Chimney Leaks, Old House Systems, and a Few Ghost Stories

Chimney Leaks, Old House Systems, and a Few Ghost Stories

Author: Dan Hansen/RepcoLite Paints November 22, 2025 Duration: 39:55

In this episode of Home in Progress, sponsored by RepcoLite Paints and Benjamin Moore, Dan tackles one of the most common chimney problems—and it has nothing to do with fire. He explains how water finds its way into brick, mortar, and chimney caps, how to spot the signs early, and what homeowners can do to fix and prevent damage.

From there, Dan shifts into the “ghost stories” hiding inside older homes: knob-and-tube wiring, cast-iron plumbing, galvanized supply lines, and those enormous gravity furnaces sometimes called “octopus” systems. He breaks down what they are, why they’re still out there, and what you need to know if you’re buying or renovating an older house.

A listener question leads to a practical step-by-step fix for painted-over wallpaper glue, including how to safely prep, clean, and prime the wall for a smooth finish.

Finally, Dan shares a few personal ghost stories from his own 1900s home—strange noises, odd shadows, and one unforgettable week of unexplained events—and uses them as a segue into the importance of proper inspections and hiring qualified specialists when working with old home systems.

Episode Timeline

00:00 Welcome to Home in Progress

00:14 The Most Common Chimney Problem

00:35 House-Related Ghost Stories

01:22 Listener’s Wallpaper-Glue Dilemma

02:35 Solving the Wallpaper-Paste Problem

06:39 Priming for a Perfect Finish

10:22 Real Ghost Experiences

18:16 Unexplained Events in the Old House

18:43 Transition to Practical Home Improvement

20:18 Understanding Knob-and-Tube Wiring

25:07 Cast-Iron & Galvanized Plumbing

29:22 Gravity Furnaces: The “Octopus” in the Basement

32:34 Chimney Maintenance & Water Damage

38:57 Final Thoughts


Home In Progress is a weekly conversation hosted by Dan Hansen from RepcoLite Paints, born from the belief that a home is never truly finished. It’s a constant, often charming, series of projects and adjustments. This podcast digs into that reality, covering everything from choosing the right paint sheen and troubleshooting a stubborn plumbing issue to planning a garden layout or refreshing a room with a new design perspective. The tone is practical and approachable, blending useful advice with a genuine sense of humor about the inevitable mishaps that come with DIY. You’ll hear specific tips on materials and techniques, discussions on balancing aesthetics with function, and honest talk about what it really takes to maintain and improve your space. Each episode aims to leave you with a tangible takeaway, whether it’s the confidence to tackle a small repair or inspiration for a larger weekend project. It’s for anyone who views their home as a living project-a place of leisure, creativity, and continuous learning. Listen for a mix of straightforward education and relatable stories that make the process of caring for a house feel less like a chore and more like a rewarding part of life.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 302

Home In Progress
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