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Posts Tagged ‘water<’
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
Posted in Plumbing, Heating & Gas, Project Advice | Comments Off
A leak anywhere in your roof is more than just an irritation. That is because if the source of the water intrusion is not quickly and smartly fixed, you could soon face problems that are more serious. Most conventional roofs are a latticework of timber beams, brandering and protective membrane over which the tiles align to offer protection from the elements. What starts out as a small leak can turn into something expensive if not quickly fixed.
 Find a roofing-gutters-and-drainage expert on Mr-Skill Mr-Skill correctly states that a problem roof left unrepaired could end up as a major roof job or even a replacement. He says you should not take a chance – rather find a roofing expert to come and assess the extent of the problem. Water has a strange habit of running wherever it likes, so quite often the source of the leak may be tricky to locate. Roofing experts are skilled and trained to know all that there is to do with issues in your attic space.
The Challenge
Roof repair is not something you should take on lightly yourself. Apart from working in a confined space, it is also dark and airflow is restricted too. One false move could lead to a serious injury or damage to a ceiling in your home. Looking for the problem is quite in order though, because this will enable you to relay your findings, so that a roofing quote or estimate can follow. However, most experts are going to want to check themselves just to make sure they are quoting correctly.
Check the Roof outside First
Sometimes a leak can be as simple as a cracked or broken tile, and it may be possible to see this from outside your home. You will already have an idea roughly where the leak is in your roof, so a sight check may confirm the problem area without too much trouble.
Climbing on the Roof 
If you feel confident enough to get up on your roof, you will have a chance to observe the leak area from close quarters. Remember to wear non-slip shoes and to position your ladder safely, preferably with someone to hold it for you while you climb up. Fred is one of our regular London roofing experts, and he has been on more roofs than most of us have had hot dinners. He has always been cautious though, and that is because he treads carefully while up on a roof checking for problems.
Tags: brandering, broken roof tile, cracked tile, estimate, find a roofing-gutters-and-drainage expert, ladder, latticework, leak, london roofing-gutters-and-drainage specialist, membrane, quote, repair, ridge tiles, roof leak, roofing-gutters-and-drainage quote, safety, tile, timber beam, water
Posted in Project Advice, Roofing, Gutters & Drainage | Comments Off
Pruning Your Roses
Those that know Mr-Skill are usually quite surprised when they learn that he has a green side to him too. In fact, he loves roses, and once people realise this they jump straight to the question of when to prune this much-loved shrub. It’s not just about ‘when to’, it’s equally important to know ‘how to’ prune properly. Our Mr-Skill learned everything he knows from one of our regular London gardeners, and since then he tends his lovely rose plants religiously.
The When 
Well, it all depends on the type of rose you have in your garden, as well as your location. With bushes, shrubs and climbers, minor pruning can be done many times during the year, but the heavy cut back needs to be tackled in the spring, in order to promote strong growth. Here’s the pruning method employed by all our green-fingered experts, but you can also seek advice when you find a gardener right here on Mr-Skill.
The How
- Make sure you use a clean and sharp pair of pruning scissors.
- Make your cuts no more than quarter-of-an-inch above the bud, and angle the cut away from it to keep water from collecting where it’s not wanted.
- Be sure to cut to the appropriate height.
- Completely remove dead and diseased stems.
- Spindly and criss-crossing stems need cutting back too – this is to encourage better plant shape.
- Over time, try to aim for well-spaced stems – this will promote better air flow around the bush.
- On more established rose plants, cut out poorly flowering old wood and saw off old stubs that have failed to produce new shoots.
- With the noted exception of climbing roses, severely prune all newly planted bushes, as this certainly encourages new and rapid growth.
- Finally, trace suckers back to the root system and snip them cleanly off.
If rose pruning sounds a bit prickly to you, you can always get a gardening quote from one of the many experts right here on Mr-Skill. One last word from the maestro, mix a solution of bicarbonate of soda in water and spray on your bushes, then watch them grow and blossom forth. It’s a rose by any other name!
