UlsterRugby1999

Cheers folks for the replies. Ive been searching the web for a while too. The wood burner "claims" to have 14kw for the boiler and 8kw for the fire. That would be enough for what we want. Making my own was never in my plans Dog but.............. Crossy67 the solar kits that I am looking at all come with an expansion vesel which is waht, I guess, you mean. What worries me most is that in some previous threads several times the discussions have centred on unsafe installations and even explosions. Yikes. I dont want that.

Hi all - Having read some previous posts on the topic of vented and non vented systems I'm left with a headache, mainly as I dont understand the technical arguments you guys submit. [:D] I want to install a solar panel (evac tube type) system to produce some of our hot water. Coupled to this, I had hoped to be able to install a wrap around wood burning stove for added umph to our water in the winter. From the same wrap around I had intended to heat a few rads too. The tanks that are available here in France, and also many in the UK, are for closed (I think pressurised - non vented) systems. Is there a safe way of connecting the wrap around to the tank so that if it over pressures it wont blow up? I dont have space for header tanks etc. I do intend to install the system along with a local electrician and plumber (one of whom is Dutch and the other Belgian) so absolute knowledge of the French system may not be guaranteed. What do you think (in Numpty English please [:D])

[quote user="Anton Redman II"] You could try swopping boxes between rooms. If the box works in the other location have a look at cable lengths and consider using an amplifier. Also try swopping cables at the dish end to see if that moves the problem. However if you are South of the Loire I suspect moving to 80 cms is the best bet. [/quote] Hi Anton - This weekend we actually took the 2 FreeSat boxes and switched rooms with them. The problem remains the same as in the HD box still doesnt get the channels but the non HD box continues to get all of them even in its new location. I'll try the cable switching at the dish and let you know. "elamessa" - thanks for that too - I can do this okay during the week I guess. Hopefully I dont loose the direction of the dish though [:$]

Thanks for that - the dish size is small. Its an old 60cm Sky dish we brought from Belfast. The HD box is Sagem and the non HD box is Grundig. Would changing to a bigger dish help?

Hi all - I have a weird situation which I am sure you clever folks will be able to guide me on. I have a quad LNB with 2 feeds off it to 2 FreeSat boxes. 1 feed is a an HD FreeSat box the 2nd is non HD. The HD set cannot connect to BBC Northern Ireland, BBC3, 105 and several others (with a wee window that pops up saying insufficient signal strength) while the non HD box connects to these programmes with no problem. My friend who installed them could not get the signal (using a really fancy looking gizzmo) to LOCK and explained that it was the fault of the LNB and continued this argument for the reason why one box will receive and the other will not. How can this be if one box is getting them and the other isnt. I have assumed that it is the fault of the box BUT is there any other possible reason before I ship the things back to Northern Ireland to have it replaced. Cheers everyone. Paul

Wow guys - loads of stuff here. 1)   The technician has sent me a report which clearly shows that I must use a liner (there is a well close by and may well be within 35m) 2)   He has indicated the use of various materials and as Dave states GeoGRILLE is one of them. I bought a kit which is complete with liner, geotext, geogrille etc. 3)   The tank is a 4000L concrete type with prefiltre inside. 4)    I asked the technician about the sand as I was concerned that if I put in 700mm of the sand and then add 2 X 100mm layers of stone that while I'm walking all over it to set up the pipework etc it'll settle everywhere and, furthermore, when he tests for the depth of sand it might end up being less than 700mm. Additionally, over time surely the filter will settle leaving a depression in the ground. The filter size is 30m2. All new installations in this area (as far as I am aware) must have sand filter drainee.  

Most of the systems in this area are old concrete collectif (I think they are referred to) and the technician was most certain that these were not conforming.

Great photos Dave - and thanks for putting them up. God I couldnt do all that again I think to myself. But then I'm just starting out on this new project. Doh [:$][:)] One observation, when did you do the fosse? We have been told that we MUST included a liner right around and under the entire sand filter system. In fact, I have bought a complete kit, which while slightly more expensive seems well worth the extra expense. We have been told that it will fail without the liner.

