Dennisj

Thanks for the advice all. Dennisj

Thanks all, If I read it correctly 22mm to my balon after which I reduce to 16mm for both hot and cold and reduce as relevant for each fitment. Dennisj  

I know this subject has been raised a few times, I have searched the archives and got lost in what looks to have been a clash of personalities. My Balon Rechauffage-Mixte....... which I am having difficulty finding in area 16, any help appreciated, will be located at one end of the house. My pipework, both hot and cold, will pass through bathroom 1 which will have a bath, shower, hand basin and toilet it will then split off in different directions to bathroom 2 and the kitchen. I think I did find enough information to set me on the road and unless someone says otherwise will install the pipe work as follows: 22mm hot and cold feed through the bathrooms, tee-ing off in 12mm for hand basins, 10mm for toilets and 16mm for showers and baths. Then reducing to 16mm for the kitchen. Dennisj

Hi, Any plasterers in area 16? Property is between Ruffec and Angoulem. Dennisj 

Had a plasterer lined up (brit) but he appears to have disappeared, does not answer his phones or reply to mail so looking for a dependable one. Property is midway between Ruffec and Angoulems. Fingers crossed.

I know the French seem to prefer taping plaster board joints but I prefer a plaster finish, my queery is english plaster goes off in approx 90 minutes, how long does french plaster take and what is it called. All and any help much appreciated. Dennisj

Hi tj, The wiring for 2 way and intermediate is simple but not sure on the availability of intermediate switches in France. This is the layout for a 2way circuit.  - ve----------------------------------------------------------- -------------- -ve to light +ve-------- C                                                                      C-------  switched +ve to light               1 -------------------------------------------------1                         2----------------------------------------------------2                2 way switch No 1                                               2 way switch No 2 2way switches are laid out C= common at top with L1 and L2 below and side by side. Basically you are providing a "positive/live/+ve" ( whichever terminology you want to use) voltage to the common terminal of one 2way switch, the switched positive/ live/+ve to the light from the common of the second 2way switch and 2 wires called "straps" between the two other terminals of the 2way switches.  To add an intermediate switch which has 4 terminals simply cut the straps, connecting the pair from switch 1 in the top two terminals of the intermediate switch and the pair from switch 2 into the two bottom terminals of the same intermediate switch. If you want more than one intermediate switch then repeat the process.  The above is the best drawing I can do in word, if not clear then send me your e-mail address. regards, Dennisj

Hi, Picked up your comments from the search facility, do you know if the Jotul is available with a back boiler as i would like to use it as a circulator for the hot water and to run a couple of towel rails. Have been looking at the Villager but it costs approx £1,100.00 and would love to spend less but do want reliability and performance, would be grateful for any information you can provide including suppliers. Regards, DennisJ

Hi Opel Fruit, Info is excellent but one initial queery re costs, is it the additives that are cheaper in the UK or the pump/stat/TRV's/ programmer etc? many thanks,   DennisJ

Thanks one and all, will be in there on the 27th shopping till the roof rack is full!

Thanks Zeb, I have seen the 3m's offerings and they seem over priced, apparently Brico depot are more realistically priced. Do Brico Depot have a web site? Regards, Dennis.

I have just become rather nervous... having this week placed an order for two 3000 litre fosse sharing a 4,5002m soak away to be installed at the end of May.... I am nervous because until reading your posting I honestly expected it to happen. I am in area 16, if it happens I will gladly tell all who the artisan is, come to think of it if it doesn't then i will definitely tell everyone who will listen. Dennisj

I wish to obtain a flight of stairs and understand castorama or brico depot stock them, does any body know if there is one in Poitiers? if so directions please. I will be driving down from Roscoff with my ultimate destination being near Ruffec. Many thanks, Dennis

Hi Lou, DIY books alas no but there is a book "Glossary of House Purchase and Renovation Terms" available form Amazon.co.uk which has French/English English/French translation of various useful info including building terms and materials. If you come across a good DIY book please let me know. Regards, DennisJ

Whist still living in the Uk we own a house in France which is not occupied, we visit from time to time and carry out some renovations, the house is not habitable. We have recieved (posted to the UK) what appears to be our equivilent of a rates bill of 150 Euros, can any one advise if this bill is still payable even though the property is unoccupied and not capable of being occupied. Any help would be much appreciated. Dennis.