How Richard Became a Plumber | Ask This Old House

In this video, Ask This Old House master plumber Richard Trethewey tells all about how his career as a plumber started.
SUBSCRIBE to This Old House: bit.ly/SubscribeThisOldHouse.
In some ways, Richard Trethewey feels that his fate as a plumber might have been predetermined from birth. Born to a 3rd generation plumber father, Richard grew up in the trade. His father owned a plumbing company in a Boston suburb known as Trethewey Bros, which Richard’s great grandfather and great uncle started in 1902. In fact, Richard was so sure that plumbing, heating, and air conditioning would be his future that in 3rd grade, Richard drew himself as a plumber.
Richard’s plumbing experience dates back further than most tradesmen. Every summer from around the age of 11 years old, Richard would go to work with his father. He would sweep the floors, cut pipe, or perform other tasks that formed his base knowledge of the trade.
Trethewey Bros was one of the largest non-union plumbing shops in the Boston area when a public television channel came calling. Explaining that they couldn’t pay them, Richard’s father still signed on to a project. When Richard asked his father why, he explained that he felt it was a way to pay it forward. But, since his father wasn’t quite comfortable on camera the first year, 22-year-old Richard stood in for him and was a natural. The rest of his This Old House career is history.
Richard loves his job, both as a plumber and a cast member on Ask This Old House. He loves the challenge of looking at a building, determining what needs to be inside that building, and then finding a way to make those components fit and work within the space. It’s all about problem-solving-something that Richard feels is one of the most important aspects of being a plumber.
Both of Richard’s sons entered the industry as well. He feels that as an industry, there is constantly evolving technology. And, it’s using the technology to ensure that someone is comfortable 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year that really excites the Tretheweys.
Outside of his trade and business, Richard has several interests. Most viewers don’t know, but as a long-distance sailor, Richard has raced to Bermuda (600 miles) several times. He loves the engineering challenge and feels that the sport increases his horizons. Even more important to Richard are his family and grandchildren. He enjoys seeing the new generation of Tretheweys grow while also feeling the connection to his father.
Looking for more step by step guidance on how to complete projects around the house? Join This Old House Insider to stream over 1,000 episodes commercial-free: bit.ly/2GPiYbH
Plus, download our FREE app for full-episode streaming to your connected TV, phone or tablet: www.thisoldhouse.com/pages/st...
About Ask This Old House TV:
From the makers of This Old House, America’s first and most trusted home improvement show, Ask This Old House answers the steady stream of home improvement questions asked by viewers across the United States. Covering topics from landscaping to electrical to HVAC and plumbing to painting and more. Ask This Old House features the experts from This Old House, including general contractor Tom Silva, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey, landscape contractor Jenn Nawada, master carpenter Norm Abram, and host Kevin O’Connor. Ask This Old House helps you protect and preserve your greatest investment-your home.
Follow This Old House and Ask This Old House:
Facebook: bit.ly/ThisOldHouseFB
Twitter: bit.ly/AskTOHTwitter
Pinterest: bit.ly/ThisOldHousePinterest
Instagram: bit.ly/AskTOHIG
How Richard Became a Plumber | Ask This Old House
/ thisoldhouse

[@Chrispy9393]

I'm nearly 30. I've been watching Richard my entire life. Hell of a guy.

[@tacklebox6239]

He’s a hack

[@Chrispy9393]

@@tacklebox6239 Ah yes, the internet troll says that the guy with over 40 years experience is a hack.

[@tacklebox6239]

@@Chrispy9393 I understand but years of experience doesn’t mean quality work. As a professional plumber I can assure you that I have witnessed poor work practices at the hands of Richard. I’ve been plumbing for 20 years and the more time goes by the more hackery I noticed for him.

[@Chrispy9393]

@@tacklebox6239 You're a hack. 😘

[@gus473]

Old enough to be your dad, and somehow I just KNEW Richard could afford a big sailboat! 😅 Have fun, Richard, and make sure the grandkids wear their PFDs! 👍🏼😎✌🏼

[@OneManParade]

The living legend. He the reason I got in to plumbing.

