Home DIY

Sockets and switches - I want to replace most of the switches and sockets in my place now that the bulk of the decorating has been done. I really want something slimline like the MK Edge. But its all so expensive!

Any recommendations/ideas?

Thanks, I'll definitely give this a go!

I found the copper wires only cleared a few rows of tiles

We have great moss growing conditions up here, so I used to scrape it off and then spray, but just spraying works well enough in the long term.

The roof on the right was sprayed twice a couple of years ago. Once to kill it off and a few months later to get the bits that had survived.

The moss clumps fall off over a few months, so keeping on top of clearing out the gutters is needed.
We need to keep on top of the gutters anyway, as the roof is currently covered in pine needles.

https://www.everbuild.co.uk/product/sika-mould-buster/
In a big garden sprayer and long extendable pole so I don't need to go on the roof again.

It's probably a bit late in the year for spraying it, as it really needs to soak in and dry before the next rain.

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Thanks, just being cautious, that fat electric cable freaks me out. I've also discovered some holes need filling around where the gas pipes enter. From what I've read these will need protection from cement? So I'm guessing some tube/ ducting around the pipes, or denso tape? It's only a couple of inches that needs filling.

Bear in mind that changing from normal sockets to flat plate can create problems if you have shallow back boxes. I would save up for MK edge if they're the ones you like, they are decent quality, most of the cheaper stuff is a bit compromised.

Thanks. I'll give this a go next year when things dry out again, might be a better long term solution than the copper. Your roof looks pristine!

Our gutters are wrecked because of the moss too, but thats definitely a scaffold/super long ladder job, which I won't be doing.

gutters are wrecked because of the moss too, but thats definitely a scaffold/super long ladder job, which I won't be doing.

Gutter vac and drone or camera on a pole inspection is a thing.
Probably not DIY at the price of a skyvac or similar.

@Bumperoo
Depending on where you live, I know a guy. He's based in Romford area (I'm sure he'll travel some way...) and did a great job of mine last year. PM me if you'd like his details.

Electric question
No issues for ages and this morni g the circuit breaker keeps tripping out. Through the process of elimination the issue lies with our washing machine. It's been in here for 7-8 years, no issues at all.
Any idea on what to look at, could it be simple as a blown fuse in the plug?

I am not a Sparx

It is unlikely to be a blown fuse in the plug as once the fuse is blown a circuit is not formed so the washing machine just not switch on if this was the case.

There is likely to be a short occuring somewhere in the washing machine. Try unplugging the washing machine and plugging something else in. If the circuit breaker doesn't trip once you've done this call an engineer to check out the washing machine. Given the age of the machine it is possible that it won't be economical to repair I'm afraid.

Like I say I'm not a Sparx but if you do this you should be able to confirm its the washing machine without causing any damage.

Thanks, useful pointer.
Called an engineer who said he would either be a heating element or the power unit. In espares the elements cost around £40 plus the engineer call out charge of £55.
The missus just wants to get a new machine, I'd like to fix the current one.

I'm trying to see if a cold wash or a drain setting would work but as soon as I switch the plug on it flips so cant test the theory.

Looks like we might be going washing machine shopping 😲

In the distant past I've done this a couple of times and it's a pretty easy job. Most washing machines are fairly easy to work on if you're methodical about taking apart and putting together.

Yeah, I've given a washing machine a new lease of life by replacing (on separate occasions) the heating element and the motor brushes.

I'd have thought a compatible element (rather than manufacturer branded part) would be about £15-£20, then probably half a dozen screws in total (four to get the back off, then another couple for the element). Should be pretty easy, and cheap enough that if it's a more fundamental fault you've lost little except a bit of time and effort.

Bang on imo. I've not done parquet flooring, only floorboards, but I second everything you say here. Genuinely satisfying job.

You could disconnect the wires to the heating element and see if it still trips the breaker.

Obvs pull the plug first and secure the cables so they can't touch anything before testing.

It'll probably be similar to this
https://youtu.be/_RAHvVrCkJE

It was decided that after 9 years of loyal service and that combined with a new baby a new washing machine was the fastest and easiest route.
If anyone wants a washing machine with a susppected broken element free of charge let me know. Hotpoint washer dryer ultima wdd960
A|O are delivering and collecting tomorrow

thanks @Airhead I'll do a bit of shopping around and see if there are slimline sockets/switches that I like. MK Edge are very spendy for me and after a recent battle with back boxes I wonder if they will be more hassle than they are worth.

You won't regret your decision. Modern/recent washing machines are night and day compared to 8 to 10 years ago.

I've been looking at these for my gaff.

http://www.seeswitches.co.uk/

Would it look weird to have oak skirting boards with pine floor boards?

Also, I want to inset my plug sockets on a dividing wall. Looking online it seems an angle grinder is the best way to get into the brickwork. Anyone done this?

Read that as 'sees witches'. Dissapointed.

What’s new? Our AEG from around 20 years ago has been faultless. I remember when we got it my FIL was extremely resistant due to it not being CSA certified (was UL listed) as we requested that he change the plug to a NA standard (we were early adopters).

I prefer to cut it with a multitool (usually a messed up blade will do it) then chisel out. That way you don't have to worry so much about the brick dust which is one of the worse for being tiny particles. Not only does it get everywhere, it's abrasive and not good for your lungs. You're still going to get a good taste of it even chiselling. Different types of brick also make a difference to how easy they are to chisel.

The fact that you are even spending time looking at light switches puts you way ahead of most of the population in my experience. A lot of homes could improve things by cleaning their existing ones!