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In my home (includes DIY) MoneySaving

Archives for June 2011

Condensing Boiler help
I have a Nibe boiler in my flat - I think it's what's called a condensibg or compressor boiler. Ever since I moved in in December it seems to boot up at random times in the day and night even when the heating is not on and I'm not using hot water. It makes a thrumming noise as if it's doing something rather than idiling.…
Shower trouble
I have reinstalled a Mira shower mixer to accommodate a high rise rigid pipe 9" shower head. Previously I had a telephone shower, and I was having water going everywhere. To do so, I had to install the mixer upside down to attach it to the bar. I did not install the new mixer that came with the shower, as I didn't want to…
problem with architect / building regs
hi we are in the paper work stage of getting an extention built over our garage. (i don't really know what i'm talking about so if i make any mistakes i appologies in advance) my cousin is a builder and recommended his architect (he's used him many times) The architect was speedy and great got the planning permission plans…
Removal of 1970's warm air heating unit containing ASBESTOS!
Our house was built in '71 and still contains it's original and defunct 'Selex Electricaire' warm air central storage heating unit, containing masses of bricks and asbestos. We want to remove it to install gas central heating. An asbestos removal specialist has quoted £2000 + Tat to remove it completely and safely. An…
Does anyone have this doorbell?
Hello everyone, I'm thinking of getting a new doorbell and have seen this one at Argos http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/6237389.htm?docname= Reviews look good. Some of them say that it has multiple melodies whereas the description says it has only 1 ?? Just wondering if anyone has this bell and let me know…
My Boiler Playing Up Again - What is the problem.
Green light flashes, amber light does not come on, no lighting of the pilot light. Boiler ten years old. It did this in winter a few times, its an intermittent fault. Put shower on same thing happens. Says warm start operation but you cant hear the boiler trying to light just lots of rushing air as if the computer board is…
Kitchen mixer tap
A quick question please. Trying to replace a kitchen mixer tap. The one currently installed is a Tapmate Alphadisc. This tap is fine and works well with my water pressure and I would be happy to get an identical replacement. Does anyone know if the company making these taps is still around? I did try to search for this but…
Parents have been advised to wait 7 days before painting re-rendered wall ?
My parents have just had someone in, who has re-rendered part of one of their external bungalow walls. Taken him 2 days to do the re-rendering; one layer each day. He has advised my parents to wait at least 7 days before painting the wall and to use a 50:50 water & paint mix for the 1st paint coat. Is this correct and, if…
High Temperature Metal Glue
The lid of my chimey for the boiler (to keep rain etc out) is hanging off. It was previously attached with screws but they have become part of it over time an broke. Due to this its difficult to take off to weld or mend so I was looking for adhesive that will withstand high temperatures and stick metal to metal. Canyone…
couple of jobs in new house
Hello, we are in the process of purchasing a new house and have received our structural survey. The house itself is okay but there are a few bits and pieces he recommends that we do and i was wondering if based on experience what costs you would expect to pay for things: * Electrics are outdated and probably need to be…
PVC door/lock problems!
Hello, My niece and nephew hung off my front door last week and broke the springs inside the handle. I have ordered a replacement spring cassette to fix this, however on Monday morning when I went out to work and tried to lock the door from the outside, I pushed the handle up and turned the key to lock it but the key would…
Tablecloth
Hi there. I have just acquired a glass topped dinign table and don't want it to get scratched so need to buy a table cover. I'm not too keen on them as I think they look a bit old fashioned. Does anyone know anywhere I can buy a funky one that's reasonably priced and that won't date my kitchen? Many thanks!
Oak flooring
Wheres the cheapest place to get Oak flooring (tongue and groove) none of that laminate !!!!! Looking for 35 sq m and want to pay no more than £10-£15/ sq m
Dishwasher problem - water overflow
We've had an AEG Favorit 40250I-W for about 7 years and for most of that time we haven't used any salt because the water we have is soft anyway. I'm thinking that was probably a mistake...last week the anti-flood switch tripped the machine and there was half a pint of water underneath. I mopped up and it reset but two…
Advice for painting some pine wood ...
We have a pine wood bed frame which is currently varnished but not in great condition. What I'd like to do is sand it down, prime it, paint it silver and varnish. My question is - does it matter what type of paint I use if I am properly priming and varnishing? Could I use a matt emulsion for example which is a lot more…
PLUMBERS HELP.Ripped up B'room floor but not enough room for new Shower Waste U bend
Hi all I didn't have enough room in the title box to say what my problem was. Here it is... We have a VERY small En-Suite bathroom, which is badly in need of remodernising. So... I thought, Why not have a wet room similar to one I saw in a showroom (flat/level floor all round the bathroom). Already in place was a horrible…
electric CH & DHW boilers
Just paid out for a repair on a gas system boiler in a rental property... with the hassle of checks/ installation & maintainace and increasing gas prices wonder if an electric one would be better... OK higher running costs ( but only one standing charge) But lower install and upkeep anyone done this / got views
any ideas on good weed killer?
hello all, I need a good and reasonable priced weed killer for a small front and back garden, any ideas?
Advice on cutting down a door to size
Hi if someone could please give some advise it would be greatly appreciated. I was wondering what is the best way to cut down a door to size, i am getting a new door for my lounge and its an inch too big in lenght and width and so will need cutting down to size, what is the best tool to do this with if anyone knows. Thanks…
Gas central heating
Here's one for any heating engineers/plummers as I'm having a condenser boiler fitted to run my gas central heating and provide hot water,a new fire in the lounge and radiators in each room(7 in total) but having had a few quotes I'm confused as some are recommending that we have the pipework replaced others are saying its…

