plumbing in Blanchard, Oklahoma joins us to explain what hard water is, why it's such a problem and what you can do to fix it. So Tucker, give us a