Recent content by Big-D

In the bathroom in our 4 yr old house, the plasterboard wall along the length of the bath/shower is coming away from the outer stone wall. There is a long crack/gap opening at the join between wall and ceiling. Pressing a hand on the wall, you can see the gap wideing/flexing. Is there an...

I have only just discovered that in the course of installing fencing our landscapers amputated the drain which extends from the rone pipe at the corner of the house, to the rodding point, a distance of about 10ft. (I assume at the furthest point by the rodding point there is a soak-away to...

I want to plant up a small orchard with about 15 trees. I know that the water main (blue plastic pipe) has been routed somewhere diagonally across the area, but I don't know exactly where. What would be the cheapest/easiest/quickest way to find this out? Water divining? Builders plans (house...

Hello - I'm looking for a recommendation on the best mower for the job, which is: I have a series of nine, 6m x 1m grass stripes with each stripe bounded by fine pea-gravel. (Everedge edging has been used to separate the grass from the gravel). Given the above, I'm assuming I will need a...

Well - a quick exchange of emails with Proj.Man today reveals that his true motive is indeed to favour his own schedule, rather than the best interests of my Project. So, we are having a 'summit meeting' tomorrow at which time we will probably part company with both him and Landscaper...

Hi - and thanks for your quick responses. I was being a tad devious - at present it is our Proj.Mngr (an arbori-whatsit) who recommends that the grass is planted 1st. The reason for my post was to establish if there was any truth in his assertion (ref. damage etc) or whether he was merely...

I have a landscaping project underway which will include a small orchard of 12 or so trees. The surface has recently been cultivated to a fine tilth. I am now getting conflicting advice between Landscaper and Project Manager (arboriculturalist) about the order of planting: One says the...

I want to create a small orchard out of ½acre of meadow. The field extends over a regular-sloping, west facing bank. The slope has been lightly rotovated, and will be stone-picked. It is now mid-April. Question: Have I missed the opportunity this year to plant the trees? If not, when is...

Thanks for your prompt advice Zampa - will give that a try. Here's hoping... Cheers, Big-D

A recent un-noticed & temporary water leak across concrete garage floor has eventually resulted in white plasterboard ceiling becoming almost totally covered in green mould. Does anyone have any suggestions as to how to clean the mould off, prevent it from re-generating (ie. kill it off), and...

Thanks for all advice guys ... will check tank levels & reset UPSO tomorrow am.

Yes - it's a bulk tank - size of a mini-sub! OK - wots an UPSO - where can I find it - and I'll go pull it ... :-) By the way - thanks for such prompt replies chaps/chapesses.

Alpha Combi (on LPG) is not working - not heating water or rads. Steady RED neon light showing. Pressure gauge was below the green sector, but I've boosted pressure back in to the green via filling loop. Have turned the dial to Reset and can hear the boiler trying to fire up, but neon just...

Thanks TTC. The material is mostly fibrous and has hard bits in it (plaster?) - I'm wondering if its perhaps building debris (roof insulation?) that's recently worked loose? No sign of a grille or mesh in flue - only a 'mushroom cap' over the end of pipe. What should I use ideally?

Hello. 2 questions: 1. Took cover off fan to remove soft obstruction from fan blades .. bits of loose wadding of some sort ( - a bit like old asbestos?? - tho this is a new house just 2yrd old). Should there be a grille or something in the flue to stop wee birds & beasties & traffic noise...