[quote user="AnOther"][quote user="UlsterRugby1999"]many of us have had the VISIT and the TEST and FAILED and will have to install a new system in the near future.Cheers everyone - Paul[/quote]I think (hope) that you have got that wrong. As far as I am aware only the worst cases, such as direct discharges and those polluting waterways, will be required to take prompt remedial action. For others it is more of an advisory with no defined timetable for improvement. [/quote] The SPANC Technician/Expert assured us that in our locality, virtually all the systems (older than 10 years old) were acrredited with a red X indicating that they are systems which do not conform and will be required to be changed within 3 years (I believe although not 100%) from a cut off date (2012 I believe). In our commune there we little, if any, non red x's showing on his plan of the commune and surrounding area. This, he assured us, was the norm throughout the region. I'd be delighted to be wrong on this one AnOther honestly [;-)][;-)]

Hi all - I'm about to start installing a fosse septique in our wee project which we have recently bought. I've had the technician out from SIVEER who has given me the go ahead and the layout and been very helpful. In addition I have had bucket fulls of advice from every exPat in the area on how to do it which is all very interesting until you ask them if they have actually installed one themselves and the uniform answer is a negative one [:(][8-)][:(] For all of you wise old owls who have, maybe you could share your experiences, not only for my benefit, but for the benefit of those yet to self install. What obvious pitfalls are there? What better methods ? Anything really which will make the installation less fraught with problems and guide me away from the dreaded "refuse". As an example, In all the the material available that I have read it doesnt say anywhere if you tamp/whack the sand before installing the stones and upper pipe work. Not once have I seen anything on this aspect of the job. I called the technician and he, kindly, explained to me that it musnt be whacked but lightly compacted and when I suggested a light garden roller he said "Voila" in that lovely French way. Anyway, apart from looking for guidance for me I thought it might be a worthwhile exercise seeing that many of us have had the VISIT and the TEST and FAILED and will have to install a new system in the near future. Cheers everyone - Paul

pachapapa - I'll be doing this myself as its our wee project. The sand filter must be a minimum of 1.5m from the base to the top and the regard de collecte comes in line immediately after the regard de bouclage. I had assumed that the regard de collecte would be where the pump would also be positioned. If this is the case, then it would save me having to excavate deeper and get the water pumped up and into the land drains. Have I got this right? I see what you mean about the water collectors. This sounds like an excellent and cost effective idea. To make the connections I guess I simply cut into the vat and PVC weld the pipeworks in place or are there clever connectors. Thanks for your input here.

Cheers guys for all the input. Pachapapa you have it about right. The technician from SIVEER has asked for a collecteur and pump as the fosse outlet will be approximately 1 metre below the land drainage line that it will connect to that will then take the water to the nearest fossé. The pump is to be positioned immediately after the regard de bouclage.   The issue now is sourcing the collector/collecteur as the pumps seem to be readily available.   Given that the land drainage is circa 600mm below the ground level the collector will need to be quite a deep unit and this is where I need your help. Where would I expect to find one of these type of units. The local supplier, as I’ve said, is quoting nearly 1100 € for pump and collector.  

[quote user="La Guerriere"]If you're passing through UK try Machine Mart, they do a good line in cheap submersible pumps[/quote] Cheers for that but I doubt I'll be in the UK for a long while. The bin type unit is more my concern. Given that the base of the collecteur will be circa 1.5/1.8m down its the logistics of doing this I dont quite understand.

