Primer, PEX and CFLs

Costly Handyguy Mistakes: Primer. Use it or lose it.

Skipping primer or improperly prepping a surface for paint cant be a Costly DIY Mistake

The Handyguys continue their new segment this week called Costly DIY Mistakes. These are mistakes are ones we have personally seen or have been asked about by our listeners. This weeks mistake is not using primer when painting. The Handyguys discuss when you need to prime and when you don’t. Also discussed are stain blocking primers. A primer will help your finish paint job last longer.

The Handyguys then address a question about PEX piping

Our listener, Brian M., asks:

Thanks for recommending your podcasts to me on Twitter. I’m just beginning a new basement finishing project and I’ve been enjoying your basement finishing podcast series. Great stuff!

My question is about PEX tubing systems. I have to do some minor plumbing work as part of my project, including the relocation of one or two existing water supply lines that are currently in the way. I’ve been considering PEX systems as a replacement for some existing PVC supply lines because of its supposed flexibility and ease of installation. Are there any pitfalls or difficulties to watch out for when using PEX? To save on headroom, would it be acceptable to run the PEX tubing across joists in the ceiling utilizing knock-out holes in the joists? I only have to relocate one or two existing supply lines and build a handfull of new supply lines. Do you think my project is too small to invest in the specialized tools needed to install PEX?

Click on the image for a full size rendition of Sharkbite fittings

The Handyguys discuss the question.

What is the solution to costly PEX tools? Use SharkBite.  SharkBite® push-fit fittings are designed to simplify pipe installation. The fittings allow the user to connect pipe in seconds with relative ease.

In Handyguy Brian’s recent project he was able to use Sharkbite fittings to simplify the installation, eliminate the need for a torch install without a completely dry joint. Check out the Sharkbite Selection at The Handyguys Amazon Store and listen to the podcast for the details.

What are ya doing lately? Recent Handyguy Adventures

Click the image to see it full size and so you can see the base

Paul installed a new light fixture that included a CFL light bulb with a new kind of base. I guess the “Edison Base” isn’t good enough for those in the government. These new bulb bases will become more common. The base is called a GU24 base. It is a standard on new Energy Star rated light fixtures. The purpose is to prevent you from using a standard incandescent bulb in a new fixture. Oh, and the home centers and hardware stores are not always stocking these bulbs. As Paul found out, they sell the fixture and not the bulb. Argh.

The Handyguys have a solution. Get your GU24 base bulbs from The Handyguys store.
GU24 Bulb Selection at The Handyguys Amazon Store

Lastly – our listener made reference to us being on twitter. You can follow us by following @handyguys or clicking here

Related shows:

1. Building A Shed And Led Light Bulb Opinions
2. How To Cut Metal, CFL Safety And Water Saving Flush Valves
3. Listener Questions – The Steven Show

The Handyguys answer a listener question about PEX and then discuss home energy audits

If you like our show please consider visiting for us in the Bloggers Choice Award, podcast category. The link is on the right hand side of our home page.

“Hi guys, I appreciate what you are doing. I am also a computer guy in my day job.  Trying to be handy has been a challenge and what you are doing helps me. Now to the questions for your podcast.What do you think of plumbing with PEX? As a follow-up to this question, why wouldn’t you always use PEX?  Why “sweat it”? ”

PEX stands for cross-linked polyethylene. This water supply piping is the newest generation of a flexible ‘plastic’ piping. The Handyguys discuss its pros and cons.

“I would suggest being more efficient first when considering saving money heating your home. To be more specific, get a Home Energy Assessment. This is a detailed analysis of your home with recommendations on where to improve items such as insulation, heating, etc… The recommendations will have the cost along with the payback period. This allows you to know what to change. You could easily do a whole show on the topic. Have fun!”

This lead to a lot of discussion as to what a Home Energy Assessment was, where to get one and how much does it cost. You can sometime get rebates on taxes, get it done at a discount by your energy provider, etc. There are different types of energy audits.

One way to do an energy audit is to do it yourself. You can find a website that will help you do a basic audit at http://hes.lbl.gov/You can search for companies that do full energy audits at http://www.natresnet.org/ Listen to the podcast for more details. Good luck with your audit.

If you are a vendor and do full audits with thermal imaging and blower tests and would like The Handyguys to follow an audit from beginning to end during our show, let us know via the contact tab on the site.

Next week we will have more discussion on space heaters and whether they can really save you money.

Stay warm this winter and thanks for listening!

Related shows:

1. Energy Star Fraud And Basement Egress Requirements
2. LED Christmas Lights for Energy Savings
3. Can You Save 50% In Your Energy Bill With A Space Heater?