These Are The UK’s Most Googled DIY Questions - Our Experts Have The Answers

Mon, Oct 07, 2024 01:58 CET

Do you have a DIY project in mind, but you're feeling a bit overwhelmed? Or perhaps you're experiencing an issue at home, and you're wondering how to fix it. If so, you're not alone! Here, the experts at MyJobQuote.co.uk have delved into Google Search data to uncover the most frequently asked DIY questions in the UK.

A tool on a table

Description automatically generated

Take a look at the list below to find out the most common DIY questions in the UK. To help you tackle those tasks with confidence, the DIY experts at MyJobQuote have provided clear instructions. So, if you’re interested in finding out the answers to some common DIY questions, take a look at the list below.

How to Unblock a Toilet

By far the most googled DIY question in the UK is ‘how to unblock a toilet’, ranking up millions of searches every year. A blocked toilet is a very common issues in homes. So, if you’re struggling with a blocked toilet, read on to find out how to fix it.

There are a few different methods to unblocking a toilet. The method that you use will depend on the type of blockage you’re dealing with and the area of the blockage.

Below is a list of the most common ways to unblock a toilet:

Unblock with a Plunger

Most minor toilet blockages can be rectified with a plunger. Follow the steps below to unblock your toilet with a plunger:

Put the plunger into the toilet and make sure it’s covered by the water and that there is a seal formed around the draining outlet.
You may need to add some water to the bowl if there is not enough present to cover the plunger.
Push the plunger into the toilet and quickly pull it back in a pumping motion, ensuring that you don’t break the seal.
Repeat this around 20 times or less if you find that the water level starts dropping.
If the blockage doesn’t shift, refill the toilet bowl and repeat the process.

Unblock with a Toilet Snake

A plumbing snake is a piece of flexible wire that has a helix-style attachment on the end. This helps dislodge and break up any items that may be blocking the toilet. Follow the steps below to unblock your toilet with a toilet snake:

Place the toilet snake over the bowl and feed it into the U-bend.
Continue to feed it down the toilet until you make contact with the blockage.
Use a twisting motion or an up-and-down motion on the handle of the snake to start the process of breaking the blockage.
Repeat this motion until the blockage is cleared.

Unblock with Chemicals

Chemical toilet unblocking agents can react with the materials in the blockage to help break them down. Follow the below steps to properly unblock your toilet with a chemical agent:

Begin by thoroughly reading the label on the chemical agent as every unblocking agent is different and may require different methods of use.
Take the appropriate safety precautions highlighted on the label.
Open any windows in the room to create ventilation.
Pour the recommended amount of chemical agent down the toilet and leave this to sit for the recommended amount of time, according to the label.
Once the time is up, flush your toilet to check if the blockage has cleared.

How to Unblock a Sink

The next most googled DIY question is how to unblock a sink. There are various reasons why a sink may become blocked. Below, we will explain how to unblock a sink properly.

Firstly, you need to gather some items, including a blaster cup, a plumber's snake, stiff wire, cloth, and a bucket. Take the following steps to unblock a sink:

Place your blaster cup over the plug hole and then block the overflow with a wet cloth.
Pump using the pump on the blaster cup. After a few plunges, the blockage should then clear.
If this fails to unblock the sink, try using a liquid drain cleaner. Be sure to follow the instructions on the bottle.
Repeat using the liquid drain cleaner a few times and then rinse it away with some warm water.
If the blockage still persists, try using a plumber's snake. Carefully push the snake down the drain, and when you reach the obstruction, pull, twist, and push until the blockage is removed. Then, rinse with water to remove any remaining debris.
If none of the above options work, you will have to go underneath the sink and unblock it from there. Be sure to turn the water off before you attempt this.
Place a bucket under the trap pipe to catch water when you remove it. Unscrew the trap and remove it and then empty the water out into your bucket.
Rinse the trap out and use a stiff wire to unblock it. Then, replace the trap and screw it back into place. Don’t forget to turn the water supply back on once you’ve finished.

Radiator Not Heating Up

Another common problem in UK homes is a radiator not heating up. That is why this is another one of the most googled DIY questions. If your radiator is not heating up, this is usually due to trapped air within the system. The best course of action for fixing a cold radiator is to bleed the radiator.

Below is a list of steps to take to bleed your radiator:

Start by turning off your central heating system.
Then, place a rag or old piece of cloth underneath the valve so that you can catch any water that may start to drip out while you are bleeding the radiator.
Use your radiator key and turn it anti-clockwise by roughly a quarter of a turn. It should start to hiss. Leave it open until the air stops coming out and water starts running out of the valve.
As soon as water starts coming out of the valve, turn the radiator key to the off position again.
Bleed any other radiators that need to be bled while your central heating system is still off.
Check your boiler pressure.
You can then turn your central heating system back on, and the issue should be resolved.

