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I was about to put up a metal rail in my kitchen, and my buried cable detector appears to show the whole wall is live. It seems to be working - giving no signal on any other wall, and appropriate signals on live wires and metals. There seems to be a current leak somewhere - the rail I already...

I have block central heating, with old fashioned 3/4" pipe. Does anyone know where I can find wooden pipe collars in 3/4" or 22mm ? Many thanks Raphael

This one has me flummoxed. Valves are wide open, supply pipe is hot, but return is cold. Panel is cold. Bleed valve indicates panel is full of water (but comes out cold) Water must be moving or the supply wouldn't be hot - so what is going on ? Any clues/suggestions gratefully received....

I'm planning a complete refit of my flat, and want to install a new ceiling in the living room to house various lighting circuits. I haven't got much room to play with, so I can only afford 120mm space, but the spec I'm aiming for is: 1 (dining area): architectural cove lamps, s12d, 8...

I'm looking for a steel, multi-point locking front door, ideally tested to Level IV attack (ie power tools). Ideally something with timber cladding, so it doesn't look too industrial. The main company appears to be Gardesa, and comes in at about 1250 +VAT installed. Does anyone know anyone...

I'm looking for recommendations for someone to do some simple rewiring in a flat in central London. There are twobasic jobs that need doing: 1: move existing wiring for sockets under floorboards. Currently the flex is clipped to the skirting boards, with surface-mounted boxes. Needs to be...

Out flat is on the top floor, under a flat roof. In summer, we can feel heat radiate off the ceiling at night - the temperature become unbearable. Would putting 150mm of rockwool or other insulation help ? Can't really afford to give up much more height, but since I want to put in a false...

I'm buying a 1930s flat, which I want to do some work on - can anyone recommend a project manager in London ? The work would include rewire, new windows/doors, fitted living room furniture, new flooring, new kitchen, possibly new bathroom - and if I'm feeling brave, moving internal walls and...

I'm thinking of building a fitted wardrobe, but off-the peg doors are expensive, so I'm thinking 30mm timber frames faced with 3-ply. I've been looking everywhere for carpentry books with plans, but can't find anything - anyone have any tips ? Also, when building the frame to take the...

Had the immersion heater element replaced. The plumber replaced the old 3 foot element with one that's around 18" (due to access problems). Question: should my hot water take longer to heat ? It seem pretty lukewarm ever since the repair (and I cranked the thermostat on the top of the...

One of the rings on my ceramic hob ("speedlight" type, not halogen) has died - is it worth trying to repair it ? My guess is that a call-out charge would be more than the replacement cost, so DIY is the only economically sensible option really.. but is it possible to obtain spare elements ...

I have to reskim the bathroom and replaster a few patches where the old gypsum has blown. Weber SBD recommend 4 weeks drying time... How long would people recommend in the real world ? The gypsum is going on to breezeblock, in two patches, both 20mm deep - one patch is 1' x 3'., the other...

I need to bury some 22mm Hep in the wall, and I want to do it kosher - partly to stick to the regs, and partly to avoid thermal expansion blowing the plaster. I'm thinking 25mm corrugated electrical conduit - but I'm afraid the internal diameter may be too small. If I slit it, presumably it...

I'm replacing my shower valve, but the back of the cavity in the (two course brick) wall is uneven. The old 15mm pipework was holding the old Mira 8 in place. I'm running hep to the new valve, but now I need to put a board at the back of the cavity to hold the new valve. The cavity is about 1...

I want to top off the Geberit cistern I', installing with a stone sill - but the local stonemasons (West London) quoted me £ 70. All I want is a small stone sill - not the Taj Mahal ! My question is, if I find someone who will cut me the sill to the right size, can I use a standard router to...