This month, John from Acton asks… Dear Samuele, I want to modernise my home, and like the idea of installing underfloor heating. What are the things I need to consider? Yours sincerely, John Samuele says: Ciao, John! And grazie mille for your question. It all comes down to how well your house/property is insulated. That’s why you’ll find underfloor heating installed in many new builds. If you don’t currently have double glazing, don’t even think Read More…
This month, Suzana from Twickenham asks… Dear Samuele, Over the years, the seal around my bath has become covered in mould. It looks dreadful. And, no matter how much bleach or mould removal solution I use on it, I just can’t seem to shift it. If I have to, I’ll remove the seal and replace it. Thing is, I’d rather not do that until I’ve explored any other possible options. Is there any product or Read More…
This month, Ricky from Acton asks… Dear Samuele, I’m at work during the day, so over the winter months I only need to use the heating in the evenings and at weekends. During these hours, if I set the boiler’s mechanical timer to turn the heating on and off every hour, will this save me money and still generate the same amount of heat? Yours sincerely, Ricky Samuele says: Samuele says: Ciao, Ricky! And Read More…
This month, Florence from Chiswick asks… Dear Samuele, I’m thinking about decorating my home and carrying out some general improvements. Before I get the paint brushes out, is there anything I need to consider? Yours sincerely, Florence Samuele says: Samuele says: Ciao, Florence! And grazie mille for your question. This is an excellent question, and one that I wish more people would ask. Before doing anything of this nature, especially if you intend to Read More…
This month, Rachael from Hayes asks… Dear Samuele, I have a tiny bathroom, which I’m considering converting into a wet room. I think it will look very modern and be much more practical. Is there anything in particular I need to consider before making such a change? Yours sincerely, Rachael Samuele says: Samuele says: Ciao, Rachael! And grazie mille for your question. Yes, keep your toilet roll in a box. Ciao for now, Samuele
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…
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…
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…
This month, Philip from Acton asks… Dear Samuele, I’ve noticed that my radiator leaks occasionally. It doesn’t seem to affect the heat it gives out, so I was wondering, if it will just stop leaking all by itself? Best wishes, Philip with a leaky rad Samuele says: Ciao, Philip! And grazie mille for your question. You’re right. Very often a small leak in a radiator does little to affect the temperature it puts out. You Read More…
I don’t know about you, but this outrageously hot weather really does seem to add an unnecessary pressure to my day-to-day life. Not just with work, but with the normal stuff, like doing the weekly shop, picking up my daughter from school, or generally making small talk with the neighbours. It’s like living in a sauna, 24/7. With the temperature soaring, and very little rain to cool down the air, it just seems like everything becomes that much harder. So, it got me thinking – pressure can sometimes be Read More…