[@WilliamPayneNZ]

The thing I love about Richard is that plumbing which can be a horrible dirty yuck job yet he has such huge enthusiasm for the subject. He just seems to really love what he does.

[@razzledazzle84921]

The brilliance of Richard is not just his skills as a plumber and an engineer, but his specialty really is how elegantly he can explain his work. At the end of every TOH segment, you know exactly what he did, and why. Have learned so much from him. Thanks Richard!

[@mwrcrft]

It is amazing that his family plumbing business is still going strong.

[@erikarice6859]

Not if you do the job right

[@joe6096]

His Dad and Grandfather taught them the right way. I am certain they operate with 3 key values: 1. Do the job right. No shortcuts, no cheapening out, always following the proper codes to a T. 2. Excellent customer service 3. Reasonable prices You follow those three values and you will last forever in whatever business you run.

[@daves984]

When you watch this old house or ask this old house you actually learn something. I learned lots of plumbing tips and tricks over the years, as well as framing from Kevin. They know what they are doing

[@stevenlensing1094]

After almost 30 years in the plumbing and HVAC trade I have people asking me why I ever got into this line of work and I tell them I fully blame Richard Trethewey. He made the trade seem so honorable. It has been a good life. Thank You Richard.

[@20pump]

Enjoy the show very much. I’ve been a plumber for 43 years, cheers to my brother Richard.

[@1ELiMusic]

My earliest memory was watching my older brother see this show on Saturday mornings (may be Sunday) learning on on home improvements. I’m 35 now and glad to see that this show not only taught us, but best of all, it originated in Boston where I’m from. Until this day, I still watch TOH. Simply put…the best!

[@papadave9061]

Love Richard, and ALL the crew, including everyone "behind the scenes". This Old House......greatest show EVER!

[@BTcycle]

What an honor to watch Richard over the years. Learned so much from him.

[@stooge81]

Agreed. Feel like I grew up wit him. All of them.

[@georgephillips84]

I really appreciate it as a plumber myself to grow up and watch these guys

[@omarlopez7284]

These "Men" from This Old House will forever be LEGENDS!!!

[@barconati]

As a kid I used to watch This Old House with my dad. We would always joke that once Rich the plumber came on screen the project would immediately go over budget. He never had good news for the owner :) It’s so good to now see him doing these clips with homeowners and showing everyone how to do some of this work themselves and save some money. Seems like a good guy.

[@54Belvedere]

I became a plumber when I was 30, that was in 2000. Best job I ever had. I do service, everyday is never the same!

[@patrickwhitehead7584]

Richard, Bob, Norm, and Tom were figures of my childhood. PBS was so amazing back then. So much of what I use every day in my middle age I learned from This Old House, Mr Rogers, and Sesame Street.

[@tacklebox6239]

Lol

[@ChadAmI80]

I've been watching Richard my entire life. I've learned so much from him, Tommy and Norm.

[@JayZoop]

This guy is the best, and a great teacher. He bailed me out of many tight plumbing situations.

[@deanehill9730]

A very valued tradie on the This Old House . He explains the plumbing systems clearly that makes sense to everyday people. Thanks for the video.

[@sigsauer3719]

Been a plumber for over 80 years and still learning..,

[@SteadyRed]

This man is a national treasure!

[@markesselstynmiller747]

Very nice to see the personal side of one of the host of This Old House been seeing it for over the past 40 years and I'm 60 years old now. I do remember the first broadcast when it came to my local PBS station WKAR - Michigan State University Television.

[@4seeableTV]

And he was right about his dad being nervous on the show. Bless his heart.

[@rwr7260]

Richard and this old house is a big reason I became a plumber/gas fitter. Been in the trade for 28 years now!

