The Handyguys take two fan questions on very different topics. Destructive squirrels and carpeting options for a basement.

Squirrels

The Handyguys received the following question from Larry, a listener of the show:

Hi, I have squirrels eating away at the lead pipe flashing (roof jack). that surround the PVC vent pipes that extend out of the roof and along some fascia boards. In searching for a solution, one person said they may be missing a mineral in their diet. Another said they chew to keep their teeth from growing to long.

1. Any truth to these?
2. Any idea why they eat lead pipe flashing (roof jack)?
3. How can I stop them permanently from eating the lead pipe flashing (roof jack) and fascia boards?
4. How can I repair the lead pipe flashing (roof jack) with buying entirely new pipe flashing and lifting shingles?

Larry – We aren’t completely sure why the squirrels are trying to get into your house. Brian’s guess is they want to come in out of the cold.  Regardless you don’t want the squirrels destroying your house. We suggest you begin an agressive relocation program. You can get a trap and easily relocate the squirrels. Check out this one from Havahart.

As for repair – You should just replace the boot on the pipe vent through your roof. You can use Bondo for the Fascia. We discuss some other options in the podcast. Make sure you give it a listen.

Carpet for your basement

The Handyguys then take a question from Eric about carpet for his basement:

First, off just wanted to say great site and great information.

Here is my situation. Carpet and the basement. My wife and I are nearly done with our basement and ready to pick out and put in some nice carpet. But we have no idea how to buy carpet or what sort of padding is best to put under the carpet. Our basement is a solid poured concrete floor and walls. We have no water or any moisture to really mention a small dehumidifier runs occasionally and the basement seems dry.

We have 3 young kids and one big dog and would like a carpet and padding that would be able to hold up.

Thanks

Eric

The Handyguys discuss some different carpet options. Both Brian & Paul are in agreement that a decent pad that is not absorbent is a must. Also, you may want to consider commercial carpet as well.

Loop Berber	Commercial
Twist pile Mohawk SmartStrand	Padding

What are you doing lately?

We wrap up the show with a discussion about some cabinets that are pulling off the wall because they are overloaded. These are a decent brand of cabinets. Brian was able to add some screws into the soffit to hold them until the cabinets are repaired.

Basement Toilet Installs, Water Saving Flush Valves and Dryer Vent Cleaning

Saniflow Saniplus Toilet and pump system

First off – The Handyguys begin by addressing a listener question.

Julianne asks:

Hi! I am considering purchasing a bi-level home. When you walk in the door, you have the choice of going upstairs where there is a kitchen, bathroom and 2 bedrooms… Or you have the choice of going downstairs, which is partially in the ground. It has a living room, laundry room and two bedrooms.
My question is this:
The downstairs portion does not have a bathroom. The only bathroom in the home is upstairs. Is it possible to add a bathroom to the downstairs portion of a bi-level home…or is this impossible since it is “underground” and you would have to find a way to flush the “sewage” upward?

Thanks for your help.  I look forward to hearing from you soon!
Julianne

Short answer – yes!

Listen to the podcast for Handyguy Brian & Paul discussing some issues to consider.

1. Does this house have a city sewer drain or is it a septic system?
2. Where does your sewer pipe enter the house?
   1. On some houses it enters at the floor (or under the floor) of the lower or basement level.  On other houses it enters about 4 feet high in the basement.  If it is above the basement floor, you will need to have an ejector/grinder pump installed.  This is typically best installed in a pit under the floor.  Concrete will have to be removed and you will have to determine where this can be located.  There is also a toilet which is sold with an above grade container which does not require you to cut into the concrete floor.
   2. You normally want to install the bathroom near where the sewer pipe enters the house for easier install.  If you want the bathroom on the opposite side of the lower level, then there would be more work/mess/expense involved
3. Do you have room for the bathroom?  Is it a half or whole bath?  If I recall, you can get a very basic full bathroom in a 4′x8′ area but then you may need more space if installing an ejector pump pit.
4. You will need to install a vent connection for the sink, bath and the pump. You will want to determine how you will be able to route the pipes to either the main vent stack (if large enough for these added plumbing devices) or where you can run a new pipe.

The bottom line is that you should have a couple of professional plumbers size up the situation and provide you some quotes on the work to get a bathroom installed.  It can be complicated but it is certainly doable.

Toilet Fill Valves

The next topic that The Handygys discuss is fill valves for toilets. Handyguy Paul needed a new fill valve for his toilet. He ended up getting a leak sentry version from Fluidmaster. What is special about this fill valve? How does this help you save water? If you have a leak in the flapper and water is draining down the drain the valve wont keep filling the tank. Worst case, if you have a leak, you will loose down the drain only the water in the tank. You will also know you have a problem when you go to flush next time. Listen to the podcast for discussion of this product.

Dryer vent Cleaning

Lastly – The Handyguys discuss dryer vent cleaning. Dryer vents can be dangerous if the get clogged. According to the CPSC in 1998 clothes dryers caused over 15 thousand fires, 20 deaths and 370 injuries. Fires can occur when lint builds up in the exhaust. Handyguy Paul tested out The Linteater system and was quite happy with it. He almost got into a little trouble with it though. Paul – Read The Fine Manual next time! Listen to the podcast for discussion and impressions.