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The mains pipe that connects your home to the water utility supply should always have a functional shutoff valve. Since this stopcock is normally located outside your property, it is subject to the elements and can rust over time. Mr-Skill says that the last thing you need when there is an urgent requirement to close off the water supply is a non-functioning tap! All water-main pipes are either 1-inch or ¾-inch, so you should check before you order a replacement shutoff valve. 
One of our regular London plumbers warns that this is a moderately difficult task, because you don’t know what you are going to encounter when you get going. He insists that this is a job best left to the experts, so perhaps rather find a plumber and leave the guesswork out of it. Mr-Skill has a number of pre-screened members just waiting to be at your service. That said, it certainly does not hurt to know where your shutoff valve is, so that you can check its condition from time to time.
Why Maintain or Replace?
Actually, there could be a number of valid reasons for wanting to shut off your water supply:
- The Hot Water Heater has developed problems and needs to be repaired
- Any one of the plumbing joints in your home could be weak and leaking
- The toilet is overflowing and does not switch off when the cistern is full
- There will be times when you need to shut off the water to replace a hand basin, sink or even a bath
- You hear a dripping sound on one of your ceilings, which, on checking, turns out to be a leaking pipe in the roof
When any of the above problems present, get a plumbing quote right here on Mr-Skill. Always remember that there is a good reason why it takes so long for a plumber to qualify. If it were that easy to fix plumbing problems, you can bet a penny to a pound that most of us would be instant DIY plumbers!
Tags: bath, cistern, DIY, find a plumber, fix it, handiman, Home Maintenance, leaking, london plumber, mains, plumber, plumbing quote, plumbing.joints, repair, shut-off, tank, toilet, valve, water, water heater
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Mr-Skill tells us that his mother got him started on odd jobs around their home from a very early age. He’s not complaining because, as you can see, he went on to great things when it came to introducing tradespeople with skills to customers with needs! One job you can consider doing yourself is the straightforward matter of changing a showerhead. Of course, it may not be that easy if you are unsure of your way around bathroom fittings, so if this describes you, rather find a bathroom fitter right here.
Have these Handy: 
- Plumber’s tape or thread
- Decent wrench or large pliers
- New showerhead
It’s as Easy as 1, 2, 3…
There are many showerheads to select from, and replacing the old one should not take more than a few minutes. Using the wrench or pliers, remove the old unit by twisting it counter-clockwise until it detaches from the feed pipe. Now, apply two layers of plumber’s tape to the screw thread you are about to attach your new unit to.
Interlude – if the above manoeuvre has left you somewhat perplexed, search right here on Mr-Skill and get a bathroom fitting quote.
Nearly there…
Installing your new unit is the exact reverse of removing the old one. First, apply some masking tape around the tightening flange of the shiny new showerhead. This will prevent any scratches or damage as you tighten up. Turn the new head clockwise, first by hand and then finally tighten with the wrench or pliers. It should be a tight fit to prevent leaks, but don’t make the mistake of over-tightening or you may end up stripping the thread!
Spare a Thought 
One of Mr-Skill’s many London bathroom fitters says that bathing is still quite popular in our climate. And you’ll be spoiled for choices because these days you can install anything from high-powered jet sprays to multi units, and even massaging heads – they are available for both bath and shower too. Don’t forget that hot cuppa tea to celebrate your success on the job!
Tags: bath, bathroom fitting quote, celebrate, cup of tea, find a bathroom fitter, fitter, jet spray, jets, london bathroom fitter, massage, pipe, pliers, plumber, plumbers tape, screw, shower, showerhead, tighten, twisting, wrench
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Alan – he’s one of our regular London plumbers here at Mr-Skill – tells us that he gets several desperate calls from customers faced with sudden large water bills. Invariably, the problem traces back to a leak in the system somewhere in the property, or in the house, and more often than not invisible to the eye. A simple leak-detection service from one of Mr-Skill’s pre-screened members will quickly identify the problem area, and alert your plumber to what needs fixing.
Check the Obvious 
Unless you are a trained plumber, chasing and fixing water leaks is not something you should consider taking on yourself. That said, there are a couple of quick checks you could conduct to confirm that you do in fact have a leak. The first indication is usually an abnormally high water bill. Perhaps you have been watering the garden excessively over the last month – or maybe someone else in the household has?