[@JonnyDIY]

Too cool, nice to see his kids following in the families footsteps. And holy cow his boys and grandkids look just like him! 💕👍

[@ahmadjaber2501]

Richard is one of the reasons I want to be plumber, his personality and the way of thinking got intrigued to be a plumber by profession. big respect to you richard

[@tacklebox6239]

Richard’s a hack

[@aaqilian5.085]

@@tacklebox6239 loser

[@48sufi]

Richard is one of the reasons I watch TOH. Its like watching a master. The knowledge and the skills he has and of course the gentleman that he is. god bless you sir

[@Nifty-Stuff]

Rich has been wonderful to watch all these years. Great personality and incredibly smart and experienced. Wonderful to see more of his son as well!

[@machfive916]

My mom turned me on to This Old House as a kid, and Richard Trethewey is the epitome of a professional. What a great, smart man.

[@avalon449]

Richard is the patron saint of plumbers! What a spokesperson !!!!!

[@tacklebox6239]

Richard a hack!

[@mannyvega7726]

Richard is an unbelievable man with truly exceptional skills my total respect for him.

[@Rayfanz1]

This Old House connects me to my long-passed grandfather. Richard, you may never see this comment, but all of This Old House, current and past, are True American Icons. You, sir, are an icon. You should be very proud, and I’m sure your father would be of you.

[@ColonelK0rn1]

What an in-depth interview that really brought to life the personality of Richard. I always respected all of the trades that had people that worked on TOH, and it's great to hear the backstory how they became involved with the show. I thought it was hilarious to see Bob Vila in his Bob Ross days :D

[@jay-el-bee]

Roger is the man! Loved seeing the footage of his dad, and then him, and now his sons. FANTASTIC!

[@ejohny1987]

I enjoy watching TOH and especially content presented by Richard or Tom. Learned a lot, love the cutaways he uses to demonstrate how parts work. Lastly as I am living in Slovakia, Europe, I really appreciate how he tries to change the mindset of people when it comes to energy efficiency (i.e. trip to Germany showing sustainable heating). Wish him, other presenters and the show all the best.

[@MikeBramm]

I've been watching This Old House since the very beginning. I can remember being so excited to watch when it came on. It's been fun watching little Richie grow up. 🙂

[@dudeguy7347]

I started plumbing four years ago and had no clue what i was getting into. Its made me a more mechanically inclined person and has to taught me the importance of doing good work.

[@MrJramirex]

Richard has taught me so much. The way he explains things and his enthusiasm when doing so makes it easy to learn. His use of cut-outs really brings it all down to basics for the average homeowner to know how things work.

[@ZipKickGo]

Richard, you are the genuine American Man. Your story is humbling and inspiring.

[@meme-yc4ks]

Grew up with this show and Richard. Great to learn about the personal aspects of the show. An honor.

[@BloodyIron]

So much to admire about him, his story, this old house and more! Loving it! So glad to hear this story :D

[@robertf6344]

Good video RIchard. Been watching for decades and have always Loved your stuff. Never a BS story or fix, always top quality stuff. Yourself, Tom Silva, Norm, Roger, and some others have truly been the dream team to watch for anything home related. I couldn't come up with a single complaint if someone paid me - which is certainly not true of many tradesmen's 'how to' videos on the net. Live long and prosper !

[@frankromero4892]

Richard is the best ! His advise is to notch ! God bless you and the show. May you continue doing it forever !

[@erikjohnson2889]

Richard is such a good man.

[@tacklebox6239]

He’s a hack

[@erikjohnson2889]

@@tacklebox6239 you seem nice

[@andrewmurray9391]

You and all the guys and gals have meant so much to so many people who have had so little. I need you to know, you've shaped a generation.

[@terrrywilliams3617]

It’s nice to learn the history of you guys at This Old House. Love watching you during the week on PBS.

[@whocares0692]

Thank you Sir for showing us your love and talent !

[@DM7817]

Big fan of Richard. Thanks from your fellow plumbers - you represent the trade well

[@phillipbaker3860]

Thanks for sharing Richard story, I enjoy watching all Richard plumbing videos

[@Idiotsincarshere]

Richard Trethewey, a real home town hero !

[@murrayvt]

Grew up with the show, what an amazing group of guys. Love them all.

