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Electrical, heating & plumbing

A big electrical appliance is an important purchase – here’s how to get it right.
See our huge collection of Buying guides for wise advice on choosing the best appliance for your home – from fridge-freezers and washing machines to dishwashers and desk fans. And our How To guides explain the stress-free way to install, whether you're replacing a sink or upgrading a wall socket.

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Electrical, heating & plumbing how to guides

Electrical, heating & plumbing buying guides

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Discover our range of Fires and Surrounds in our latest brochure

Fireplaces brochure

Discover our range of fires and surrounds in our latest brochure.

Over 170 designer raditors and heated towl rails

Radiators & heated towel rails brochure

Over 170 designer raditors and heated towl rails.

Electrical, heating & plumbing frequently asked questions

  • What is a dehumidifier?
    A dehumidifier removes trapped moisture in homes, and aids drying time of wallpapering and painting.
  • What types of time switches do you sell?
    We sell electronic, digital, 24hr segment, 25hr tappet time switches.
  • What different types of cable trunking do you sell?
    We sell a variety of cable management solutions allowing multiple cables to be neatly and safely managed. The different types of that we stock are self adhesive conduit, quarter sphere conduit and D-line trunking
  • What size cable do you need for lighting circuits?
    For lighting circuits use 1mm and 1.5mm size cable 50.
  • What does PIR means in the alarm section?
    PIR means Passive Infra Red sensor
  • What is a fire blanket used for?
    A fire blanket is used to extinguish kitchen and clothing fires.
  • What is the minimum British Standard Kite mark for locks?
    Locks need to have a minimum of 5 lever security, this is the standard needed for insurance policies.
  • What is Carbon Monoxide?
    A colourless, odourless, tasteless toxic gas produced by fuel burning appliances or vehicle engines.
  • What size waste fittings would be used for a kitchen sink?
    The waste needed for a kitchen sink is 40mm.
  • Can you use plastic 20mm pipe and fittings for cold and hot water systems?
    Yes, a plastic 20mm pipe can be used for fitting cold and hot water systems.
  • What are the benefits of energy saving light bulbs?
    Uses 80% less energy, saves over £9.00 per year off electricity bill
  • What’s the difference between clear and soft light bulbs?
    Soft bulbs are opaque and give a soft glow whereas clear bulbs shine brightly.
  • What are the three zones indicated on the bathroom lights?
    0 – must be water tight.
    1+2 – Min IP rating of IP44 and wired to a 30MA protected circuit.
    3+ No special requirements
  • Why does it state a maximum wattage on light fittings?
    The maximum wattage is stated on light fittings so you do not exceed this limit.
  • What are the different thicknesses of loft insulation?
    The insulation that we stock comes in two thicknesses - 100mm and 270mm
  • How long does an energy saving light bulb last?
    An energy saving light bulb last eight years
  • How many litres of water does a water butt hold?
    The maximum quantity that a Homebase water butt can hold is 22L.
  • What would be the most efficient batteries you can purchase?
    The most efficient batteries to buy are rechargeable.
  • How many different types of composters do you sell?
    We sell 6 different types of composters to help you with composting your household and garden waste.
  • Do Homebase sell recycle bins?
    Yes, we do. We sell a wide range of recycle bins in all shapes and sizes to fit in with your lifestyle.
  • What is the recommended depth of insulation, and who recommends it?
    The recommended depth of insulation is 270mm and this is set by the UK Building Regulations.
  • Explain how an energy saving light bulb works compared to a standard light bulb?
    An energy saving bulb has a lower wattage and uses up to 80% less energy than standard bulb.
  • What does KW mean on heaters and fires?
    This means Kilowatt which is measures the heat output.
  • What is a radiator valve? And where in store would you find one?
    A radiator valve regulates the heat output and is found in the plumbing at the side of the radiator
  • What is fire cement?
    Fire cement is heat resistant therefore the best to use when fitting a new fire surround or maintaining an existing fire.
  • Do you sell fire surrounds separately?
    Yes we do sell the surrounds for a fireplace separately – see brochure for full details