Find and turn off your water-main. This is usually located near the front door or at the point-of-entry to your property. Now, turn off any other isolator switches you know about, the hot water cylinder for example. Remember to play safe with gas-fired water heaters before isolating the water supply to them too.
Time to open all the taps in the house both hot and cold supply. Allow the water in the system to drain down – your water supply should reduce first to a trickle, and then just a drip or two. Return to the water meter and check that the dial or digital counter has ceased clocking. If it is static, it is reasonable to assume that you have no water leaks, and that your consumption has simply been higher than usual. If the meter continues to clock though, you most certainly have a leak, and this needs urgent attention. 
Once you have confirmed the presence of a water leak, you can get a plumbing quotation right here on Mr-Skill. Then you can just sit back and relax, knowing that your high water bills will soon be a thing of the past.
Plumbers Know Best
Plumbers spend a long time gaining qualifications. They have to learn all the ropes under supervision, and then prove themselves in terms of theory too. So, when it comes to water leaks, you can be sure that any one of the professional members here on Mr-Skill has received the necessary training, and is ready to assist you. Find a plumber right here, and you could be in line for one of the many special offers on tap now.
Tags: boiler, cold water supply, excessive bill, find a plumber, gas boiler, high water consumption, hot water supply, leak, leak checks, leak detection, london plumber, mains, meter, pipe, plumber, Plumbing, plumbing quote, special offer, water drips, water leak, water mains
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Central Heating Blockages
Now is a good time to check your central heating system, with a view to professional maintenance before the arrival of the cooler weather. It is far better to inspect for smooth running now, than wait for a problem to present itself when you least need it. Besides, there are some good offers around, so make a call and find your plumbing, heating and gas expert now. Mr-Skill has a number of qualified specialists able to assist you in next to no time. 
The purpose of our central heating system is to provide warmth throughout the home, thus keeping the ambient temperature even and pleasant. It all works off a series of pipes carrying hot water, which is pumped to the radiators around the home before being returned to the boiler for re-heating. Sometimes, dirt or internal rust can lead to a build-up of debris, which can cause a blockage and restrict or even stop the flow.
The quality of the water in some areas varies greatly, and if you live in a particularly hard water area – such as the South Downs for example – softening the water before you pipe it around your central heating system could be a good move. Otherwise, your pipes and radiators can fur up very quickly, and then you could be looking at major costs to replace your system.
Checking for Blockages
Manually switch on the boiler to ensure that it is operating normally throughout your home. Set the thermostat to warm, to make the testing process easier. It will take a while the water to circulate through the system. As you walk through each room, it should not be difficult to spot the pipes and radiators that are not responding. This indicates a blockage or possibly even a leak.
Mr-Skill recommends that once you have identified the problem area, you ought not to attempt any further DIY intervention. Get your plumbing, heating and gas quote right away instead. Then sit back and leave it to the experts. 
Our leading London plumbing, heating and gas expert advises that cleaning and bleeding a central heating system – and chasing down leaks or blockages – is a job for a properly trained technician. He goes on to warn, “This is definitely an area where a little knowledge is potentially dangerous.” Don’t take chances, call in the professionals right now – Mr-Skill has a number of them waiting to sort your central heating system out for you right away.
Tags: blockages, boiler, DIY, expert, find a plumbing-heating-and-gas specialist, gas, hard awter, heating, inspection, leaks, london plumbing-heating-and-gas expert, maintenance, pipes, piping, Plumbing, plumbing-heating-and-gas quote, professionals, qualified, radiator, water softener
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Last month, Mr-Skill posted a couple of articles on the subject of safety. The first specifically related to electrical safety, while the other talked about general safety awareness. In an on-going effort to get this vital message across, we are going to discuss safety in broad terms here. We’ll cover protective clothing, footwear, headgear, tools and a basic understanding of why we all need to be safety conscious and alert. Before we start, a quick word from our many sponsors – we have several skilled experts right here on Mr-Skill – you can find your qualified electrician right now!
Why We Need Safety
Ever since the early days of the Industrial Revolution, the well-being and protection of workers has been evolving rapidly. To begin with life was cheap, labour inexpensive and in plentiful supply, and observing basic safety was not a priority for factory owners and industrialists. These days, we have comprehensive labour laws to protect everybody in the working environment.