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MSE News

Ofgem proposes new 'no standing charge' Price Cap – but Martin Lewis warns vulnerable customers need to be opted in or it won't work
Ofgem has today launched detailed proposals for a major shake up to its Energy Price Cap that dictates the price over 80% of homes in England, Scotland and Wales pay for their energy bills.
Lloyds, Halifax and Bank of Scotland to cut overdraft rates for millions but hike them for others – here's what's happening and full help
If you're a Lloyds, Halifax or Bank of Scotland current account holder, the interest rate you're charged for using your overdraft could change soon as part of a fees shake-up. The Lloyds Banking Group, which owns all three brands, says millions of its customers will pay less after the changes – but a "few" will pay more.
Warm Home Discount expansion confirmed with millions more eligible for the £150 top-up this winter – here's what we know
Around 2.7 million more low-income households, including 900,000 families with children, will become eligible for the £150 Warm Home Discount this winter, as the Government has confirmed it will remove the existing 'hard to heat' eligibility criteria. The extension has only been confirmed for winter 2025/26, with further changes possible for future years.
Martin Lewis: At last a chance to fix Council Tax flaws impacting millions – debt collection, difficulty challenging your band, discounts and more
Major flaws in the Council Tax system in England could finally be fixed in future, as the Government has launched a wide-ranging consultation to review hideous debt collection practices, the difficulty of challenging your band, the overly complex and horribly-named Severe Mental Impairment discount and more. MoneySavingExpert.com founder Martin Lewis, who has long campaigned on these issues, shares his response and analysis.
Energy complaints to be dealt with more quickly and Energy Ombudsman to get new powers under Government plans
If you have a complaint about your energy firm, it may be resolved more quickly in future, as the Government has announced a raft of proposals to strengthen consumer protections in the energy market. The planned changes include giving the Energy Ombudsman new powers to force firms to comply with its decisions – but it's still very early days. Here's what we know so far.
Warm Home Discount expansion confirmed with millions more eligible for the £150 top-up this winter – here's what we know
Around 2.7 million more households, including 900,000 families with children, will become eligible for the £150 Warm Home Discount this winter, as the Government has confirmed it will remove the existing 'hard to heat' eligibility criteria. The extension has only been confirmed for winter 2025/26, with further changes possible for future years.
Base rate held at 4.25% – here's what it means and when it might be cut next
The Bank of England has held the base rate at 4.25%. Below we explain why, when it might be cut, plus what it means for your mortgage and savings.
Applied for South West Trains 'boundary fares' compensation? Act now to claim it
If you applied for compensation from South West Trains before the deadline in January 2025, you now need to provide your bank details to the claim administrator so it can be paid to you. Here's what you need to know.
Winter Fuel Payments to be reinstated for millions – Martin Lewis explains how it'll work, what it means and if it's an improvement
All State Pensioners in England and Wales will receive a Winter Fuel Payment this winter, though those who earn over £35,000 will see it clawed back through the tax system. It means nine million pensioners will get the £200 or £300 top-up. Here MoneySavingExpert.com founder Martin Lewis shares his instant response and analysis, and we include answers to your key questions.

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