Name: The Italian Plumber
Address: London

Tip of The Month: Should you consider installing a jacuzzi or whirlpool spa?

Since the start of the pandemic, we’ve seen a rise in popularity of indoor jacuzzi and whirlpool spa installations. People have had fewer opportunities to go out, they’re spending less money, and therefore are thinking about ways to improve their homes or provide more entertainment without venturing outside. If you’ve been thinking about having one installed for yourself, here are a few things to consider: Jacuzzis and whirlpools are not baths They really are there Read More…

It shouldn’t happen to a plumber: “Now that you’ve finished that…” Part 2

If you haven’t already read it, here’s Part 1. Having enjoyed the cheeky banter, and safe in the knowledge that there was a bigger job ahead, Peter decided to pack up his tools and call it a day. “I’m all done. I’ll get the office to come back to you with a date to refit your pipes”, he explained. “Oh, okay. Well, now that you’ve finished that, you must be thirsty?” She asked. Peter had Read More…

Ask Samuele: July 2021

This month, Claudia from Streatham asks… Dear Samuele, I’ve been told that my floorboards need to be removed in order for the plumber to gain access to the water pipes. This sounds like a right nightmare. Is there any way around it? Yours sincerely, Claudia Samuele says: Ciao, Claudia! And grazie mille for your question. Because they are already located beneath your floorboards, unfortunately, the only real option is to remove them along with Read More…

Tip of The Month: Should you consider installing an electric boiler?

Over the last few years, we’ve experienced a huge increase in demand to install electric boilers. They are often perceived as the next big thing in helping to improve the environment. And, to some extent, this is true. They are generally greener to use, and will go some way to helping the Government achieve the 2050 zero carbon emissions target. But, more on the green issue later. As a general rule of thumb, the cost Read More…

It shouldn’t happen to a plumber: “Now that you’ve finished that…” Part 1

I’m often asked if I’ve ever been propositioned by a customer, or had any work-related experiences of a more amorous nature. The truth is ‘no’; it’s never happened to me, but I do know plumbers who have found themselves in these kinds of situations. Many of the stories are reminiscent of a 1970s British softcore sex comedy. If you’ve not seen one, the scenario goes something like this: a milkman/plumber/electrician turns up on the doorstep Read More…

Ask Samuele: June 2021

This month, Jonathan from Acton asks… Dear Samuele, My friend was horrified to hear that I still have a cold water storage tank in my loft. Why is this an issue, and should I consider changing it? Yours sincerely, Jonathan Samuele says: Ciao, Jonathan! And grazie mille for your question. It’s still very common for a house to keep a cold water storage tank in the loft. This is because it is ‘feeding’ Read More…

It shouldn’t happen to a plumber: Why we wince when we lift a toilet seat

As you can imagine, being called to deal with a blocked toilet or leakage problem is not a job that fills our hearts with joy. You never know what you’re going to find, not to mention the fact that the customer often feels very embarrassed. And who can blame them? The loo in our home is sacred, and not something we want the outside world to see – no matter how clean it’s kept. But, Read More…

Tip of The Month: Goodbye kettle. Hello easy street. Or is it?

Imagine getting up in the morning and not having to wait for your kettle to boil. You just make your hot drink – straight from the tap – and you’re good to go. Or what about chilled or sparkling water? No more having to store loads of bottles in the fridge, or sort through the recycling once you’re done with them. Well, this is exactly what you get when you invest in an instant hot Read More…

Ask Samuele: May 2021

This month, Alex from Ealing asks… Dear Samuele, I’ve been told that it’s a good idea to flush boiling water down the sink to get rid of the build-up of grease and grime. Is this right? Yours sincerely, Alex Samuele says: Ciao, Alex! And grazie mille for your question. You actually raise a very important point. Many people do just that. They believe that the heat of the water will melt away any grease and Read More…

Why I became a plumber, and how I ended up with a business in the UK – Part 2

If you haven’t already read it, here’s Part 1. Part 2. After a couple of years in London, working at a restaurant and then a property maintenance company, it was time for my next move. I’d had the good fortune of being approached directly by some of the maintenance company’s clients. They liked the quality of my workmanship and overall work ethic, so they gave me a few gigs. It worked out well… it was Read More…

Plumbing Advice Blog