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You could be right about the drain. The drain under the manhole cover isn't very far down from the surface. The toilet is located about 2 feet away so I guess the drop from the toilet to the drain might not be very steep as it hasn't got far to go. Not sure how we could resolve it -...

What do you mean by the drain falling the wrong way ? From memory, I think they put in new pipework that linked into the existing drain - does that make sense ? The pipe that comes up from the floor to meet the toilet is definitely new. It was only installed on saturday - so has always...

I spoke with the builder yesterday - they checked the drain under the manhole and said they didn't think they had caused the problem ! The plumber is coming later in the week - I've mentioned it to him but he seemed a bit vague about what the problem was. Yes all works to date have...

Hmmm - so how easy is that to fix ? The soil pipe runs through the roof space and then out of the building.

Hi Just had a new downstairs toilet fitted as part of an extension. The toilet flushes OK but just after it has flushed it makes a kind of popping noise, and the water level is low in the bottom of the pan. We've lifted the outside manhole cover and the drain appears to be clear...

Hi Just about to put floor insulation down prior to screed going on top. Does anyone know which is the better - Kingspan Kooltherm K3 or Kingspan Termafloor TF70. I've looked at the website but can't tell a lot of difference other than cost. Should I assume that if it costs more it's...

Thanks for the quick response. The boiler was in the house when we moved in 6 years ago. Very little info on it other than it's a Halstead Buckingham. No idea how old it is. Apart from having a new pump we've done nothing to it and it seems to work well. Probably not at it's peak in...

Hi We are extending the kitchen and would like to add another radiator. The nearest CH pipe feeds two double radiators in the lounge. It comes down through the ceiling so I assume it feeds other radiators upstairs. All the pipework is hidden under floorboards so not sure where it all...

I'm replacing all of our light bulbs with energy saving bulbs. Some of the lamps say 'maximum 25w', but can I use an 11w energy saving equivalent (which would give me 60w) ? Same applies with light shades - some have a maximum limit but can I go higher with energy saving bulbs ? I am...

OK - thanks for your help Nerine. Will have a look and give it some TLC over the weekend.

Hi The leaves are starting to brown around the edges. It looks a sorry sight. As I said before it had pear midge last year but then it looked OK and has seemed healthy ever since. Until about a fortnight ago. Do I need to treat it with anything ?

We planted a pear tree a couple of years ago - last year it was attacked by pear midge, and this year it hasn't produced any blossom but it looks healthy. Yesterday I noticed the tallest branch had drooped right over - is this normal for a pear tree ? I'm worried it will snap - is there...

The previous owner of my house has painted the render below the front bay window and managed to paint the bricks either side as well. I think it's either emulsion or masonry paint. Any ideas how I can get it off ? Would pressure washing work ? It would probably be too costly to get a...

Hi After 4 years hard slog in the garden we've finally reached the last part. It's about 10 ft by 40ft and is stuffed full of nettles, weeds and briars. I know the best way to clear it is to dig them out but earlier in the year I suffered a hernia and this will now be a difficult job...

Oh blimey, my decorator recommended that I use Tetrion for filling holes in the wall prior to papering - now I see that not many of you like it. Is it really horrid ? What are the main drawbacks with it ?

Hi I've got two questions. I've just removed the paper from our landing wall (house is about 60 years old but this bit is over plasterboard). The plaster is fine apart from one area where it appears to be pitted (deep grooves and dark in colour). It's dry but I wonder if in the past it...

Thanks for your comments. In terms of labour time, there were two guys who started work at around 8am and they went home at 7 pm, so they did a good day. I can't say if they removed all they said they would, but my mother said they did seem to be bringing a lot of stuff out of the attic...

Hi guys Thanks for your comments. He did fill in the back of the book. I have his Corgi number, which checks out, and he filled in all the relevant info including gas ratings, burner pressure, water flow rate, etc. He also fitted a scale reducer and he cleaned and flushed the system with...

To be fair my mother contacted him on the recommendation of a neighbour. Her old boiler was playing up (sorry don't know make and model but it was well over 20 years old). He did say he was Corgi registered and a guy called during the day to 'commission' the boiler. The new boiler is a...

Thanks Tony. You are spot on, his card only has a mobile number and his initials. He wanted to charge around £2,000 but for cash he accepted £1,800. It took him and his mate a day and he also removed the old boiler and relocated the new one, did a bit of brickwork and got rid of the...