Keeping your home in top shape requires tackling a range of projects, from interior finishes to below-grade waterproofing. In a recent episode of Ask This Old House (Season 23, Episode 7), the experts covered three excellent DIY projects: installing a wallpaper accent wall, selecting the right sprinkler heads for your lawn, and installing a sump pump to solve basement moisture issues. This article expands on those home improvement topics, providing step-by-step guidance and pro tips you can use around your own property. If you are dealing with a wet basement, be sure to review our guide on polymer rubber gel waterproofing for below-grade construction as a complementary solution.
How to Create a Stunning Wallpaper Accent Wall
An accent wall is one of the most effective ways to add personality and visual depth to a room. Whether you want a bold pattern or a natural textured look like grasscloth, the process is straightforward when you follow the right steps. Host Kevin O’Connor teamed up with a wallpaper expert in Miami to help a homeowner transform her space with sisal grasscloth wallpaper.
Preparing the Wall Surface
A successful wallpaper installation starts long before the first strip goes up. Proper surface preparation ensures the adhesive bonds correctly and the finished wall looks professional.
- Clean the wall thoroughly to remove dust, grease, and debris.
- Apply a pre-wallcovering primer using roller brushes to create an even surface.
- Use a pole extension for high or vaulted ceilings to reach the top of the wall.
- Allow the primer to dry completely before proceeding.
Skipping the primer is a common mistake. It helps the wallpaper adhere better and makes future removal much easier.
Applying Adhesive and Hanging the Wallpaper
For grasscloth and other natural-fiber wallcoverings, the adhesive is applied directly to the wallpaper rather than the wall (this is known as “paste-the-paper” installation). Use a roller paintbrush to spread a uniform layer of adhesive across the back of each strip.
- Let the adhesive sit for 2 to 5 minutes to allow it to absorb into the paper fibers.
- Position the strip carefully at the top of the wall, allowing a small overlap at the ceiling and baseboard.
- Use a plastic smoothing tool to press out air bubbles and wrinkles, working from the center outward.
- Trim excess material at the top and bottom with a sharp utility knife.
Tips for a Professional Finish
- Always match the pattern at the seams before smoothing the strip into place.
- Use a seam roller gently along each joint to ensure full adhesion without damaging the texture.
- Wipe away any excess adhesive immediately with a damp sponge.
- Install instructions vary by wallpaper material, so always check the manufacturer’s guidelines.
Choosing and Using the Right Sprinkler Heads for Your Lawn
An efficient irrigation system saves water, reduces runoff, and keeps your landscape healthy. Landscape contractor Lee Gilliam showed Kevin the main types of sprinkler heads and explained how to select the best one for each zone of your yard. If you are upgrading your system, also check out our guide on how to fix clogged sprinkler heads and common irrigation system problems to maintain peak performance.
Types of Sprinkler Heads
Each sprinkler type serves a different purpose. Selecting the wrong head leads to overwatering some areas and underwatering others.
| Sprinkler Type | Best For | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Rotors | Large lawns and open areas | Rotating streams cover a wide radius efficiently |
| Oscillating Fan | Delicate plants and flower beds | Gentle, even water distribution |
| Pop-Up Sprays | Taller plants and shrubbery | Rises above foliage to throw water over plants |
| Impact Sprinklers | Large gardens and heavy-duty use | Durable, adjustable, and long-throwing |
| Gentle Flow Sprinklers | New seed beds and seedlings | Low-pressure, soft water delivery |
Setting Up Your Irrigation Zones
A well-designed system divides your yard into zones based on water needs and sun exposure.
- Map your yard – Identify sunny areas, shady spots, slopes, and planting beds.
- Group by water requirements – Lawns need more water than established shrubs or trees.
- Match sprinkler type to each zone – Use rotors for the lawn, oscillating fans for delicate gardens, and pop-up sprays for dense flower beds.
- Check pressure and coverage – Measure your home water pressure and ensure each head reaches adjacent heads for overlapping coverage.
Adjusting Sprinkler Heads for Optimal Coverage
Most modern sprinkler heads have adjustment screws on top that let you fine-tune the spray pattern and radius. Avoid watering paved surfaces by adjusting the arc to stay within planted areas. For detailed guidance on running supply lines, read our article on efficient trenching methods for sprinkler and drip irrigation systems.