[@marstonstrength]

This is an awesome video. I'm 34 and I start training to be an hvac tech in May. It's shows like This, my carpenter father and Mike Rowe's Dirty Jobs that got me out of retail. I plan on opening my own business. Thank you This old house for the inspiration.

[@erikjohnson2889]

That’s awesome! Good luck. Thanks for sharing your story!

[@marstonstrength]

@@erikjohnson2889 Thank you Erik. It is truly appreciated.

[@erikjohnson2889]

@@marstonstrength I’m looking to apprentice with my neighbor, a master carpenter and electrician. I’m a full time musician, but building and woodworking really satisfies my soul. Mike Rowe and TOH are also huge inspirations for me! I wish you the best. Thanks again for the inspiration.

[@marstonstrength]

@@erikjohnson2889 Good luck my new friend.

[@david24442]

Great video. Thanks for sharing Richard's story.

[@georgejetson4378]

Thank you Richard. You are a priceless gem and an irreplaceable asset to all. 😀

[@joeleauvano7417]

I’m happy I saw this, this is amazing. I’m a journeymen out of Houston. Always put pride in what you do.

[@mikefanelli545]

God bless you, Rich. The world could use more people like you.

[@Mister006]

I had no idea! Papa Trethewey's DAPPER DAN in his hat and tie! THREE Generations of Tretheweys have been contributors to TOH! That is FANTASTIC! Richard, thanks for all you are and do!

[@Ted_E_Bear]

Old plumbers never die, they are just flushed away !

[@neomatrix2722]

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful story it brought me to tears I'm appreciative and I'm thankful for you and all that you and your team do together keep safe I love you all from new Brunswick Canada

[@mixpick138]

OMG! Those old clips are priceless! I just get a kick out of TOH and all it does but to see some of the back story is really amazing. Thanks!

[@vestel777]

I just wish that EVERY EPISODE would be released on KZbin and Blu-ray.

[@Aaron-bu3mo]

Ya brought a tear to my eye Mr. Trethewey

[@topallielton]

Thank you. This show is great.

[@Longeno55]

We have thoroughly enjoyed and also learned much from your work over the many years with This Old House! Best wishes to you and thanks!

[@MrMcgooOG]

An honorable profession, that anyone can hold their head up high. Thank You Richard. Pay it forward

[@valazuniga]

Awesome interview. Loved seeing the old pics. He's the prefect fit for TOH!

[@Poncho758]

From one plumber to another Rich nailed it, it’s the Challenge problem solving.

[@chrisreicherts7332]

Awesome video! Love the background on Richard. Very talented guy

[@trustnoone4328]

Great show , learn a lot from Richard .Great plumber a asset to the plumbing industry .

[@scottburton414]

Lovely photos of Richard and family, past and present.

[@michaelwarren2391]

Thanks for doing this. I've always enjoyed and learned from Richard.

[@mae2759]

That Hulk Hogan mustache on 22 year old Richard is on point!

[@Mixwell1983]

I already have the tissue and lotion out for "how Tom became a carpenter" Fr fr mad respect for these tradesmen and I enjoyed their storiew

[@caststudios9254]

Great video. Thanks for sharing your story.

[@josemedeiros007]

Great story, I always enjoy watching Richard with his vast years of experience in plumbing and HVAC.

[@ClarkS963]

Absolutely great video. More personal videos about the team would be awesome.

[@michellemarie1197]

My dad was a carpenter and also a cement worker both union and non union and he would always put on this old house in the mornings, and I'd always watch it with him even when i was 4 or 5 and I remember early on my dad waking up super early at 4 am in the winter time when it's still dark out, my mom would be asleep and he would make me cereal and hug me and get his stuff and go to work in his old used coca cola truck that he used to get to work, watching this old house always makes me think of him.

[@johnnyfeathers2567]

I love these origin stories..such a great bunch of guys.

[@nonyanks2510]

Have learned so much from Richard because of his cutaway models and clear knowledge!

