We'd like to remind Forumites to please avoid political debate on the Forum... Read More » This is to keep it a safe and useful space for MoneySaving discussions. Threads that are - or become - political in nature may be removed in line with the Forum’s rules. Thank you for your understanding.

We're aware that some users are experiencing technical issues which the team are working to resolve. See the Community Noticeboard for more info. Thank you for your patience.

📨 Have you signed up to the Forum's new Email Digest yet? Get a selection of trending threads sent straight to your inbox daily, weekly or monthly!

In my home (includes DIY) MoneySaving

Archives for December 2011

Boiler problems - is my builder at fault?
Hi A couple of days ago my hot water went off and my heating wouldnt switch off. i rang npower (as I have boiler cover) and the engineer who came out said the problem was that when the boiler was installed by the builder (the house is 4 years old), it wasnt flushed out. The debris left behind was now causing the boiler to…
weather compensator for viessmann
With these mild winter nights I'm wondering if its worth getting one of these. I have a viessmann 100w 35kw combi, does anyone know how much these compensaters are? And where's the best place to get them.
anyone tried this for stripping woodchip paper
I've got a few rooms of painted wood chip paper to remove - been avoiding it for a long time. We do have a steamer I think so will probably use that. However I have seen this stuff called simplestrip by wallwik. The two products the cloth/cover and solution are supposed to make the job a lot easier. Anyone tried it or have…
Kitchen Supplier recommendations? Supply and fit
Need some help with choosing a kitchen supplier: My sister-in-law and husband are looking to purchase a shiny new kitchen (they live in Swindon). They are not very DIY minded, so ideally want a company to supply and fit, and manage the whole project from start to finish. So far they've had a quote from Wickes which they…
British Gas Home Alarm
Hi there When I bought my house a few years ago it had a British Gas Home Security System installed. It was a monitored system and would call out either the police or fire brigade if required. After a couple of years I couldn't afford the monthly fees and cancelled the contract and stopped using the alarm. The batteries…
Replacing Conservatory Roof
Hi All, Im after some quotes/advice on replacing a conservatory roof with tiles, making the room more useable. its currently far too hot in the summer and freezing in the winter. Any one know of local companies they would recommend and possible quotes or estimates of work ? Its 20ft by 10ft. Thanks
Insulation in Roof
Hi, Is it ok (ie compliant with Building Regs) to use Rockwool Insulation under/between the ceiling joists for insulation. We then intend to board over the top. This is in a pitched roof of a newly built single storey extension. Got home from work and hubby has filled with Rockwool, but looking online perhaps it should be…
Hi folks- Double Glazing in Teesside
A bit specific this, sorry. I live in Teesside and am looking for a decent double glazing firm. If anyone has any experience, good bad or just downright ugly, it would be a great help. Looking at Ultimate, Ramsdale or possibley Sealtight. I am reading the other posts for tips n hints too. All the best for tonight and the…
Any electricians out there can you please advise
We have bought two of the following lights - hubby has gone to put them up today and has cut the links (which means we cannot return them) we both thought we would be able to take out the top bar bit and fit the cup part flush to the ceiling - hubby tells me we cannot do this and they now look daft as they are too low for…
neighbours drain blocked again, whats my next move
my neighbours drain has blocked up again for the second time in just over a week and does nothing to sort it out. theres obviously a problem with the drain but refuses to even acknowledge theres a problem. it takes about a week for it to block my side, dh has been with his rods and roded it all out and got everything…
What material to use?
Dear all, any advice greatly appreciated for the following issue. Rain water is coming under the door to our garage. The door is setback by about 12inches from the front edge of the concrete floor slab - driveway is gravel. A wooden batten has been placed just behind the door, with sealant underneath, yet water still gets…
Hot water problem, sticking valve?
I hope that someone can advise please. We have a Potterton Suprima 50 boiler and heating system. The central heating works fine, but today the hot water has stopped working. As a result of another answer online for problem solving, I have found that hot water makes it as far as a valve just before the hot water tank (part…
Extend an already converted loft?
My flat (first floor of an edwardian conversion) has a loft, which was converted by the previous owners. However, the loft conversion seems to have been done within the existing roof area only (no dormer conversion used). Loft conversion only uses approx. 40% of the equivalent space of the floor below, seems a bit of a…
Rapid drying cement
I have not used this before and wondered if it was OK to use on its own without ballast or sharp sand. The job in question is an upstairs window sill (below the wood) and involves a depth of 5CM width of 12CM and length of around 1.2 metres. It is supposed to dry in around 30 minutes and will be ready to work on in around…
Bosch pipe/stud detector
looking to buy a stud/pipe detector and was thinking of buying a bosch PDO 6 or a PDO multi, The PDO 6 detects up to a depth of 3cm but i cant seem to find any depth specification for the multi. Can anyone help?
large window - curtain query
I have a window which measures 276 cm wide - along the track and 152 cm drop from track to the bottom of the windowsil. I am trying to work out what width of curtains I need. I am trying to go for ready made. In the past I have had a go at making them but not done too well. The windows / material are too large for me to…
patio door
Hello all. we have now moved into our first home and would like to put a patio door where it is currently just brick to allow more light to come into the room. I am unsure which companies offer this service and what sort of cost this will be including installing it (and removing bricks!) any advise would be great thanks
silver washing machine and tumble dryer?
I seem to be after the impossible here...... Our 6 year old washer dryer gave up on us boxing day (proper broken as well...). So SWMBO has decided that we want a 2 box unit instead of the single unit solution we had. Our problem is that they just dont seem to be available? Whether its just me or not but you seem to be able…
Fridge freezer- using without drawers?
I've been offered a fridge freezer but some of the freezer drawers are missing/broken. Other than that, it's in really good condition. Would it be safe to just place stuff on the shelves (which have the cooling elements running along the underside) or would I need to replace the drawers to use it safely? I'd be really…
Hotpoint washing machine broken, repairable?
Our Hotpoint WF250 washing machine stopped working half way through a cycle before the washing liquid was taken. Its stuck with the wash light on constant and the door lock light flashing. I managed to get it to drain but it won't do any cycles, spin only or even the drain function it doesn't fill with water just stops…

★ ★ ★ Meet your Ambassadors

Confirm your email address to Create Threads and Reply

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.

View All

In my home (includes DIY) MoneySaving

Confirm your email address to Create Threads and Reply

🚀 Getting Started

Is this how you want to be seen?

Get our FREE Weekly email full of deals & guides - and it’s spam-free

In my home (includes DIY) MoneySaving

Discussion List

Confirm your email address to Create Threads and Reply

🚀 Getting Started

Is this how you want to be seen?

Get our FREE Weekly email full of deals & guides - and it’s spam-free