Tutorial

The installation of the new dishwasher is the reverse of removing the old one with a few extra steps to ensure a leak proof and secure job You should also check the hot and cold water isolators to make sure that they have been upgraded and have built in check vales installed. Current building regulations require a check valve so that foul water cannot be accidentally sucked back into the clean water supply which you will drink from: continue

BS6798:2000 - Specification for installation of gas-fired boilers of rated input not exceeding 70 kW net. The regulation gives practical guidance to gas operatives when engaged in installing and maintaining gas-fired boilers used in the domestic sector.  The standard, which should be read in conjunction with the particular manufacturers installation instructions for a given appliance, gives advice on appliance installation, maintenance, testing etc. continue

EN 60529 outlines an international classification system for the sealing effectiveness of enclosures of electrical equipment against the intrusion into the equipment of foreign bodies (i.e. tools, dust, fingers) and moisture. This classification system utilizes the letters “IP” (“Ingress Protection”) followed by two or three digits. (A third digit is sometimes used. An “x” is used for one of the digits if there is only one class of protection; i.e. IPX4 which addresses moisture resistance only.) continue

I have received a lot of emails over the last year from property owners who want information on what’s involved in replacing a central heating system so they know if they’re being riped off. In other words, what has to happen in what order, and by who, in order to get the job done as effectively and inexpensively as possible.

Cash can be saved by doing things in the right order and at the right time. Doing things twice or in the wrong order costs money. Actually it costs you money. The installer gets more of it! Labour is always a big deal. All like-for-like heating systems come in at roughly the same price. Labour however is where you can save some real cash by getting the work done effectively and by making sure whoever you hire is doing the job right and on time. Your time!

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There are several steps to removing and installing a fully integrated dishwasher:

1. Make sure that the type of appliance you are purchasing is the same dimension as that you are removing!
2. Check to see if the old dishwasher uses hot and cold water feeds as most ‘A’ Rated appliances use only a cold water feed. You may require a Y-adapter if one is not included with the new appliance.
3. If the kitchen has a plinth beneath the cabinets remove it at this stage. continue

How To Locate Flow and Return Pipes

The Basics:

Over the years one of the more frequent questions that homeowners ask me is how to locate which of their radiator pipes is the flow pipe and which is the return pipe. The question usually revolves around the need to install TVRs (Thermostatic Radiator Valve) at each radiator. In most cases TVRs are unidirectional. In other words it doesn’t matter if the valve installed on the flow or the return side of the central heating circuit.

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What’s required to replace your old combination boiler? A lot of work goes into replacing an old cast iron boiler with a modern A-rated appliance. Though most boiler swaps can be accommodated in a day or two an entire heating system can take up to a week. It depends on the type of boiler being replaced and the model of new boiler being installed as well as how many radiators are required. There are a few things you should know as this type of work can be very invasive to your home and your lifestyle for the duration of the install. continue