New House Old Soul
S1E6 Flowing Through History: How Plumbing Shaped the Modern Home
Season 1, Episode 6
•
21m
Brent Hull traces the evolution of residential plumbing, from outdoor privies and early indoor fixtures to the fully integrated systems found in modern homes. The episode examines how bathroom design and materials shifted from the 1920s through the 1950s, reflecting changing attitudes toward hygiene, comfort, and aesthetics. By comparing historic fixtures with today’s efficient plumbing practices—including tankless water heaters—Brent explains how modern systems can respect traditional architecture while improving performance. The result is a deeper understanding of how plumbing decisions influence not just function, but the long-term character of a house.
Up Next in Season 1
-
S1E7 Roofs That Tell a Story: Proport...
Brent Hull explores how roofs and dormers quietly define the character and credibility of American residential architecture. From early wood-shingled roofs used by settlers to modern advances like faux slate and fire-rated wood shingles, the episode traces how materials have evolved without chang...
-
S1E8 The Art of Authentic Exteriors: ...
Brent Hull examines cladding as the architectural skin of a house—and why material choice and execution matter more than trends. Focusing on historic brickwork, the episode traces the origins of handmade brick, traditional bonding patterns, and the subtle irregularities that give older buildings ...
-
S1E9 The Story in the Glass: Why Wind...
Brent Hull explores windows as one of the most defining elements in residential architecture, where proportion, material, and construction quietly shape how a house feels and performs. Tracing the evolution from pre-1940s handcrafted wood windows to modern manufactured systems, the episode examin...