…and why my team love adhering to them I love being a plumber, and I love managing a great team. But what I enjoy most about running a plumbing business is making my customers happy and delivering the best service possible. When I first started the company, I created 10 rules that I promised myself I’d never break. These rules were designed to ensure The Italian Plumber would be the best it can be and Read More…
Ever heard of a Megaflow system? Imagine the scenario: you walk into a large family home first thing in the morning and are met by a chorus of screams, ouches, and expletives. That’s the sound of its occupants using more than one bathroom at a time, and those noises are the unhappy responses to the uncomfortable effects of low water pressure and poor temperature control. This is a problem for many of my West London-based Read More…
This month, Peter from Cheam asks… Dear Samuele, I’ve always been a believer in having multiple smoke alarms around the house. You can’t be too careful. I’m now thinking about installing a carbon monoxide detector. Can you recommend one, and where are the best places to put them in my home? Yours sincerely, Peter Ciao, Peter. And grazie mille for your question! Faulty boilers, water heaters, gas stoves, and central heating systems can all Read More…
5 reasons why you should consider it It will not surprise you to learn that I’m often asked: ‘Samuele, when should I consider replacing my boiler?” The short answer is: As seldom as possible. The main reason being: cost. But when talking about the cost of a replacement, a seesaw of economics comes into play and you have to find that crucial balance in order to make the right decision. To help you, I’ve put Read More…
Should you install a bidet or a handheld douche? Let’s face it, toilet paper gets the job done, but there’s a welcome satisfaction that comes with a clean rinse that not even the softest 2-ply can achieve. That’s where bidets and handheld bidet douches (also known as shower douches and bum guns) come in, offering a refreshing alternative to a regular fold-and-wipe solution. They’ve been a regular feature in most European homes going back 30 Read More…
This month, Polly from Sunbury asks… Dear Samuele, I’ve always been curious to know how hotels manage to keep their bathroom facilities looking so clean and sparkly. Do you have any insider tips to help me achieve that ultra-clean look in my own bathroom? Yours sincerely, Polly Ciao, Polly. And grazie mille for your question! Yes, there is a little-known trick that I often tell my customers about. Car wax. Just clean your bathroom Read More…
The Government’s Clean Heat Market Mechanism (CHMM) If you were considering having a traditional gas boiler installed, the release of this industry news will be of particular interest to you. In March 2023, the Government’s Department for Energy Security & Net Zero published its proposal for a Clean Heat Market Mechanism. Its purpose: “To set out policy proposals and invite stakeholder views on the introduction of a market-based mechanism to support the development of the Read More…
This month, Sandra from Ashford asks… Dear Samuele, I like to be prepared in the event of an emergency, so it got me thinking: In an emergency plumbing situation, what steps can a homeowner take to reduce any damage before a professional arrives? Yours preventatively, Sandra Ciao, Sandra. And grazie mille for your question! Firstly, in the event of you smelling gas, or you know there’s a leak, make sure you know where your gas Read More…
Well, it was always on the cards. You get older, and things start going wrong. You get aches, you find lumpy bits, the downstairs’ plumbing becomes sporadic… things just generally begin to decay. In such times, there’s only one thing you can do – take action! That’s why I’ve decided to run. A proper run. I’m training for a marathon. It’ll be in Winchester. If it goes well, I might even do the Amsterdam marathon Read More…
This month, Leonardo from Putney asks… Dear Samuele, With the onset of old-age, my mother is now becoming quite frail and has developed arthritis. I’m looking for ways to make improve the quality of her life. Is there any way I could make it more comfortable for her to adjust the heat setting on her radiators? The current valves are very stiff, and she can no longer grip them. Many thanks. Leonardo Ciao, Leonardo. Read More…