Well first of all, HELLO!

What a great to site to find as I've just started a major DIY project in my first flat! I'm sure I'm going to be on here alot so please bear with me. I'm a total novice, but keen to (and not afraid to) 'get my hands dirty'!

I've got loads of questions to ask, but will start with the most pressing...

My little flat was built in 1962 and still has mostly the original fixings and decor (nice) so big job ahead of me.
I have no gas at the moment - but may be able to get it installed in the next few years.
The electricity is on that Economy 7 thing.
Heating is currently supplied by nasty, nasty storage heaters... *Anyone recommend new ones?*

The first thing I have done, to use the space more efficiently, is remove the header tank, hot water cylinder and unecessary pipework. After a few (very wet) dramas, this is now complete!
I am now left with a space of approx 600mmx600mm and height of 2370mm to fit a new water cylinder.
The plan was to get (forgive me if I get this wrong) an Economy 7 direct combination cylinder.
I haven't tested the mains pressure - but my finger remembers it being quite good when it was all connected and I'm going down hill from the mains supply apparently. I will look into getting the gauge to do this properly at the weekend.
I plan to install one of these fancy steam shower/bath things... *Any advice on this is also welcome!*
From what I understand, they do not heat the water, instead rely on a hot and cold water feed similar to a washing machine.
I'm a girl. I have long hair that takes ages to rinse so those 2 facts mean I'm probably going to need a lot of hot water to be available! Good water pressure is essential (to speed up the rinse process!)
I have started reading some stuff about unvented/vented mains fed hot water systems and I think this might be beneficial, but really not that sure... Is it a bit OTT for a simple system that is only really needed for providing me with a decent shower? Does it cost more to run? Is it compatible with the E7 system?

I thank you now for reading my incredibly long first post - I'm sure it won't be my last!

I'd be greatful of any ideas or advice from anyone that may have some knowledge/experience in this kinda thing...

Thank you again,

Loretta x

On Fri, 10 Nov 2006 00:02:53 +0000 someone who may be Loretta
wrote this:-

My little flat was built in 1962 and still has mostly the original
fixings and decor (nice) so big job ahead of me.

The pipes will be in imperial sizes. Joining these to metric sizes
is easy in most of the sizes, but slightly more difficult at 22mm.

I have no gas at the moment - but may be able to get it installed in
the next few years.

If you are intending to remain in the flat for some years it is
worthwhile doing this and installing a wet heating system.

Heating is currently supplied by nasty, nasty storage heaters...
*Anyone recommend new ones?*

Probably not worthwhile for a few years until you get gas. It might
be worthwhile if you can get some secondhand storage heaters, which
are rather more slim than the ones you probably have.

I am now left with a space of approx 600mmx600mm and height of 2370mm
to fit a new water cylinder.

A small flat is the sort of building where a combination boiler can
make sense. That would free some of the space taken by the hot water
cylinder.

The plan was to get (forgive me if I get this wrong) an Economy 7
direct combination cylinder.

If you intend to get gas then it is worthwhile getting an indirect
one now. This can be used as it is and connected to the gas central
heating when the time comes. If there is any possibility of using
solar water heating or any other source then there is merit in
getting one with a coil for that as well. You can get them made to
your specific requirements as regards immersion heater bosses,
location of connections and so on.

I'm a girl. I have long hair that takes ages to rinse so those 2 facts
mean I'm probably going to need a lot of hot water to be available!
Good water pressure is essential (to speed up the rinse process!)

You might like to consider a thermal store. This heats water
instantly and can be used with mains pressure cold water. One of the
main advantages is that you avoid the annual inspection (100 pounds
or so at the moment) that an unvented system involves.


--
David Hansen, Edinburgh
I will *always* explain revoked encryption keys, unless RIP prevents me
http://www.opsi.gov.uk/acts/acts2000/00023--e.htm#54

The message
from David Hansen contains these words:

My little flat was built in 1962 and still has mostly the original
fixings and decor (nice) so big job ahead of me.

The pipes will be in imperial sizes. Joining these to metric sizes
is easy in most of the sizes, but slightly more difficult at 22mm.

Though a good plumber's merchant will be able to supply adaptors.

--
Skipweasel
Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain.

On Fri, 10 Nov 2006 10:59:09 GMT someone who may be Guy King
wrote this:-

The pipes will be in imperial sizes. Joining these to metric sizes
is easy in most of the sizes, but slightly more difficult at 22mm.

Though a good plumber's merchant will be able to supply adaptors.

Indeed. Even large orange and white tin sheds can do this, which is
why it is only slightly more difficult.


--
David Hansen, Edinburgh
I will *always* explain revoked encryption keys, unless RIP prevents me
http://www.opsi.gov.uk/acts/acts2000/00023--e.htm#54

On Fri, 10 Nov 2006 00:02:53 +0000, Loretta
wrote:


What a great to site to find

Eh? This is Usenet...

Geo

The message
from David Hansen contains these words:

Though a good plumber's merchant will be able to supply adaptors.

Indeed. Even large orange and white tin sheds can do this, which is
why it is only slightly more difficult.

But with a proper plumber's merchant you get the opportunity to ask for
four felching pens and a bevelled spill-trunion.

q.v. http://www.epicure.demon.co.uk/flushedgrollings.html

--
Skipweasel
Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain.

In article ,
Guy King wrote:
But with a proper plumber's merchant you get the opportunity to ask for
four felching pens and a bevelled spill-trunion.

And with dribble behind the counter, you'd get them.

--
*With her marriage she got a new name and a dress.*

Dave Plowman London SW
To e-mail, change noise into sound.

On Fri, 10 Nov 2006 20:19:57 +0000 (GMT), "Dave Plowman (News)"
wrote:

In article ,
Guy King wrote:
But with a proper plumber's merchant you get the opportunity to ask for
four felching pens and a bevelled spill-trunion.

And with dribble behind the counter, you'd get them.

Nah, he'd come up with a bucket full of blue steam and a left handed
hammer.

DG