The Most Common DIY Questions Asked Online

When it comes to DIY, everyone has to start somewhere and that’s exactly what FAQ’s are for. To make it easier for you to get on with the task at hand, here are a collection of the most commonly asked DIY questions about:

What power tools are there and what do they do?

There are a wide variety of power tools, they can be easily categorised into groups that say what they do. These are:

Drilling tools

Sawing tools

Joining tools

Routing tools

Planing and sanding tools

Shearing and punching tools

Striking tools

Screwdriving tools

What colour should grout be?

There are lots of different colours of grout, so pick one that complements or contrasts the colour of your tiles for your desired look. If your grout has black, grey or green staining then it may be indicating issues and it may be worth replacing.

Why are my radiators cold?

The most common cause for a cold radiator is that is simply needs bleeding – this is when a pocket of air has formed in the radiator, stopping the hot water from heating it up. You can bleed a radiator by opening up the bleed valve until all the air has hissed out, giving way to water.

If after bleeding the radiator is still cold then it may have a build-up of limescale and will need to be flushed out.

Do I need to have my boiler serviced?

Yes. Regular servicing of your boiler can help to keep it running smoothly all year round, eliminating any potential problems and keeping your central heating working efficiently. This isn’t a job you can do yourself and it is important that you bring in a Gas Safe registered professional.

Can I repair a brick wall myself?

Yes, replacing a few bricks is relatively simple task and as long as it isn’t a load bearing wall. You will need to remove the existing brick by drilling holes in the mortar and then knocking it out with a hammer and chisel. Then simply lay a mortar bed along the bottom and side of the hole and slide the new brick into place, tapping it until it is flush with the other bricks. Add more mortar to the joint and then scrape excess mortar off the wall and run a pointing tool or rubber piping along the joint to create a weatherproof finish.

What’s the best way to clean paintbrushes?

This strongly depends on the type of paint you’re using, but the quickest way of doing this is by wiping off the excess paint and then wrapping them securely in cling film. When fully sealed the air won’t be able to harden the paint, allowing you to reuse them quickly. If you’re planning on changing the paint then you will need to clean the brushes thoroughly in hot soapy water and then dry with a paper towel. If using gloss paint then it will require white spirit for cleaning.

Why does my carpet have a buckle in it?

This can be caused by several things, namely: improper installation, high humidity or by moving heavy furniture. To rectify this issue you will need to remove all furniture from the room and have the carpet stretched and fit correctly.

How do I fix a faulty light switch?

The first thing you need to do is turn off the power to the circuit then remove the cover plate and check the wires with a circuit tester to ensure no power is still running through the lines. Next you will need to inspect for loose or damaged connections or wires which could be the route of the problem. Once you’ve found the issue you will need to take the steps to fix it, by tightening connections, repairing wires or simply replacing the light switch.

Why is my guttering overflowing?

Some reasons for this include the piling up of debris in the gutter or a broken bracket causing a dip in the guttering. Luckily this can be easily fixed by clearing out your guttering or fitting a new bracket or section of guttering, a relatively straightforward task even for the freshest DIYer.