DIY guides

The things you can fix yourself, explained step by step by people who do them every day. And, for each one, the point where it is best to stop and call a technician.

Boiler

How to top up your boiler pressurePressure below 1 bar: where the filling tap is and when to stop 10 minutes · EasyBoiler servicing: how often it is neededCleaning, flue gas check and bollino: deadlines, costs and who pays 15 minutes for the paperwork · Technician

Air conditioner

How to clean air conditioner filtersFilters, panel and outdoor unit: what you can clean and what to leave to the engineer 20 minutes, plus drying · EasyAir conditioner dry mode: what it does and when to use itThe drop symbol: what it does, what temperature to set and how much it uses 5 minutes · EasySmelly air conditioner: causes and fixesDamp, vinegar, sewage or burning: what each smell means and what to do 30 minutes · EasyAir conditioner icing up: outdoor unit, pipes and splitIn winter often normal, in summer not: how to tell where the ice comes from 15 minutes, plus the time for the ice to melt · EasySaving money with your air conditioner: running costs and the right temperatureHow much a split uses, what temperature to keep and the habits that count on the bill 15 minutes · Easy

Leaks and taps

Dripping tap: what to doFrom the spout, base or handle: find the part to replace and do it yourself 45 minutes · MediumHow to shut off the water in your homeMain stopcock, bathroom valves and meter: where they are and how to close them 5 minutes · EasyHow to find a water leak in your homeThe meter test and the right clues to work out where the leak is hiding 1-2 hours, mostly waiting · EasyBurst pipe in the wall: who pays and what to do firstYou, the building or the neighbour: who pays, and the first steps to keep your refundEasy

Drains and toilets

How to unblock a sinkHot water, plunger, trap and snake: the right order, in the kitchen and bathroom 30 minutes · EasyHow to unblock a showerGrille, drain trap, plunger and snake: how to get the water flowing again 30 minutes · EasyToilet cistern that keeps running without flushingFloat or seal: find the part that lets water run into the bowl 30-60 minutes · Medium

Water heater

Water heater anode and limescale: what they do and what to checkWhat the anode does, how often it is changed and how to limit limescale 20 minutes · EasyElectric water heater: which one to choose and how many litresLitres, space, meter and energy rating: the criteria for choosing 30 minutes · Easy

Radiators

How to bleed your radiatorsCold at the top or gurgling: how to let the air out and when to stop 5 minutes per radiator · EasyThermostatic radiator valves: how they work and what the numbers meanWhat the numbers mean, how to set them room by room and when you need them 10 minutes · EasyHeat pump with radiators: how it works and when it makes senseDoes it work with your radiators? Temperatures, hot water, costs and what to ask 30 minutes to gather the data · Technician

Gas system

Gas hob that will not light: what to checkNo spark, flame going out or yellow: the safe checks you can do 20 minutes · Easy

Pellet stove

How to clean a pellet stoveBurn pot, glass, ash and end of season: the cleaning you do with the stove cold 15 minutes · EasyPellet stove smoking: causes and what to doBlack, white or indoor smoke: what it means and when it is an emergency 15 minutes · Medium

QR access

24-hour gym: how to organise access and safetyFor owners: QR access, exits, cameras and rules for opening 24 hours a dayTechnicianOpening a door with your smartphone: QR, badge, code or appQR, badge, code or Wi-Fi app: how to choose for an office, shop or businessTechnician