This Old House Radio Hour

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

June 9, 2026·49 min
Episode Description from the Publisher

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.

Podzilla Summary coming soon

Sign up to get notified when the full AI-powered summary is ready.

Get Free Summaries →

Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.

Listen to This Episode

Get summaries like this every morning.

Free AI-powered recaps of This Old House Radio Hour and your other favorite podcasts, delivered to your inbox.

Get Free Summaries →

Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.