Salut pachapapa - I had posted another response to this but its not there. Mmmmmmm interesting Anyway, do you have any recommendations for places to buy such equipment. Cheers - Paul

[quote user="pachapapa"]I presume the sand filter bed is drained and the pump will be used to elevate the "clean effluent" to a higher elevation for disposal by gravity.  [/quote] Yes pachapapa - it will be as you describe. [quote] If that is the case the "water" will be clean without suspended particles and an expensive pump may not be necessary. The reservoir accumulates the water so that it is pumped in batches intermittently preventing the pump bashing it's innards out on snore. If it was my installation I would go for a good quality heavy duty polypropelene plasti dustbin and sous-sol dirty water pump with a rubber impeller and mercury floats. I would anticipate a cost of €70-€80 not including excavation and frost insulation.[/quote] Which is what I thought and hoped would be the response. Many thanks for your input. Cheers.

Morning all. We have a renovation project underway at the moment which requires a 4m³ tank and a 6x5m sand filter which requires a pump. I have asked my local materials supplier for a devis for the materials and he has included a pump and a reservoir for the pump at a cost of nearly 1100€. Do I need to use this costly pump or could I simply buy a much cheaper submersible pump instead? If the answer is YES, what sort of reservoir do I need and do you have any idea what its called (in case I'm calling it the wrong name) and where to get one? Cheers folks - Paul

[quote user="Gardian"] Well, a deserved 6N victory for France, but they had to dog it out in the end. Another day, another ref, we'd have nicked that. Pleased for the Jocks - a deserved win (sorry UR99!) My verdict on the 6N, for what it's worth: France: worthy champions, but only really convincing in snatches. Nullified tonight. The big 13 is over-rated: just a basher. No surprise he was taken off. Not sure I fully agree with the nullified comment. I think Lievremonts game was simply to win. He has built up a confident and capable squad that are capable of making the final of the RWC next year. That said, this is what he claimed was his plan when he took over the position. Ireland: can't make up my mind about them. I think that they'll eclipse once their world class fwds cease to provide ball for their backs. O'Driscoll past his best. Fair comment re our forwards. Mainly it'll be our our front 5 too and our dependence on them is now telling. O'Connell is a seriously hard worker but struggles to keep the old rear-guard along side sometimes and yesterday it was exposed cleverly by Scotland. England: best perf of the 6N. Should have 'blooded' some of the new players earlier (nothing to lose). Biggest problem in the front 5, traditionally a strength. I believe that there was too much reliance on the older guys (Vickery & Co) and then too many changes without letting the newer guys have time to bed down. As you say, nothing to lose but anyone coming into a team (already on a confidence dive) needs time to settle in. Wales: capable of beating anybody on the day, but too fragile. Can't think of a new player who has distinguished himself. I think you flatter the Welsh a little. Scotland: strangely, the team that can take most credit & satisfaction from the 6N, in that they've made the biggest improvement. No arguments here and I think Robinson has injected a belief into a team that were at rock bottom. Their committment is immense and telling. Italy: not much to say, other than very occasional bursts of skill. Improving all the time I'd say. Their club players benefit from playing in Europe and this will tell in a few more years. An Irish, English or French scalp isnt too far away I feel. [/quote] Agreed re the matches yesterday Gardian - clealry they had done their homework an spotted our line-out weaknessess. Rory's throwing can be suspect under pressure and he was under immense pressure yesterday. They had clearly worked out where our scrummaging problems lie and worked out that our tight and loose heads were very suspect. Good luck to them, they did indeed deserve their win. Our unforced error count must have been close to three digits. God Almighty, how much ball did we gift them and especially our eyes closed type passing. While BOD is getting on in his years he's still a major threat and has shown this throughout this 6N's. He has a few games left in him yet. Overall, its been a reasonable 6N's and as you say, Scotland are the team to walk away with their heads high as they developed at each stage of the tournament and I'd fancy them to turn one of two of the SH teams.