Historically speaking, many horrendous work-place disasters have occurred. Investigations into the causes were always enlightening, but if one good thing did emerge, it was the refinement and enforcement of strict new rules, and the introduction of accountability. Unfortunately, quite a number of workers continue to pay the ultimate price while trying to complete their work at all costs.
Safety Apparel
Clothing
Over the centuries, workplace clothing has evolved with safety in mind. Clothing not only protects the body it is covering, but also prevents burns and lacerations, as well as harmful chemical spills on the skin. Appropriate protective clothing is an important safety consideration across all trades, particularly those with moving machinery.
Head Gear
This includes hardhats, goggles and headphones to protect the head, eyes and ears respectively. Face masks too, are important in many occupations. Mr-Skill would like to remind you of the many signed-up members – for example, you can get your plumbing, heating and gas quotes right here in confidence.
Footwear and Hand Protection
Inadequate foot protection continues to result in grotesque accidents in the work place. Proper safety shoes and boots are an absolute must in many of our trades. Likewise, our hands are the tools of our bodies and need protection under harsh working conditions.
Tools 
Over the years tools have become more sophisticated, often with the user’s safety in mind. Tools include not only equipment we use with our hands, but items that we stand on – ladders and scaffolding for example – and machines that we operate too.
Developing an Understanding
A last word from one of our London general building experts: “These days, training and skills development play a vital role in promoting safety in the workplace. The word ‘workplace’ extends to every place of work, and covers hospitals and care homes, transport, shops, factories, business premises and, yes, including our homes! You can never forget ‘safety’ for a single moment, because if you do, the consequences could prove fatal. Please don’t cut corners or take chances.”
Tags: disasters, ear protection, eye protection, find an electrician, foot protection, gloves, head protection, home, labour laws, london general building expert, plumbing-heating-and-gas quote, protective clothing, safety, safety rules, skills development, training, work, work aparrel, work environment, workplace safety
Posted in Electrical Work, General Building, Plumbing, Heating & Gas | Comments Off
Apart from the annoying noise a constantly dripping tape makes, just knowing that you are wasting water is incentive enough to fix the problem. The longer you leave it, the worse the problem becomes because each time you close the offending tap that bit tighter, you are actually stressing the washer further. To some, even changing a tap washer is not something they feel comfortable with. If that describes you then it’s time to find a plumber here on Mr-Skill. 
Replacing the Washer
Provided you follow a few simple checks, replacing washers is one of the easier jobs around the home. First, make sure you have the correct size replacement – taps come in standard sizes so having a handy pack of assorted washers makes good sense. You will also need some screwdrivers and a wrench. Here’s what you do:
- Isolate the water supply to the dripping tap, and then open the tap to drain it.
- Carefully prise off the plastic cover on the tap handle. Now use the correct screwdriver to loosen the screw at the tap head.
- Remove the tap head using a wrench, having covered the chrome parts with protective masking tape.
- This should reveal the damaged or worn washer, which you must remove and renew with a similar product.
- Refit the tap head and holding screw, not forgetting the plastic tap cover.
- Time to switch on the water supply.
- Fully open the tap you’ve just worked on and quickly close it again. Repeat a couple of times so as to let the new washer bed in correctly.
- Check for leaks, but there should be no further dripping.
Advisory: If your tap shows any sign of leaks it could indicate that you have old plumbing needing replacing. Mr-Skill has a number of member plumbers who would be happy to provide you with a plumbing quote.
Last Word
Sidney has been a plumber for ever, and changing a tap washer is something he could do in his sleep with both hands tied behind his back. Sid, one of our regular London plumbers, says it isn’t that easy if you encounter older plumbing with stubborn taps that don’t seem to want to let you change the washer that they’re covering. One false move and you could damage the bath or basin, not to mention the surrounding tiles. Where on earth will you find that replacement tile to match the one you’ve just chipped or cracked? Mission impossible springs to mind!
Tags: assorted washers, basin, bath, close, drip, dripping tap, find a plumber, isolate mains, leaking tap, leaks, london plumber, masking tape, open, plumbing quote, screw drivers, standard size, tap washer, tile, water, wrench
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About the only way to save money on plumbers is not to have a need for their services in the first place. We are of course talking about those easy DIY jobs such as drain clearing and unblocking your loo. But there are some jobs that only a qualified plumber can attend to, and it’s for these kinds of jobs that we are offering free advice on how to go about choosing one.
