Recent content by Dave1UK

So I planned to do the swaps today however ran into an issue and after some advice. I thought I'd begin with the downstairs corridor radiator first. Change the TRV valve. I turned the boiler off, on the radiator I turned the lock shield valve to the closed state, I turned the TRV to closed...

Indeed, not too worried about draining down etc. Just about the potential olive situation, i.e. reusing old olives -> removing old olives -> deforming the pipes. Yeah probably makes sense to not use a TRV in that case for the room. Since posting have been watching more videos about valve...

Probably several decades, but who knows when these have been changed last? I've seen a few reviews and allegedly the olive puller is more likely to deform the pipe as opposed to other tools like a olive cutter/normal pliers to remove etc. I'm no expert just going based off what I've researched...

I would, however one valve has corrosion so that would need replacing 100%. The rest (no heads) I do try pushing down the valve pin before turning radiators on for winter and it's always stiff so it would probably be better to replace, don't think they've been replaced in like 10+ years.

So we have a total of 3 radiators upstairs and 4 radiators downstairs. They all have TRV valves, however only have about 3 TRV heads, rest are missing, headless. I am looking at buying new heads with a valve set and replacing them. I am a decent DIYer however just a bit concerned in regards to...

Aware this is the landlords responsibility, however we have been living here for years and have a good relationship with the landlord, the landlord hasn't increased our rent at all since moving in. We are happy with the property overall and it's very affordable for what it is. With 'big' things...

Hi, So we have these current windows (pictured) I believe they are aluminium? Few weeks ago I realised that almost all of them are misaligned by quite a reasonable amount of mm whereby one side is flush however the other almost leaves a open gap. The hinges themselves don't look bent, open and...

So after having several days of rain, and now hot weather, a 'heatwave' by UK standards the next couple of days and it being a bank holiday as well so more time to get stuff done. How advisable is it to get my patio laid? I am particularly concerned with the mortar setting correctly and not...

Nice! Yeah a paddle mixer is more than enough for the bricklaying I need doing, wouldn't dream of using cement mixer, it would end up all going off! I'm assuming the "Brickie" is that laying kit you're using? Saw a review on a YouTube video, however can't justify the spend on it for a garden...

Any advice for laying bricks tomorrow in the "heat" not super hot but hot enough 24 degrees Celsius? I will be mixing small batches, go brick by brick. Will dampen the brick before using. Bricks will be stored in the shade. Should I cover up the work I have already done before starting to keep...

So maybe my mix wasn't the issue for the lower course as had a lot of trouble "beating" it down. Due to lack of experience and as there was basically a lip/wall on one side of the brick guess the excess mortar would compact there preventing/making it harder to get down to level if too much...

So I had another go today at the mortar mix and began bricklaying. Consistency was creamy this time just needed a touch more water! How creamy can I go? As I had a few issues "beating" the brick down low enough, either due to adding too much mortar or mortar still bit too dry? Put a full bed...

I probably mixed the whole mixture for close to 10 minutes? Gradually adding water to see how the consistency changes/improves before adding more guess maybe need longer/more? @all I have attached photos of the sand that I am working with.

Sand in the bag wasn't that wet if at all as has been out in the "sun", based in London. An actual dedicated paddle mixer (attached photo). Yeah I bought the sand from Wickes over a week ago. Will take a photo of the bag tomorrow. It's definitely building sand as I have 2 tonne bags of sharp...

So today I done pointing on a garden brick wall before I lay some additional bricks on it. I wasn't too happy with the consistency of the mortar and wondering whether I'm doing something wrong/maybe made it too dry or could the issue be using a paddler mixer as opposed to mixing by hand? I used...