[quote user="Gardian"] Where have you been UR99?  I was beginning to think that your ballon had exploded and taken you with it! I couldn't get very excited by Ire - Wales yesterday, probably because I didn't care much who won.  Still felt that my fiver on England to win the Championship had a chance provided that we gave the Scots the stuffing they deserved. However, I just had that sinking feeling that it would go the way that most matches up there seem to go for us - straight down the fosse septique.  The rest is history. There's not one England player who would get elected to play in a 6N XV. Today was a delight: OK, the French were flattered a bit in the first half, but it was at least entertaining. That's the general idea isn't it?  [/quote] Ha - Gardian like a bad penny I'll always turn up. I took myself off to the Ireland for a wee holiday and now I'm trying to get back on track again. The Irish match wasnt breath taking but it was a a good match to watch nonetheless. If you were a youngster and a forward you'd have learned a lot from Paul O'Connell. But we got the win we needed to help restore some pride after the terrible lacklustre display against France. The crazy thing about England is that they have several top class players but not one iota about playing as a team or whatever. I dont know for sure but there is a major component lacking and maybe Johnston isnt the man. But then who is? I didnt see the French match but Italy scored 20 points so the French line isnt as impregnable as we made it look.  

Be strong and stand tall powerdesal - you can do it - your country needs you and all that guff.

Hey powerdesal - its a very very very rare moment when I cheer the Red Rose but this weekend coming I'll be the happiest lad in the world if you guys turn over the French. And, I'd buy you all a cyber pint of Guinness if its by a 20 point plus margin. Well you can only but dream [:D]

Ah Bugsy - is that it. I'm ready for a good auld hooley of a thread and thats all you give me.  [:D][;-)][:D]

What not one of you going to rise to the bait. Och !!!!!!!!!! [;-)] [;-)]

What oh what are England about. I'm not taking anything away from Scotland The Brave who, IMHO, gave an excellent boot string display in both backs and forwards BUT - England are simply a mess. Their back five, again IMHO, are a group of individuals who play as individuals. They have little or no idea where anyone is, and as for running onto the ball and creating space they are just pants. I feel for Jonny Wilkinson who is taking a load of crap from air heads like Brian (The Wingnut) Moore and even Healey but in fact, as Healey showed on his gizmo yesterday when Maradona Flood came on, his backs are miles out of reach (that'll be both in play and mentally). I feel for the pack too who while a bit bitsy at times do provide decent ball only to see it wasted away between hoofing it back to the oppo or their individual Prima Donnas running into the oppo pack for lack of imagination and ideas or even well rehearsed set plays. Wales aren't much better either. Their packs work rate is superb but rewards are minimal. Yes their discipline might be questionable, as was ours too of course, but they lack imagination or, for us older guys, the boot string and socks game of FECK it, just play your heart out and try and try and try. When the ideas fade so does the challenge. But then, we have Paul O'Connell...........[:D][:D]

Good man yourself Martin. A wee chuckle is a good tonic. I'll have to wait until the weekend to try turning everything off as I'd be hung from the so and so's if I tried it right now given how cold it is and so on. Chancer - still no sign of any of them factures. Its like waiting for a flippin bus, non and then a load come at once. I bet I find them all tonight.

Mmmmmmmmm - Martin963 - this is hard to explain. You know the way I said there was no way of testing for the difference between HC & HP units consumed? Well somebody must have put another blue button there over night. There is indeed one there and you can indeed see 2 different sets of units being HP and HC. Dear oh deary me. [:$][Www][:$] Right then, I can now see which units I am using (thanks for that Martin). I can redo my weekly Excel spreadsheet to show both sets of units consumed week by week. Assuming a unit of electricty is, circa 0.10 euro cents (incl TVA) then my last few weeks consumption of power have been Wk 50 = 610 units, Wk51 = 423, Wk52 = 450, Wk1 = 375, Wk2 = 459 and Wk3 = 278 (this is the first week with our new Chauffe'au installed. As I said in a previous post, we dont heat by electricity, but do have a recouperateur, we have normal (ish) washing machine and tumble dryer use. We do have a pool and we active winter it so the pump does come on and off more during the winter but overall our largest electrical use is for the CE. Chancer usually I fall over old Soregies bills here but right now I cannot find one. I'll keep looking and come back to you asap.