The Seven Most Important Considerations
When requesting plumbing services, don’t be shy to ask these important questions before selecting them: 
- Are they qualified and currently registered?
- Do they come across as professional on the ‘phone?
- Are they willing to reveal their charges once they know what needs doing?
- Are they loading the costs when it comes to replacing broken or worn parts?
- Do they come across as friendly?
- Ask if they clean up properly when finished.
- Do they offer a guarantee?
Let’s analyse the above in more detail before you go about selecting your preferred plumber. Remember that Mr-Skill has an impressive list of pre-screened professionals, so you could find a plumber right here without further ado!
Qualifications
Skills in the plumbing trade take several years to develop, starting with a proper apprenticeship under the experienced watch of a mentor. Skills alone are not sufficient, because plumber need to prove they have what it takes. This they do by studying and passing several exams set by City & Guilds. 
Responding to Your Call
If you have a concern after speaking to a plumber about your problem on the ‘phone, picture them in your house!
Charging
Plumbing is a highly competitive sector, and quoting should be straightforward and simple once they know what needs doing. Estimating time and materials is part of any plumber’s training. You could easily compare by getting a plumbers quote right here on Mr-Skill.
Parts and Spares
Ask your plumber if he has a problem with you shopping around for the parts he thinks you need. If he’s cagey, then the chances are that he is loading prices.
One of our London plumbers wraps up with this advice. Any well turned out plumber should clean up nicely when he’s finished as part of the service. It’s a simple matter of being proud of what they do and how they do it, and don’t forget to ask about guarantees too.
Tags: apprenticeship, City & Guilds, cleaning up, DIY plumbing, experience, find a plumbing-heating-and-gas expert, friendly plumber, guarantee, knowledge, london plumber, plumber, plumbing-heating-and-gas quote, professional plumber, qualified plumber, quote, training
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Now that the cold weather has moved on, it’s time to be thinking of your central heating system with a view to some maintenance. Just like a car, regular maintenance on your core heating system is vital. Left to chance, you could end up facing enormous bills for entire system replacement, where routine inspections could have avoided all that.
Thermostat Check
Modern home heating systems allow you to control the degree of heat through a conveniently mounted thermostat – it’s usually located in the hallway passage.  In the warmer months you can switch off the thermostat or set it well down, so that the system never actually kicks in. Keep in mind that thermostats can develop faults, but replacing them is probably a job best left to an expert – you can find a heating technician right here on Mr-Skill.
Other Areas You Can Check
Assuming you are quite familiar with your central heating system, there are some tasks you could perform yourself. Remember though, that the skills level is moderate, indicating that we assume a minimum level of knowledge and experience here:
- Furnace Filters – These should be changed each year, especially if you have furry friends such as cats and dogs. Moreover, if you run air-conditioning in the hotter months, you can expect more dust and fluff in the atmosphere of your home. Dirty furnace filters are easily detected when the central heating struggles to push warm air about.
Interlude: Don’t forget that central heating systems cost a lot of money, so rather than fiddle with them yourself, get a heating quote right here on Mr-Skill.
- Internal and External Wall Vents – It is essential to clear obstructions from the vents to ensure efficient air flow. Inside, you should check for household dust and insects, whereas outside vents tend to clog with leaves and other debris. Don’t forget to keep your cold-air return vents clear as well.
Cautionary
Pilot Light Inspection – About the only other routine maintenance you can perform yourself, is to check the flame-quality of your central heating pilot light. With the prevalence of natural gas these days, you should see a clear blue flame. If it’s yellow or orange in appearance though, then a problem is indicated, so find a heating technician without delay.
A Little Knowledge Can be Dangerous
One of our London heating experts laughs to himself when he gets called out to fix a problem caused by a DIY “heating expert”. He says that the old adage “penny wise and pound foolish” is so relevant to his line of business!
