This month, Angus from Surbiton asks: Dear Samuele, Sometimes, in the middle of the night, just as I’m about to fall asleep, I suddenly hear what sounds like a whoosh of water shooting out of the bathroom tap. It scares the life out of me! What could be causing it? Yours anxiously, Angus Ciao, Angus. And grazie mille for your question! It is likely that you’re experiencing a temporary build-up or surge in water Read More…
This month, Mimi from Hammersmith asks… Dear Samuele, I’ve always done my best to keep my plumbing and heating well maintained including regularly bleeding my radiators and checking boiler pressure. However, in recent weeks I’ve noticed that the bottom of my radiator remains cold when the heating is on. Can you tell me what’s causing it? Yours sincerely, Mimi Ciao, Mimi. And grazie mille for your question! If a radiator is cold at Read More…
This month, Dana from Acton asks… Dear Samuele, I’m far from being an expert, but I do know how to turn my boiler pressure up. The thing is, it’s just a pain to keep having to do it. Why does it seem to lose pressure every few weeks? Yours sincerely, Dana Ciao, Dana. And grazie mille for your question! If your boiler keeps losing pressure every few weeks, it usually means there’s a small Read More…
This month, Sandra from Teddington asks… Dear Samuele, My husband and I have invited an Italian couple to stay with us over the Christmas period, which we are very excited about. We’ve already stocked up on a good festive mix of British and traditional Italian food and drink, but it made us wonder: Aside from food and beverages, is there a particularly nice gesture or tradition—specific to Italian culture at this time of year—that we Read More…
This month, Reggie from Chiswick asks… Dear Samuele, I’m worried about the impending cold weather, and the effect freezing temperatures could have on my water pipes. Is lagging the best solution, and is it an easy job I could do myself? Yours sincerely, Reggie Ciao, Reggie. And grazie mille for your question! Yes, lagging is an excellent way to stave off the cold and keep your pipes safe and flowing over winter. Just pop Read More…
This month, Leisha from Fulham asks… Dear Samuele, I’m getting really fed up with the limescale build-up on my kitchen and bathroom taps. It’s become so hard it’s almost like stone — it even grazes my hand when I turn the taps on and off. Can you recommend a natural product to help remove it? I want to avoid using harsh chemicals. Yours sincerely, Leisha Ciao, Leisha. And grazie mille for your question! The Read More…
This month, Steve from Wandsworth asks… Dear Samuele, I live in a very hard water area, which has caused a crusty build-up of limescale round the rim and in the bottom of the toilet bowl. What’s the easiest and quickest way to get rid of it? Yours sincerely, Steve Ciao, Steve. And grazie mille for your question! First, remove the water from the toilet bowl. Don’t worry—you don’t need a plumber for this. Simply 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…
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…
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…