Recent content by elsmandino

Thanks guys - I shall see if I can get through this winter and aim to upgrade all my radiators, next year - they are all very old anyway. I drained my system down, to put TRVs on every radiator so this radiator does need bleeding as it is empty. Slightly off track but the radiator that needs...

Hi there. I have been checking our radiators for the upcoming winter (ironically, over the hottest weekend of the year) and one of my radiator valves is stuck closed, so I cannot bleed it. I bought a radiator key but it is too big - in the past, I have just used a pair of pliers but they just...

Thanks very much for all your input. Just to confirm what I am up to: I have a Y-Plan central heating and hot water system. My current controller is on its way out and, as I am into home-automation, I am swapping it with one of these: https://www.shelly.com/products/shelly-2pm-gen4 The only...

Hi there. I need to buy a couple of relays to update my heating system: * A mechanical SPDT NO relay, 230v 10A * A mechanical SPST relay, 230v 10A If I type these into Google, I get a whole range of different makes from all sorts of sources. What brands should I look for and are there any...

Thanks guys - much appreciated. I am pretty concerned about the pipes, now. How much of this need replacing? As a general guide, what am I looking for that suggests that copper piping has had it?

Hi there. I am just putting in a new bath and, having removed the old one, I have noticed that the hot tap is connected to a 22mm pipe and the cold is 15mm pipe. I need to connect both to the new taps (3/4") with flexihose but, I have just come back from Screwfix and noticed that they won't...

Apologies - just as an example, if I were to buy this kit: https://www.screwfix.com/p/forest-ultima-decking-kit-2-4m-x-2-4m/923fl#product_additional_details_container Could I place it directly on a concrete slab or will it rot away? I understand that it is pressure treated timber but it does...

Afternoon all. I had a garage demolished, last year, and now have a concrete base that is 12 feet x 22 feet. I like the idea of putting down some decking on top and, from having done a bit of research, realise that the decking frame needs to be constructed using "class 4" timber - i.e. any...

I have had a quick look on the Lidl website (nice to seem Arnie on there) - it is not quite clear how you buy the tools. Do you have to just wait until they are in stock and pick them up, in person, whilst you can?

Thank you - apologies for the same post on two different sites. Budgetwise - if I could spend around £250.00 in total, that would be great, though £300.00 would be OK. I have had mixed results with Screwfix homebrand products - I bought a McAllister Tracksaw that has been absolutely fine but I...

Hi there. I have recently got into woodworking and could really do with the following tools to help with my current DIY projects: * Multitool * Random Orbital Sander * Router As an amateur, I do not need to buy anything absolutely top end but would like to avoid buying anything so cheap that...

Great - exactly what I need (i.e. a MOMO actuator). I would prefer to not go down the DIY route, if possible - as mentioned, this might cause some confusion for subsequent purchasers of the house. I have got through a number of valves over the years and this shall hopefully help put a stop to...

Thanks so much for all this - extremely helpful. I agree that the Y Plan really is a great example of lateral thinking to (I presume) save costs. I did exactly this and the valve did indeed stay in the A position. I cannot believe that I had not noticed this before - my central heating (in...

Afternoon all. I have recently come across an apparent "downside" of Y-Plan heating systems, whereby the valve can be held in position, even when no heating or hot water is required. In my ignorance, I have never noticed this, despite having lived in my house for well over ten years. I...

Thanks ever so much for this - extremely helpful. Does look like I am going to have to do a bit of planning/testing, before I proceed with this. It does make perfect sense to put the thermostat in the coldest room - as you say, all the warmer rooms can then also be accurately controlled with...