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Thanks for that. If we did this, would we still need to vent the chimney breasts (as was recommended in our homebuyers survey, which we never got round to!)

Hello all, We have a two chimney stacks that desperately need re-pointing. Someone has suggested that instead of re-pointing the stacks, we remove them to below the roof line (into the loft), and tile over. The house is 1890s end terrace, and both chimney breasts are on the party...

We've owned a house for 5 years now, and have constantly had what I believe to be penetrating damp throughout this time. The damp appears as large patches in various places upstairs, and downstairs (gable end and front), usually after heavy/prolonged periods of rain. On advice from...

Sorry Dan (or anyone), in addition, when you say to clip the pipes, should I be using copper/brass saddles, or just the plastic type that are nailed in place (I assume copper saddles are more permanent... ). Also, is it a case of just starting from the toilet, attaching the pipes and...

Thanks for that. If it's just a symptom, can I just find and clip the pipes, or is it a faulty ball valve, that's causing the extra vibrations that are shaking the pipes? Also, how does the washer causing the same noise fit into the above (is it just loose pipes?)?

For the past few weeks, whenever we flush the en-suite toilet, there seems to be a prolonged vibration noise which lasts for approx a minute after flushing. The noise is similar to a chair/table being dragged across a tile floor (we also have a toddler!). This weekend, we've also started...

Thanks for that. I think it's like a thin plastic sheet with a (thick) polystyrene backing. If I were chicken-out and call a 'pro' in, to fit ladders (and/or a hatch), who from the trade should I be getting quotes from? Carpenter, builder, handyman??? I'm happy I can fit the flooring...

Thanks for that. Not the answer I was hoping for (but the one I was expecting). It looks like I'll need get someone in to quote for fitting a replacement hatch!

Sorry, I probably haven't explained myself properly. The issue is I want to be able to open the hatch, and retrieve the ladders whilst stood on the landing (with one of those loft pole thingies). If I just fit ladders, and use the existing hatch, I'd need to get onto step ladders to remove...

I have a new-ish house (16 years old), with access to the loft by an access panel on the landing (approx 550 x 550 mm). To get access you currently push the detached panel/cover, which is a big plastic square with polystyrene on the back up into the loft, and out of the way. What I wanted...

Thanks Colin. I've seen the same thing recommended elsewhere, so am going to give it a go for now to see if it works.

I have an Ignis AKL 829 (I think), and all of the markings for the timer, temperature and oven functionality have completely worn off. I'm led to believe to fix this I'm going to need to replace the control panel. Is this the case? If so, how easy is it for a novice DIYer to do, or is it a...

It's a gravity hot water system.

Is the supply that can be isolated likely to be on the pipes leading to the shower, or elsewhere in the house? The house is about 15 years old if that would make a difference to the "typical" setup. Sorry if that's a stupid question, though I looked under the shower basin, and couldn't...

I think with all the messing I did, I'd be surprised if I didn't scratch the opening where the "O" ring was. :( Can I ask what difference it would make it if was the hot or cold water causing the leak? If it makes any difference to the prognosis, the shower still seems to be cooling down...

Well you were right, it is a b*****d to remove, and took me an hour and a half to do so. Despite removing it, replacing it with the new one and covering in vaseline, the shower head has started dripping (almost 200ml an hour). Can anyone suggest anything to try to reduce or stop this...

We've moved into a house, and the privacy knob to lock the bathroom/toilet doors have all been removed. The handles look standard, just with a hole where the locking knob has been removed. The house is approx 15 years old. It's the type where, when locked, the lock prevents the handle...

I completely agree DP (and yes, I'm going round in panicky circles). If I could only find someone willing to try to fix it! Everyone I've ever had seems to say, "ohh its old and should really be replaced". I understand it's probably easier and less hassle to fit a new one (than try to...

Thanks for the response. I'm not really trying to get into a "which boiler" discussion. I'm more concerned about the legalities, and whether they should be of concern? What would be the repercussions of just going ahead? The house is let out. I'm not sure how long I'll have it...

I've been quoted to have a boiler replaced (by Gas Registered Engineer, who came as a recommendation), and the cheapest quote was for a Main 30 HE (which I'm told it a rebranded baxi, and a decent(???) budget boiler). Doing a quick search though, and I've seen things mentioning it being a...