Tags: Central Heating, dust, find a plumbing-heating-and-gas expert, flame, furnace filters, heat, knowledge, leaves, london heating specialist, maintenance, plumbing-heating-and-gas quote, thermostat, vents, warm air
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Most homes in the UK use natural gas for central heating, cooking and boiler-warming purposes. What makes natural gas so popular is that it is clean burning, smokeless, quick and highly efficient. However, despite advanced safety measures, leaks can and do occur, so it is important that you know what to do should you become aware of a leak inside or outside your home.
The first clue of a leak will be a sulphurous smell in the home. This odour is actually a chemical additive mixed with the gas by the supplier. Its only purpose is to alert the user to the fact that there is a leak in the system, and that it needs urgent attention to avoid the risk of asphyxiation, or an explosion. Remember to train children from the earliest possible age to report any gas smells around your home.
Self-Checking Gas Appliances
 If the gas smell is only a mild odour, it will be fine to check out certain gas-powered appliances yourself. More often than not, it will likely be as simple as a failed pilot ignition system, and relatively easy to replace. Remember to switch off the gas and clear the smell from your house before igniting any gas appliance.
Gas heaters and gas-fired central heating systems require checking and servicing by registered gas fitters at least once a year. This is not a DIY job for obvious reasons, so you can find a gas fitter in your area right here on Mr-Skill. Ask for a gas fitting quote to service all your gas appliances.
Strong Smell of Gas
A hissing noise anywhere near a gas appliance or a powerful smell of gas in your home indicates a far more serious leak. Under such circumstances, do not attempt to trace the problem yourself. Open all windows and evacuate your home immediately, checking each room carefully for other people and pets. Avoid using any electrical switches or lighting up cigarettes – you could inadvertently trigger an explosion that way. Stay away from any electrical appliance, especially mobile phones. Once you are safely outside, you can call your gas supply company and declare an emergency. If you don’t have the gas company’s telephone number, then call emergency 999. 
Outdoor Gas Leaks
Ernest, our long-standing London gas fitter says that If you smell gas outside your property, or you accidently damage a gas pipe in your garden, you should call emergency services immediately. Do not attempt to repair or fix the problem yourself, because you could be risking life in your entire neighbourhood.
Tags: boiler, cigraette, clean burning, efficient, find a gas fitter, flame, gas, gas appliance, gas company, gas explosion, gas fitting quote, gas ignitor, hissing, leak, london gasfitter, matches, pilot light, smell.odour, smokeless, spark, strong gas smell
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It really is quite astonishing to discover what can enter our drains, and cause a blockage. Often, the problem is not visible as with tree and shrub roots finding ways into drain pipes, and creating havoc. Sometimes, we only become aware of a problem when we see an accumulation of water and other debris near drain covers. Some jobs are going to require you to find a plumber, because of the specialist nature of the work. Here are some preventative measures you can take to avoid unnecessary callouts.
What You’ll Need
- A tool to remove the drain cover, such as a crowbar
- A hose connected to the hot water supply
- A plunger that covers the drain diameter
- A drain rod, if you have one
- Gloves to protect your hands
Before you start, why not get a plumber quote to solve the problem? Remember that Mr-Skill’s plumbers are required to guarantee their work, so you can use them in confidence.
Steps
- Remove the cover of the obstructed drain. Drain covers can prove difficult to budge if they have not been lifted for a while so you may need a crowbar
- Turn the hot tap on fully and push the hose as far down the drain as you can. The higher the pressure and the hotter the water, the more effective the solution
- If the water in the drain starts welling back up, place the plunger over the drain and plunge it back and forth. This creates a suction or vacuum effect and helps dislodge the debris
- Tip a large pot of boiling water down the drain – this will neutralize any grease or oil that may have entered.
- If you are confident that your drain is independent of the sewer system, pour a commercial drain cleaner down and wait for the chemical action to complete. Flush after 15 minutes with hot water
- If the waste water is not running freely after all the above attempts and you own a rodding set, you could try clearing the drain with a back and forth motion,
One of our London plumbers advises, “Blocked drains outside our properties are not always easy to clear and may not be our responsibility. Sometimes roots completely clog up a drain. They can even cause fractures, particularly in older clay pipes.”
Tags: blockage, blocked drains, boiling water, clay piping, crowbar, debris, drain cleaner, drain cover, drainage, drains, find a plumber, hose, hot water, hugh pressure, london plumber, plumber quote, plumbers, rods, roots
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