[@brianbazzle2513]

As a Career and Technical Education (CTE) teacher, I really enjoyed this clip. I think it shines a much needed positive light on an important skilled trade. As I try to inspire students to pursue careers in the technical fields, I am already thinking how I can work this clip into one of my lessons. I hope TOH will do more similar clips in the future about some of its other regular contributors and their trades.

[@markofsaltburn]

It seems to be an anglophone thing that building trade professionals are somehow seen as “lower class”; it certainly isn’t that way in countries like Germany, for example. Plumbers like Richard who casually throw words like “serendipitously” into their conversation are just what’s needed to chip away at that culture!

[@donaloflynn]

​@@markofsaltburn I think the reason for this is that many people go into the trades because they're not smart enough to earn the same level of income doing more intellectually-demanding work. They make up much of the higher-earning segment of the so-called 'working class' or what Americans call 'blue collar' workers. I don't say so as any kind of slight against them, but simply as a statement of fact. Because they've gone to trade school rather than college, the class-concious don't rate them very highly. There is a great need to attract more high-achieving young people into the trades. Of course, some very intelligent people like Richard work in the trades, but I suspect that many of their equally intelligent peers just trod the well-worn path to college and into the corporate world. College isn't for everybody and as many office jobs that require a third level degree now need fewer staff than before because of automation, skilled tradespeople will have a much easier time finding employment than those with academic qualifications.

[@DSnyder82]

Richard is a true gem. What a likeable, capable co-host.

[@Engineer9736]

Thanks

[@scottboyne8305]

I love that guy. I always watch this old house and look forward to the plumbing segment

[@brucelee4996]

Thanks for sharing these mini- biographies. 👌

[@floatinglotuswomenswellness]

I always enjoy Richard's take on things - how he can really convey his excitement about tracking down the problem and finding the perfect solution. Nice to get a little background on where the magic comes from!

[@SumeetDurani]

Great story. Love your style of teaching Richard.

[@bonitahighley7922]

Thank you so much Richard!

[@MichaelWolfrom]

Awesome. Been watching Richard since the beginning. It is wonderful to see the evolution of his family !

[@JohnMiller-zn9pf]

I'm 46, This Old House was as much of my PBS childhood as Fred Rogers, Sesame Street and Electric Company

[@cromanxx1]

ATOH helped me in maintaining my home. Love this program.

[@soyeljefe8502]

Big fan of Richard. Thanks for all you've done through the years! Now... where to get my hands on more vintage footage...

[@danlourenco]

I never really appreciated This Old House until I became a home owner almost 9 months ago. What an invaluable resource this program is. Thanks Richard and the rest of the crew for all that you do; we’re all better for it.

[@Bonzomallard]

I always enjoy watching Richard and love his attitude. Such a lovely guy. ☺️

[@garthbutton699]

Thank you Richard for sharing your story with the viewers🤗😎🤗😎

[@mneraasen224]

Loved every second of this💗🙌🏻

[@maxtechmax]

Much respect to this guy.

[@Manuel-mb4zb]

I can listen him for hours. Thanks from Germany 😀

[@iguesi]

Thank you for generously sharing your time and know-how!... the generous soul will be made rich, and he who waters will also be watered himself.

[@James-lo5ne]

My grandfathers had always wanted to meet Richard before he passed. He was also a Richard and we loved watching This old house together.

[@davidmollard9832]

Same here. Second generation local 562 plumber/pipefitter. I'd be so proud to see my son follow in my footsteps.

[@StreetRacingR34]

This was such a nice episode.

[@henri6595]

Love this show.grew up watching it on PBS and now watch the clips online!

[@davecrossley4719]

I am 4th generation plumber (contractor) Down here in Australia, my great grandfather, grandfather , my father and my son, my two brothers, even my wife's brother is a plumber. So I fully understand the born into the trade thing. A lot of Plumbers I meet are sons and daughters ( more and more) of Plumbers. We are general contractors who mainly specialise in hot water ( electric and gas storage, solar, heat pump, instant (tankless in USA). Love this old house , some plumbing ( a lot of the old regulations originate from the UK) systems are slightly different and you guys are still stuck in feet and inches but mostly the same . Dave