Search results

I have a Y Plan heating system and there is a "boom" during the hot water schedule when the heating side calls for heat. My understanding is that this is caused by the pressure of water against the valve when the pump initially starts up. My question is, what is the best way to overcome this? Thanks

I have an existing single skin brick wall that has a round window set into into it. I'm going to add 100mm of insulation and then plasterboard to the wall - the insulation and plasterboard would come up to the edge of the window. I'm looking for ideas as to how I can fill the resulting gap...

I've just bought a second-hand composite door which has dropped on one side (catching at the bottom). I've had an initial play with the hex screws and think I understand what does what. The door margins vertically are not too far off but I can't seem to be able to raise the door on the...

I am constructing a fence and in the past have used concrete posts but this particular style of fence doesn't lend itself well to concrete so I will be using treated wooden posts. I'm trying to think of ways to improve the life of the posts and make future replacement easier so would welcome...

I'm currently building an extension (done under building regs including the electrical) and I've inadvertently run a couple of twin and earth cables each with two brown cores. One to an extractor fan and one to an outside socket. I've no idea where this drum came from as I've never knowingly...

Very simple question regarding the water pressure gauge on a Greenstar i25 erp boiler. I went to view a property for sale today and noticed that the pressure gauge was showing 0. The boiler itself was working (heating and hot water) but can someone please confirm my thoughts which are that the...

I need to replace the cartridge on a mixer tap but need to unscrew the small metal cap at the top of the handle to get to the grub screw. The cap won't move under hand pressure and there is very little metal to grip so does anyone have a trick to removing these without breaking the ceramic?

Really simple question this one! I'm installing a new consumer unit (under building control) and need a couple of clamps for the tails but can't seem to find them anywhere (looked on eBay, Toolstation, CEF, TLC.). Can someone please point me in the right direction as I would think these must be...

I have a new 32mm incoming water supply which terminates directly below where my new boiler will be located. My thoughts are that I should reduce from 32mm down to 22mm and then where I tee off for the boiler, I use a reducing tee to provide a 15mm feed for the boiler and another 15mm feed for...

I've decided to buy myself a new torch and need it for both general plumbing work (I am not a plumber but am refurbishing a house and do my own pipework) and I have just got into the world of stationary engines so I want to be able to undertake brazing work on those. I think the GoSystem QP8088H...

I have a light fitting (photo below) which is making a very low volume "buzzing" sound even when the lights are off. This changes slightly in pitch and volume when the lights are turned on. Really not sure what is going on as there are no electronics involved so I think it must be some form of...

I have a combi system (Baxi 224) in a rented 1st floor maisonette that is losing pressure and by losing I mean dropping to 0 overnight. I first had a problem three weeks ago but assumed that it just needed topping up (was low but not 0). Yesterday the system failed ( 0 pressure) so I filed and...

A very simple question to answer by someone in the know but anyway here goes!. I have a cast iron radiator with valve bodies that screw directly into the radiator. I applied what I thought was copious amounts of PTFE tape to the valve thread (10 turns) but when the valve is screwed in and...

I'm in the process of constructing a kitchen extension with a pitched roof. Plan (signed off in building regs) is to use Kingspan K7 (or equivalent) between and over the rafters with a 12.5mm plasterboard finish. Insulation with a plasterboard backing seems to be a lot more expensive than buying...

Simple question. I think the answer is no but could someone please confirm if I still need to use eves tiles with interlocked tiles (Marley Modern or similar). Thanks

I need to run in a new water main feed necessitating moling under an existing passageway. I intend to dig the required holes at either end myself but still I am being quoted around £1000 to undertake the moling. I am aware of existing services (gas feed just below the surface) and my thoughts...

I am constructing a kitchen extension and building a new utility room and together they will form an "L" shape around the existing kitchen. The roof (which will be pitched) will be at different heights for the kitchen and utility structures so where the roofs meet, there will be a change in...

I am in the process of constructing an extension and would like some advice please on how to waterproof part of the external wall which will be below the level of the adjacent garden. To clarify, the garden slopes upwards away from the house and I have dug out to allow for footings etc. and am...

Not an electrical problem as such but more a request for advice on a potential career! I am a qualified electrical engineer (so not an electrician) but I am very practical and undertake my own electrical work (house re-wire, panel change etc - with professional sign-off by others where required)...

I am in the process of building a new utility room and am looking to minimise the drainage requirements for a dishwasher, sink and washing machine. The utility room will be adjacent to an existing outside toilet (to be retained) and I noticed today that the sink next to this toilet drains...