Tags: bloom, bud, bush, clean.sharp, climber, cut, dead wood, find a gardening-and-landscaping specialist, Garden, gardening-and-landscaping quote, growth, London garder and landscaping expert, plant, prune, pruning, root, rose, stem, water
Posted in Gardening & Landscaping | Comments Off
Posted in General Building on Aug 27
Even the roof of a well-constructed metal shed may eventually submit to the elements, leaving you with a problem to resolve. Noted for their structural stability, metal roofed sheds can be a useful asset on your property, provided you keep things well maintained. Sam, one of our London general builders, has the following sage advice to offer: “minor rust patches and small holes in your metal roofed shed can cause water intrusion in the form of unwanted leaks. You must attend to these leaks as soon as possible if you want to keep the appearance and structural integrity.” Wise advice indeed – thank you Sam! 
What You’ll Need
- Metal roof mesh
- Metal cutters
- Wire brush
- Broom and ladder
- Trowel
- Roof cement (urethane)
Off you go!
Begin by wire-brushing the damaged section of the shed roof, in order to remove all loose and flaky material. Use the broom to brush away the dirt and debris, and make sure that everything is dry before proceeding. If building repairs are not your forte, you can find a general builder right here on Mr-Skill. That way, you know that you’ll be getting the best prices from any one of our many rated members.
Ready to Roll 
Using the roofing mesh, cut two identical square patches with the metal cutters, ensuring that they are over-sized to cover the holes or rusted area – the rule of thumb is to overlap by at least two inches. Now, using the trowel, work the urethane roof cement around to cover the area under repair – as always, read and follow the instructions on the pot.
It is time to press the first patch into the wet roof cement. Spread a further even layer of the urethane coating over that mesh using your trowel. Add the second square of mesh, and apply a final even layer of the urethane over the top. You may have to work the wet roof cement in – this is to ensure a complete and even spread. Finally, always be guided by the instructions and allow sufficient drying time.
If this all proves too hard…
Many people simply don’t have the patience or the necessary know-how to repair things for themselves around their homes. If this describes you, get your general builder quote right here on Mr-Skill, then just put your feet up and relax! A soothing cuppa will always assist!
Tags: asset, clean, debris, dirt, find a general builder, general builder, get a general building quote, leaks, London building expert, mesh, metal, metal cutters, metal roof, repairs, roof, rust, structural integrity, trowel, urethane roof cement, water, wire brush
Posted in General Building | Comments Off
Gutters are an important consideration for every single home, and perform an important function when it comes to clearing rain water away from your foundations. As the rain drains from the roof, it collects in the gutter channel before discharging through the downspout. Modern gutters come in the form of aluminium or PVC (vinyl), and over time, sagging can occur. Repairs are not difficult provided you have the basic knowhow and some tools. As with all projects, Mr-Skill always puts safety first, so make sure you have a buddy to hold the ladder and pass things to you. 
If you are dealing with a double-storey building, a gutter repair job is best left to the experts – you can find gutter specialist right now on Mr-Skill. They have the correct equipment and know just what to do too. If you have decided to fix the gutter yourself though, you will require a safe ladder, somebody to hold it, a drill, the correct bit, a hammer and some sleeves and spikes to effect the repair.
Position your ladder securely and ascend it to inspect from close up. Don’t forget the buddy to hold the ladder and pass you things. Use a paint brush to clean around the working area.
Calculate the centre of the sagging area, and drill a pilot hole at the top of the gutter. Now, place the sleeve inside the gutter channel and align it with the hole you’ve just drilled, before securing the two profiles together with a screw. Insert the spike by clipping it hard against the back of the gutter. You will need to repeat this process at the other end of the sagging section too.
Strengthening the gutter correctly should remove the sagging section, but you need to check above the gutter to ensure that all profiles align neatly. You can also check that everything is working as it should, by using a hosepipe and high-pressure nozzle to simulate rain on the roof. The water should discharge along the gutter line and flow neatly into the downspout. There should be no leakage or spillage whatsoever. 
One of our regular London gutter experts tells us that water has a strange way of finding the quickest way through. He suggests that you keep your gutters clean and clear regularly. Get a gutter clearing quote right here on Mr-Skill, and rest easy knowing that your house is ready to handle whatever mother nature has to throw at it.