Installing a Sump Pump to Solve Basement Moisture Problems
A wet basement is one of the most frustrating problems a homeowner can face. Groundwater seeping through the floor, poorly positioned downspouts, or hydrostatic pressure against the foundation can all cause moisture issues. Plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey showed a homeowner how to install a submersible sump pump to permanently solve a basement flooding problem.
Before You Begin: Assessing the Situation
Not every wet basement needs a sump pump. Check these factors first:
- Is the moisture coming from groundwater (seeping up through the slab) or from above (leaking walls, condensation on pipes)?
- Are downspouts and gutters directing water at least 6 feet away from the foundation?
- Is the yard graded to slope away from the house?
- Does the water appear only after heavy rain, or is it constant?
If groundwater is the confirmed source, a sump pump system is the most reliable fix. For sizing advice, see our resource on how to determine the minimum sump volume for pump stations.
Step-by-Step Sump Pump Installation
Step 1: Cut the Concrete Slab
Using chalk, mark an outline of the sump basin on the floor. Drill a series of holes along the outline with a masonry bit (wearing hearing and eye protection at all times). Use a rented breaker hammer to break up the concrete inside the outline. Remove debris with a post hole digger, shovel, hammer, pinch point bar, and buckets.
Step 2: Install the Sump Basin
Drill small perforation holes in the lower portion of the basin using a step drill bit. Wrap the outside of the basin with landscape fabric to prevent soil and sediment from entering. Place the basin in the hole and add gravel around the outside to improve drainage into the basin.
Step 3: Run the Discharge Pipe
Drill a hole through the foundation wall using a rotary hammer with a 2-5/8 inch core bit. Attach a 1-1/2 inch PVC pipe to the sump pump using a male PVC adapter. Install a check valve in the vertical pipe to prevent water from flowing back down to the pump after discharge. Use PVC cement to connect adapters and pipe sections. Use a level to ensure the discharge pipe is plumb, then seal around the foundation hole with gap-sealing foam.
Step 4: Route Water Away from the Foundation
Outside the house, connect the discharge pipe to a drain pipe that directs water at least 10 feet away from the foundation. Install a splash block at the outlet to prevent soil erosion. Ensure the water flows downhill and does not pool near the house.
Tools and Materials Checklist
| Tool or Material | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Submersible sump pump | Primary water removal |
| Sump basin | Holds the pump and collects water |
| Breaker hammer (rented) | Breaking up concrete slab |
| Masonry drill bits / core bit | Drilling concrete and foundation holes |
| 1-1/2 inch PVC pipe and fittings | Discharge line |
| Check valve | Prevents backflow |
| Landscape fabric / gravel | Filter and drainage around basin |
| PVC cement | Sealing pipe connections |
| Splash block | Directs water away at outlet |
Maintaining Your Home Interior and Exterior Systems
Once you have completed these three projects, ongoing maintenance will keep everything working reliably for years.
Wallpaper Care
- Dust grasscloth wallpaper regularly with a soft brush attachment on your vacuum to prevent dirt buildup in the natural fibers.
- Avoid moisture near wallpaper in kitchens and bathrooms, as steam can loosen the adhesive over time.
- Touch up loose seams with a small amount of wallpaper adhesive applied with a cotton swab.
Sprinkler System Seasonal Maintenance
- Inspect sprinkler heads each spring for damage from frost or lawn equipment.
- Clean clogged nozzles by removing the head and soaking it in vinegar to dissolve mineral deposits.
- Adjust spray patterns as plants grow and landscaping changes.
- Winterize the system before the first freeze to prevent burst pipes.
Sump Pump Annual Checks
- Pour a bucket of water into the sump pit twice a year to verify the pump activates and discharges correctly.
- Clean the inlet screen and remove any debris from the pit.
- Check the discharge pipe for blockages, especially the outdoor outlet and splash block.
- Replace the battery backup every 3 to 5 years if your system includes one.
Tackling these projects methodically will improve your home comfort, efficiency, and resale value. Whether you are adding an elegant wallpaper accent wall, upgrading your irrigation system, or stopping basement flooding for good, each of these home improvement tasks delivers lasting results that pay for themselves over time.