Search results

Hi, is there a specific type or brand of sealant/mastic used for joining/sealing SIPS - or will any good quality builder's mastic be suitable? Many thanks in advance, Steve

Hi, I wasn't sure where to ask for help and thought I'd try here - I need some advice on a 3 Phase motor that's running slow - I've got an old woodworking combination machine that's fitted with three small 3 phase 2.2kW motors. I tried to use the table saw earlier today but the motor's running...

The new loo I'm trying to fit is leaking at the pan connection - I've just fitted the third (different brands of) connector, this one seems the tightest yet, but there is still a slight leak after flushing. The pipe connection is good, it's nice and straight, nothing strained or stretched. I've...

I just wanted to query my recent kitchen fan installation. I've had to have a 6" fan fitted through the kitchen wall as the extractor hood above the cooker isn't located near an external wall and ducting wasn't possible. The wall fan is connected to a switched fused connection unit...

I want to replace some double sockets but I'm not sure which is the correct wiring method. I've had three electricians work on our barn conversion and workshops over the past eight years, and each one has wired the ring main sockets differently. The first one twisted the pairs of wires...

5kw log burner in a new build - according to various articles I've read there's no need to fit an air brick for log burners 5kw or under, but as a new build is almost draught free, should I install an air brick anyway? If yes, then how big should it be and does the position matter? I was...

I've been converting a single storey barn for some years now, and as I haven't been able to chose which security alarm system to buy I've run the cables for the sensors etc throughout the building ready for when I do eventually make a decision. The final cable I need to install is for the...

I've been converting a single storey barn now for some time and have put TV coax in to each room as I've progressed with the build - trying to make everything as future proof as I can. Planning won't allow TV aerials or satellite dishes on the exterior of the building, and as the house has...

Please could anyone give me some advice before I start searching for replacement motors - yesterday my saw bench ran for about 5 seconds before tripping both its breaker and the RCD on the distribution board. It's one of three small identical 2.2kW 3hp 3 phase motors fitted to an old combination...

I've just had a couple of lights installed along my drive, the electrician has used 2 core 1.5mm SWA cable. I don't really want to question the work done, but is it OK to use the armoured sleeve on the SWA cable as the earth? Previous electricians have used 3 core cable, connecting both the...

I've got an existing outdoor plug socket at the top of my drive supplied by approx 10 metres of 2.5 twin and earth from the garage. I want to connect a bulkhead type light at either end of the drive, which is 31 metres long, with the minimum of fuss. I was planning on running a cable along...

Could anyone please tell me where I can buy one roll (only found it in quantities of 5 or 10) of Hodgson Flexibond 15mm x 2.5mm off white glazing tape? I've found the Flexistrip tape, but I need the Flexibond to match the existing half finished frames.

My brother has recently purchased an inverter to run a 3 phase lathe, which has been wired to a 10A C rated RCBO so it's protected. The lathe is plugged directly into the front of inverter at the 415V outlet - does the lathe, or any other machine he decides to use, need to have it's own...

My consumer box is in the utility room which is in the middle of a single storey L shaped barn conversion - the supply for five smoke detectors goes up into the void directly above the utility room and will then go off to linked detectors in five completely different directions. I've run...

Can anyone recommend an exterior paint for windows and doors for bare, untreated softwood frames, one set of patio doors that already have a coat of primer and some hardwood windows. I've read quite a few threads on here, but can't work out whether to go for oil or water based paint. I've...

We've just acquired a range cooker with gas hob for the kitchen that isn't even boarded out yet. We've no natural gas but have checked with supplier who can provide an LPG conversion kit consisting of a new hose and jets. I'll obviously get someone with the relevant qualifications to connect and...

Is there an alternative to fitting switched fused sockets for appliances above the worktop? My electrician has suggested a cable outlet on the ring main mounted a few inches below the worktop at the back of the adjacent cupboard. Then take a spur to a switched fused outlet or standard plug...

I've got a small 240v pillar drill with a 550W motor. It's getting on a bit but has been very reliable until recently - every now and then the motor doesn't turn and just hums, spinning the chuck by hand gets it going, but isn't exactly safe. Is this due to a worn capacitor, or will I...

I've got an elevated kitchen ceiling with king trusses and multi-foil insulation with 35mm counter battens - I was thinking of using matchboarding or similar T&G boards on top of a single layer of plasterboard (for some additional sound proofing). Will I have to add furring strips between the...

I've got a log burner that will be fitted in a room with an elevated ceiling, and as most of the heat produced will be wasted just sitting in the roof space I've decided to duct the warm air back in to the next room/main living area. Is there an existing product that I can buy to switch a...