Landscape contractor Jenn Nawada takes us to Tulsa, Oklahoma, to learn about watersheds. She meets with a local expert to discuss what watersheds are, how to protect them, and how to manage water runoff from roadways, parking lots, and roofs.
Next, we follow Jenn to a homeowner’s backyard, where she and carpenter Nathan Gilbert install a rain barrel. Armed with a kit designed to turn any barrel into a rain barrel, the three get to work. Nathan pipes the gutter systems to the barrel while Jenn and the homeowner prepare the site by adding stone and blocks.
Next, Mason Mark McCullough brings us along as he helps a homeowner solve a pooling issue on her backyard patio. Once on site, Mark immediately identifies the issue as there is a downspout pointed directly at the patio. To fix it, Mark and the homeowner dig a trench, drill a hole in a stone wall, install corrugated pipe, and connect it all to a weep hole before covering it back up with decorative stone.
Finally, host Kevin O’Connor takes us to the shop to meet with the guys to discuss their new favorite tools. Each team member talks about the new tool they’re using that’s changing how they work. From PPE to trade-specific tools, the guys have one great list to consider.
How to Install a Rain Barrel
Landscape designer Jenn Nawada and carpenter Nathan Gilbert travel to Tulsa, OK, to help a homeowner make a rain barrel using an aged whiskey barrel and learn about the ecological impact of stormwater runoff.
Where to find it?
To prep the gutter to receive the downspout, Nathan drills a hole using a 2-1/8” hole saw and then cuts it to size with snips to fit the downspout outlet.
After dry fitting the downspout in place, Nathan uses a hacksaw to cut it to size and secures it to the siding with gutter straps and rivets.
To prep the base area, Jenn and Maggie use shovels to clear the topsoil. Once the topsoil is removed, 2x4s are used as a screed to compact and level the ground before adding paver stone dust or sand.
With the base area prepped, Nathan places the base block firmly in the sand before using a mallet to set them in place.
The oak barrel was sourced from Midwest Barrel Company.
Special thanks to the City of Tulsa Streets and Stormwater Department, Tulsa Remote, and Jasmine Teer.
How to Install a Patio Drainage System
Mason Mark McCullough helps a homeowner identify and repair the cause of pooling water on a small section of her brick patio.
Where to find it?
Start by using an iron rake to remove top layer of decorative stone. Use shovels dig a trough-like trench 4 inches down.
Drill a weep hole in the stone wall using a coring drill (bit roughly 18 inches). This will create a pathway for the runoff water to exit.
Test that the weep hole is draining properly using a water hose. If the water pools on one side, go back with the coring drill to expand the weep hole.
Lay landscape filter paper in the trench. Lay perforated flex pipe on top of the landscape filter paper the length of the trench and secure the filter paper around the perforated flex pipe using zip ties. Place a collar connection to the perforated flex pipe to connect to the down spout connection. Cover the perforated flex pipe with gravel and rake out evenly before topping with decorative stone.
Tool Talk: The Casts’ New Tool Favorites
Everyone needs a new favorite tool every now and then. The guys at Ask This Old House certainly have a few, and in this segment, they’ll show host Kevin O’Connor what they are so he can add them to his wish list.
Where to find it?
- Richard – Anti-fogging face shield
- Mark – Masonry mortar bag
- Heath – Magnetic multi-bit screwdriver
- Mauro – 17 in-1 tool
- Tom – Turner’s apron
Original Air Date: Apr 18, 2024, Season 22; Ep. 20 25:59
Products and services from this episode
- Oak barrel manufacturer: Midwest Barrel Company
- Special thanks:
City of Tulsa Streets and Stormwater Department
Tulsa Remote
Jasmine Teer