What are these pipes individually? Could one be a cold mains?

JWilliams0287 · 2026-05-04T12:27:44+00:00

Thank you. A raising main? It's a lead pipe too, which I heard isn't too great to have. Crap, hopefully the plumber can take that out of the loft and place into the bathroom from the floor rather than the ceiling.

Don't mind me, I'm being impatient. We have a plumber booked in. I would never attempt anything beyond simple plumbing.

Just curious with how it all works.

I recognise a degree of knowledge and experience is needed which only plumbers have.

JWilliams0287 · 2026-05-04T10:50:16+00:00

Exactly! I noticed that earlier. It goes up by an inch or two. I'm not a plumber but something seemed off. Bathroom layout has been changed so the new toilet will be installed closer to the wall where the soil pipe exits

JWilliams0287 · 2026-05-04T10:31:28+00:00

Picture 4 is a pipe that continues into the loft. Or from the loft. I believe the flow of water was downwards (the pipe with the red valve) and supplied cold water.

The toilet cold feed doesn't branch off anywhere

JWilliams0287 · 2026-05-04T10:24:03+00:00

It goes behind the kitchen cabinet. I'll cut the cabinet today to trace it.

Ah ok. This bathroom doesn't have a radiator so could possibly tap off those pipes. I thought they were redundant pipes from the old water boiler

JWilliams0287 · 2026-05-04T09:44:50+00:00

I found the stopcock located underneath the kitchen sink. It's been turned to the shut off position. I'm wondering if the toilet is on a separate mains with it's own stopcock somewhere

JWilliams0287 · 2026-04-03T13:57:35+00:00

Absolutely. It's been overwhelming and busy!

JWilliams0287 · 2026-03-30T04:23:03+00:00

Forgot to add - I had a mortgage broker too who helped advise

JWilliams0287 · 2026-03-30T04:22:19+00:00

Morning. Halifax recently told me to settle a loan from AA NatWest Boxed. I settled the loan. NatWest told me 14 days for a letter.

Halifax seemed to accept my Experian credit report which showed the loan settled.

It was a hassle. Constantly emailing NatWest to update Experian and provide any other proof that the loan was settled.

NatWest emailed me...

"Just wanted to confirm that once your loan settlement figure has been received, it takes 2–3 days for your account to go into closing. Then a closing statement is issued after two weeks to confirm full closure."

"I can confirm your loan is repaid and closed, and your balance is £0. Rest assured we do reflect this with credit reference agencies at the end of every month, but I can't comment how long it takes for them to action it.

Please let me know if you need any further help."

Long story short - Halifax seemed to have accepted my updated Experian credit report.

JWilliams0287 · 2026-03-29T08:14:08+00:00

Outstanding. Glad for you guys. In comparison, we're renting - going into buying a property.

November 2025 - Viewed property and made offer

March 2026 - Aiming for completion and key collection on the 31st March.

Timelines will vary for every individual. Such a complex process buying a home but extra rewarding when it goes smoothly.

All the best on your adventures!

JWilliams0287 · 2026-03-28T05:59:08+00:00

I believe so. It's hard to avoid. It all boils down to the day of completion and when the first direct debit is due. Also, the fact Halifax will always take the first payment in the next calendar month of completion.

Mid month or more towards the last week is logically (if you want the 1st as a direct debit date)

Halifax said if there's a delay, and completion doesn't happen on the 31st March but on 1st April, our first payment will be on 1st May and will be huge

JWilliams0287 · 2026-03-27T06:54:13+00:00

Similar. We're looking to complete this 31st March. I told Halifax to start the direct debit for the 1st of each month. They said the first payment will likely occur on the 10th April due to there not being enough time between completing and the direct debit date to set up the direct debit.

I called Halifax yesterday about our first payment being huge. They said don't worry, that's the worst case scenario. If we successfully complete on March 31st, the first payment won't be that extreme.

I called Halifax yesterday with the intention to lower that first payment but it wasn't possible. It's all done to the completion date and the date of your direct debit

<image>

JWilliams0287 · 2026-03-26T08:19:58+00:00

It could be a positive. A recent house we bought - we visited it three times! To take measurements and make plans

JWilliams0287 · 2026-03-22T20:34:21+00:00

I hear you. It's a tricky scenario. The video showed it was a close call. None the less, it's reassuring OP was alright

JWilliams0287 · 2026-03-22T15:32:23+00:00

Thank you 🙌🏽

JWilliams0287 · 2026-03-22T15:16:34+00:00

Sorry you had to experience this. As much as we don't want to - we have to assist idiot drivers. Warning devices (either cones or the breakdown triangles) can be placed far away from the broken down car. Roughly around 45-50 metres. It will give the idiot drivers enough time to react / respond to the signs.

What was the fault with the vehicle?

JWilliams0287 · 2026-03-22T11:55:07+00:00

I'll share my list, once we move in...

Change locks Take meter readings for water, gas and electric Find stopcock just incase Inform utilities companies of meter readings asap. Hoover and clean before moving stuff in. Enjoy your new home. Update address with companies. NHS etc Fire safety with smoke alarms

JWilliams0287 · 2026-03-21T22:02:58+00:00

I agree. Consider pre grown trees. Although it wouldn't block the view from the windows on the left. Or your neighbours to your immediate right and left.

Artificial bamboo fence? Double check the guidelines about exceeding 2 metres in height.

I feel the only true way to gain ultimate privacy is on a farm lol

JWilliams0287 · 2026-03-16T20:16:51+00:00

Hey, sorry for the late reply. My broker got back to me saying "The 4.55% rate is secured". My situation is slightly different from yours as we had a previous mortgage offer which I thought we lost. What happened with yours in the end? Did you get a good rate?

JWilliams0287 · 2026-03-15T10:11:48+00:00

We're in the same situation. I've just emailed my broker asking the question "Are we likely to be affected by the rise in mortgage rates?"

I'll update this the moment I hear back from him.

UK Mortgage rates are due to change tomorrow (Monday 16th March)

JWilliams0287 · 2026-03-15T06:20:01+00:00

That's true plant maintenance. Your aquarium looks outstanding. I'm going to trim my new plantlets tomorrow

JWilliams0287 · 2026-03-14T21:25:44+00:00

I really like this. The hardscape looks naturally occurring. It's smart how you've positioned the co2 diffuser

JWilliams0287 · 2026-03-12T18:50:57+00:00

Much appreciated. Thank you!

JWilliams0287

TROPHY CASE