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Hi Tonight the RCD tripped after my daughter opened and then closed the fridge. I thought the fridge was at fault, but after some investigating I'm pretty sure it's the cooker (gas top, electric oven) causing the problem. If I isolate the cooker, the RCD doesn't trip. The moment I turn it on...

Hi there I'm preparing our concrete kitchen floor before getting vinyl fitted. The builders decided to run our services across the floor by cutting a channel in the concrete floor. This has left me with a 15 cm gap that I need to bridge with something solid (there are copper pipes etc...

I've been getting quotes for having some vinyl floor fitted. We have and old, bumpy floor that needs a damp proof screed. Most firms have said they will use a damp proof screed and then apply a normal screed on top. I've just had a quote from a fitter who says he uses an all-in-one screed...

Hi there My trusty (until now) Bosch WFG 2220 has developed the following fault: 1. At the start of the cycle, the machine takes on water as normal and starts to wash. 2. At the first drain, the pump starts and I can hear that all the water has drained away (the pump gives that empty...

Hi I'm about to fit some under cupboard lights in my kitchen (new extension). The electrician left tails (if that's the right term) for me to connect the lights to. I've bought the lights - slimline fluorescent tubes. I now need to connect the tail to the lead that plugs into the light...

Hi there I've had an extension built recently and had the walls float and set. Looking at the walls closely today (soon to fit a kitchen), I've found they aren't particularly straight. For example, from the surface of the work top the wall 'falls away' vertically - about 1 cm over a...

Hi I want to remove a granite fire place (mantle and surround). I'd presumed that the surround was screwed into the wall, but a quick run around with a pipe detector has found nothing. Are granite surrounds fitted in a different way? If it is, any tips on removing it (it's needs to be...

We've just had an extension built and need to wait for the concrete floor to dry out (probably going to use wood). We need to use the space ASAP as we've been cramped up for 6 months! Is there anything I can apply to the concrete to seal it (to stop the dust) but that will also let it breath...

Hi I'm just deciding between two combi biolers and wanted some advice on HW flow. The lower power one can do 12.7 l/min and the higher power one can do 15.2 l/min. I appreciate they can only acheive these rates if I've got enough mains flow (so I'll measure that tonight). On the basis...

I'm getting a Vaillant ecoTec plus boiler, but need to decide on which model. I live in a 3 bedroom semi and I'm in the process of adding a 44 sqm single storey rear extension. I have heard that a boiler which is overpowered is less efficient when heating a house because it cycles on and off...

Needs to spec a combi for our plumber to install. We live in a three bedroom semi, with one bathroom (we may get a 4th bedroom in time). The Vaillant ecoTEC plus 837 has caught my eye, as it has a good HW flow rate, a stainless steel heat exchange and a 2 year warranty. I can get one for...

We are having a new WC put in. The drain for it ties into the existing drainage for the house (under a manhole on the drive). A friend has advised that we won't need a SVP for this new WC (ground floor) as there is already one in the house serving the upstairs WC. However, the upstairs WC is...

Following on from another thread (whether to get a combi or not), I have another query that I'd appreciate your thoughts on. The boiler is currently located on an external wall in the garage. We're just having an extension done, so I have the opportunity to re-locate the boiler into the new...

I currently have a traditional vented system. I'm replacing the old, tired boiler on the grounds of greater efficiency. I'm planning to go for a combi, unless there are any good grounds not to? If it helps I live in a 3 bedroom semi with one bathroom (shower over bath). We may get a 4th...

Hi I'm having a single storey rear extension built at the moment. I know the builder is intending to use D&D, as opposed to traditional plastering. I'm not keen on D&D for a few reasons; 1. It doesn't feel very solid 2. I've got to fit kitchen units to it (or through it!) 3. Poor air...

Can anyone tell me why this happens? Is it because the window and it's seals leak, or is it because of the flashings? The reason I ask is because I'm trying to find an affordable solution for the extension we're having built (12 degrees roof). The 'flat roof' velux windows are all well and...

I've got the builders in at the moment doing a single storey rear extension. I'm probably the worst kind of customer, because I like to keep a check on the work. :oops: I'm becoming increasingly anxious about the quality of their work. For example: - the wall ties aren't well bedded and...

Hi We're having an extension done and are having some roof lights put in. The issue is that the pitch of the roof will be around 10-11 degrees. I see that Velux do a flat roof velux, but it's not the most attractive solution (in my opinion). Are there any other alternatives out there...

My 4 year old Bosch d/w hasn't been cleaning the dishes very well recently (eg. a residue is left behind on plates and things aren't that clean). There's water in the machine and it gets nice and hot. What I did notice today was that the spray arms don't seem to be rotating very well - if I...

I'm doing an extension in July. The roof will have a pitch of about 13 degrees. The lowest angle tiles I've been able to find are 15 degrees. What are my options? I've heard that if you marine ply and double felt the roof, building control are OK with you fitting tiles that aren't at the...