Tags: aluminium gutters, bracket, downspout, drains, find a gutter and drainage expert, foundations, gutter and drainage quote, gutters, home, house, London gutter and drainage expert, profiles, pvc gutters, rain, rain water, safety, sagging gutter, screw, spike, water
Posted in Roofing, Gutters & Drainage | 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
Posted in Plumbing, Heating & Gas | Comments Off
 In these days of spiralling costs, isn’t it nice to know that you can make meaningful savings just by growing your own lovely vegetables. There’s nothing to beat the taste of freshly harvested produce, and you will be safe in the knowledge that it’s free of chemicals and pesticides too. Summer squash, tomatoes and peppers are three easy-to-grow crops that will help cut back on your fresh produce shopping. Why not find a gardener here on Mr-Skill and stock up with some good ideas for your summer veggie garden.
For Starters – Summer Squash 
One of our regular London gardeners says that the many varieties of squash available make this a firm favourite. Not only is it hardy and easy to grow, this family of vegetables is versatile in the kitchen too. She suggests that you select a variety that appeals to you when it comes to adding colour to your garden. Patty pans, for example, are available in dark green and yellow “fruits”, while zucchini offers both green and black combinations.
The Amazing Tomato Plant
Officially, the tomato plant is a fruit rather than the hugely popular vegetable we all use it as. There are several varieties, all stemming from the original wild Mexican tomato plant. Can you imagine Italian dishes without the important ingredient of tomato puree? And a salad would look unfinished without the presence of a sliced or chopped bright-red tomato.
Don’t forget to stake the plants as they sprout forth, and if you train them up a trellis, you’ll soon have an active production line of crops. Tomatoes love water, lots of it, and it may pay to fertilise the soil too.
Nutritious Peppers
Peppers come in a large variety of flavours, ranging from succulent and sweet to hot and spicy. This crop just loves the sun, but it needs plenty of water too. The jalapeno variety makes a lovely bush with the bright orange fruit contrasting nicely with the green leaves. All varieties of peppers offer lots of vitamin C to keep you in good health.
The Sky’s the Limit!
We all know the story of Jack and the Beanstalk, and as kids we fully believed that our nimble elf really did visit the land of the giants! So let your imagination grow wild as you grow your own lettuces, radishes and several different herbs too. Get a gardening quote from one of our many members right here on Mr-Skill. They’ll be sure to provide you with some practical ideas.
Tags: chemicals, fertiliser, find a gardening-and-landscaping expert, Garden, garden and landscaping quote, home grown, italian food, london gardener and landscaper, pepper, plants, rainwater harvesting, salad, squash, stake, sun, support, tomato, trellis, vegetables, water
Posted in Gardening & Landscaping | Comments Off
Apart from letting in light, the windows in our homes play an important role in energy-efficiency factors too. Over time, the seals around the window frames perish, allowing water, air and of course dust into the house. Worn window seals can also lead to fogging inside the double glazing as moisture gets in. Since replacing window seals is a moderately difficult job – rather like working with putty – this may be a job that’s best left to the experts. You can find a window and door fitting expert right here on Mr-Skill.
If you are determined to go ahead yourself, here’s how to go about it: 
- Check the glass carefully for cracks, chips or holes, and look to replacing any sheet where the outer or inner pane seems compromised. Glazing is a specialist job, so rather contact your local glass specialist, or get a handyman quote through Mr-Skill. Handling glass is inherently dangerous and is not a repair for the novice to consider.
- Before replacing rubber seals around your windows, be sure to have the right replacement gaskets (gauge and profile). As you remove the old seal, slide the replacement into the same channel and trim to the correct length.
- Older style windows, such as sash type, are likely to use putty as the anchoring agent. If the glass panes are undamaged and do not need replacing, remove all old putty and sealant around the glass, where it is held in place within the window frame. A putty knife could prove useful for cleaning out the crevices.
- Load a tube of window-glazing sealant into a caulking gun, and trim the nozzle to the required size. Engage the ratchet-mechanism, and then squeeze the trigger to get the desired amount of sealant into the channel around the pane of glass.
- Use a putty knife to neaten up the sealant, and then clear any surplus caulking immediately.
One of our London window and door fitters advises that working with glass on a window frame can be challenging if you have no experience. He certainly would not encourage the DYI angle for any window that requires a ladder or scaffolding in place. Rather use the experts in the field, since they know what they are doing, and will complete the job professionally and quickly too.
