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

Got a question about home improvement, DIY or home appliances? This is the place to get help from other MoneySavers.

Oil inlet to boiler fuel pump leaking
I had my boiler serviced recently and for several days there has been a lingering smell of oil. I eventually traced it to kerosene slowly dripping from the pipe inlet to the fuel pump (pic attached). Just wondering what might have caused this - for example whether there is supposed to be a washer? The nut appears properly…
Sound insulation
Im looking to replace my windows and live on a main road. I have been given conflicting advice on paying extra for "sound proof glass? Anyone know if its worth it and does it make a difference ?
Damp help please
Hi all, I’m hoping the hive mind might be able to help please. I’ve lived in my current house just over four years, it’s a two bed former miners house with living room and dining room downstairs with a kitchen extension added maybe 20 years ago. The downstairs on both chimney breast walls, two separate chimneys, has damp…
Cigarette smells from flat below
Hi So I have been living in my current flat for 10 years. I know that my neighbour below smokes, however luckily I have never smelled this in my flat. Until last week. I suddenly started smelling the cigarette smoke, and it is worst in my bedroom. It's odd because I am certain it is coming from below, my flat does not…
Leak
Hi, I have a leak at the top of the chimney breast. House has no chimney anymore . I had few roofers coming and they said roof ridge needs fixing. My worry is will this roof fixing fix the problem? I thought the leek would be where the chimney used to be. Do you think roofer would go to the attic to see for he wetness and…
Anyone recognise this appliance?
Hi, my son has a flat that has a boiler that provides wet central heating and his hot water. I'm trying to identify the boiler to gather more information on it before some electrical work going on. Much of the unit is built-in so I cannot see any identifying names or numbers. Any help gratefully received. Bill
Light Grey Dulux Paint
Hi everyone. getting my rooms painted after 10years. I would like a really light grey colour. most of the lights grey I have sampled have a blue or lilac tinge I just want straight light grey. What (grey)paint colour did u use and find it true to colour? thanks in advance
Was this a proper boiler/ filter service?
A month ago I booked a boiler service with a new engineer after the last one retired. I asked for cleaining of the magnetic filter, and an after lunch appointment. Last night I thought to check the time and sent a message asking what time he would arrive and was told 9. He arrived around 8.50, I wasn't ready so a lodger…
Advice Needed Please
I wonder if anyone could offer any advice on this issue. We purchased a new build property in 2001 from Bloor Homes. This summer we took advantage of the Government Eco Scheme providing us with an assessment of our property which showed us that we had no cavity wall insulation fitted at all . This has now been rectified…
Replacing storage heater insulation
Our semi detached house has 4 older dimplex storage heaters each on a single supply, because of the design of house/electrics it's going to be cost prohibitive to fit Lot 20 Quantums. I know that the insulation in the heaters is cracked in parts and as they are 30+ years old I wondered whether replacing the insulation with…
Garage Conversion Over Public Sewer
I am looking to buy a property with a garage - the garage is not a standalone structure, but it does have a sewer running directly under it with waste water from five neighbouring properties running through it. There is a manhole cover on the floor in the garage at present. I would ideally like to convert the garage into…
laundry dryer : heat pump vs regular : running cost and reliability
I am looking at buy a bosch heat pump dryer £629 or regular Bosch dryer £449. The heat pump version is stated to run at 236 kwh and the regular dryer 560 kwh. I calculate this using current electrify unit cost 22.36p to mean that the heat pump runs at 72pence per per hour cheaper. Is it really as straightforward as this ?…
Opinions needed on possible changes
I would be really grateful for any suggestions on improvements to our house. This is our downstairs floor plan: I hate walking through our lounge and would love a hallway straight to the kitchen. Moving the stairs is not an option; do you think we could convert our garage and walk through to the breakfast room from there?…
Insulated Conservatory roof - load test
I have had my conservatory roof 'upgraded' from a polycarbonate roof to a lightweight insulated roof, makes a big difference. Very pleased with the end result - but - I have made a massive mistake, the builder was keen to be paid so I did although I need him to secure the building control paperwork and instead he just did…
What are these items?
Hi All, I have been clearing out a shed for an elderly friend and found the following. They asked me to sell them for them but I'm not sure if they're worth anything. 1. Nuts bolts and washers - do these have any value? 2. I'm unsure what that item is or if it has any value. 3. Appears to be car parts, scrap? Any help…
No heating for over two weeks
I previously posted a thread on my mum's behalf as she recently moved into a council home and was without heating. After a lot of head scratching about the cause of the issue, it turned out that she needed a new thermostat. Unfortunately, after being in the property for nearly three weeks there is still no heating. The…
routine replacement of boiler parts
Just had an annual service on my Vaillant Ecotec Plus. I haven't had any problems and the engineer didn't raise any issues. They have now contacted me to say that the G10 seal was last changed in 2018 and recommend it be replaced. I checked my records and can't find anything about it ever being replaced. Can any of you…
ISSUE WITH NEIGHBOUR PUTTING UP A FENCE
Hi Folks My neighbour has put up a small fence around his front lawn. Nobody in the street has done that, and the neighbour's property seems to stick out from the rest of the properties in the street Are there any rules as to whether you can put up a fence around your front lawn, or any height restrictions? Where could I…
New boiler, TRV's and weather compensation monitor
I'm due to have a new boiler installed, it's not possible in my home to have a heat pump so we're replacing a very old combi boiler for a newer one, but I'm very confused with some conflicting information, I was told that with new regulations that TRVs have to be installed with new boiler installation where TRVs haven't…
More water pressure... but only for showers and only for one user?!
OK, so I'm just a little unhappy about our water pressure at home. The shower is little more than a trickle and I think an electric pump could well help with that. But :-) more pressure means more water usage and there are elements in the house (read, my OH) who don't like that and anyway are happy with the way things…

★ ★ ★ 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

Categories

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

Category List

Discussion List

Confirm your email address to Create Threads and Reply

🚀 Getting Started

Categories

Is this how you want to be seen?

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