Tags: caulking, caulking gun, chips, condensation, cracks, draft, find a window-and-door-fitting expert, fogging, frame, handyman quote, holes, london window and door fitter, sash window, seal, sealant, water, window
Posted in Handyman Services, Window & Door Fitting | Comments Off
Posted in Handyman Services on May 07
Sometimes the bricks outside our homes take on a white powder-like appearance which does not look very nice. Technically known as “efflorescence”, it’s basically lime seeping out of the damp brick and giving it that unwanted chalky look. Of course, external bricks can also suffer staining due to airborne pollution, while everybody dreads the “artwork” of the graffiti experts.
 While lime-staining readily brushes off, the other two forms of pollution are somewhat more difficult to deal with. In this two-part article, we first explain how to remove unwanted graffiti and the effects of pollution, and then deal with lime-based staining in part two.
Removing Efflorescence Staining
Although this is a moderately easy job, you may prefer to seek professional assistance – find a handyman service right here on Mr-Skill and they will quickly resolve your brick-staining problem.
Assuming the lime powder is reasonably easy to reach using a properly secured ladder, begin by using a dry, stiff scrubbing brush. Resist the urge to wash down the brickwork after scrubbing, because wetting the wall will quickly see the staining problem return.
The next stage is to use a soft paint brush to remove the chalky deposits. You may find streaking caused by leaking downpipes or poorly positioned flashing. First repair the leak to eliminate the problem. If your water-heater tank is overflowing, it too may cause unsightly staining on the surrounding bricks. A simple adjustment to the float controlling the water level in the heater tank is probably all that is required.
Call in the Professionals
If you feel challenged by the thought of venturing up a ladder to clean your brickwork, why not get a handyman service quote instead? Then you can sit back and watch your unsightly wall being transformed to its original splendour.
Kevin, he’s one of our London handymen services, advises that efflorescence can manifest itself in brickwork long after the wall was built. It’s a combination of insufficient curing, and the elements going to work in the form of damp drawing out the remaining lime. He goes on to say that streaking on walls may be the result of something more serious by way of leaking pipes or drains. In this case, you would do well to bring in the experts rather than have a go yourself. Sometimes a little knowledge can be dangerous!
Tags: cleaning, damp, efflorescence, find a handyman service, flashing, graffiti, handymen services quote, hydrochloric acid, leaks, lime, london handymen services, pipes, pollution, powder, pressure hose, protective clothing, stains, streaks, water, weather
Posted in Handyman Services | Comments Off
There is a certain calmness and serenity, when you enter a home with an indoor water feature trickling away gently in a room. Here, we are going to help you design and set up your very own magic indoor fountain, and because this is the merry month of May, there’s no better time to do so. This not difficult to achieve, in fact we rate this one as “easy” to complete, and you may not need to find an electrician either.
What You’ll Need 
- Suitably sized urn with hole in base
- Submersible water pump (as used in aquariums)
- Nozzle head and extension pipe
- Waterproof ceramic basin for the urn to stand in
- Some decorative pebbles and plants
- Heavy-duty plastic sheet to waterproof and house your display
Visit your local outdoor centre, and get a garden and landscaping quote. Then, if you feel confident to go it alone, purchase all of the above items to suit your budget. Decide where you want to display your new indoor water feature. Set down the plastic sheet to protect the floor on which the feature will stand. You will need a power socket to run the electric water pump – not too close, we all know that water and electricity don’t mix!
Place your ceramic basin in position. Place the water pump at the bottom of the basin. Attach the extension pipe to the pump (remembering to seal the joint at the base of the urn), and then lower the urn over it. Once the water is added, the pump will fill the urn with water which will cascade over the rim of the urn and collect in the basin. The water is continuously re-cycled by the pump.
Add sufficient clean water to the system, and then run it to see if any topping-up is required.  Once you have the water side of the feature set up, you can add pebbles and plants as you please. These additions will have the effect of displacing some of the water, so make sure that you don’t overfill the water feature.
Many of our London plumbers love building water features, so if you think this is all too difficult, then you can find help through Mr-Skill. Nearly time to switch on and sit back and admire your handiwork! You could also add some exciting light displays around your new water feature, so that you can enjoy a different ambience at night.
Tags: basin, calmness, cascade, electrical socket, extension, find an electrician, fountain, garden and landscaping quote, indoor, indoor water feature, lights, london plumber, pebbles, plants, plastic sheet, pump, re-cycle, serenity, urn, water
Posted in Electrical Work, Gardening & Landscaping, Plumbing, Heating & Gas | Comments Off
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