How Long Do Grass Seeds Take to Grow?

Another highly googled DIY question is ‘how long do grass seeds take to grow?’. People in the UK love gardening, so it’s not surprising that we have a few gardening questions on this list.

If you’re wondering how long grass seeds take to grow, you’ll find that it varies based on several factors. Typically it takes around two to three weeks for grass seeds to germinate and start growing.

Factors that can affect how long grass seeds take to grow can include soil temperature, moisture levels, seed quality, and the type of grass in question.

How to Lay Turf

Next on our list, we have the question ‘how to lay turf’. This is another common job in UK gardens and something that is good to know how to do properly if you want a lush and thriving lawn.

Take the steps below to properly lay turf:

Buy the new turf on the day it is going to be laid so that it stays in the best condition. Make sure you have completed the preparation steps listed below before buying the turf.
Begin laying the turf along a straight edge. Use some wooden planks to make this step easier. Overlap the turf over the edge so that you can cut it neatly when finished. All you will need to do is line your turf up and unroll it all the way.
Once you've unrolled all the way, pat it down to help settle the turf into the soil.
Get your second turf and line this up to the straight edge. You want to make sure it's really tightly butted up to the first piece of turf before unrolling it.
Repeat the step above across the entire length of the lawn. Just make sure to stagger the joints on new rows to produce an even coverage.
Use a rake to tamp the turf down as you go along.
Once all the turf is laid and your lawn is covered, it is now time to cut the edging. Use a very sharp knife and carefully cut the turf along the edging. Cut away any excess so you can clearly see what you're doing, and be very careful when using the knife.
Tap the edge of the turf down into place as you go along.
Once complete, tamp down the entire lawn once again with a rake.
Finally, water the turf thoroughly with a sprinkler.
Wait at least 2-3 weeks before walking on the lawn, as it needs some time to root.

How to Lay a Laminate Floor

Next on our list of most googled DIY questions is 'how to lay a laminate floor'. For homeowners who are looking to make a big change in their home, they may consider changing their flooring. Laminate flooring is an excellent choice as it is both stylish and durable.

Follow the steps below to properly lay laminate flooring:

Start by planning the layout. Laminate flooring can be laid vertically or horizontally, so lay some out tofigure out which you's prefer. Plan the layout to ensure the final row of boards will be at least 60mm wide. Adjust the width of the first row if needed. Remember that you will need to factor in a 12mm expansion gap at each end of the room.
If you're going to fit the laminate around a door frame, begin by removing the door and line up an offcut of underlay and a floorboard with the architrave. Panel saw the architrave to that height. Then, remove enough of the underneath of the architrave so the laminate will fit underneath it.
Most manufacturers will recommend laying a foam or fibreboard underlay before installing the laminate flooring. This will need to be laid perpendicular to the laminate.
Once the underlay is installed, begin at the left-hand side of the wall from where the door is and lay the first piece of laminate flooring with the tongue edge against the wall. Move the board away slightly so that you can insert spacers between the board walls.
Line up the next board at the end of the first and then push it down until it clicks into position. Make sure you maintain the expansion gap along the wall with spacers.
Continue doing this along the wall until you can't lay any more full boards, making sure that the line of boards is perfectly straight.
To fill in the gap at the end, you will need to lay a full board down parallel to the existing boards. then, flip the board end over end so it is upside down with the groove edge still facing you and the other end now touching the wall spacer. Mark out a straight cutting guideline parallel with the end of the piece it's touching. Then, carefully secure the board to your workbench and make the cut. This can now be laid the same way as the previous pieces to fill that gap at the end.
If the offcut is at least 300mm long, use this to start the next row at the same end where you started the first row. Lay the boards and click them into place with the row it's next to. Make sure to continue to leave spacers at the wall. Also make sure the joint between boards on different rows is always offset by at least 300mm.
when the second row is in place, it's now time to fill in the gap between the first row and the door. Begin by measuring the distance between the outer edge of the architrave on each side of the door. Then, measure the gap between the first row of boards and the door. Mark the measurements on a board and cut it accordingly. Remember to allow for the 12mm expansion gap at the end. Then, lay this cut board against the architrave and mark where you need to cut the ends so that they slot in place. Cut the board at the marks and slide the first two rows away from the door so you can install the door piece or pieces.
You can then fix the piece in the first row and click it inlace. Then, continue to lay the rows of laminate flooring, always remembering to leave that spacer gap at the walls.
when you get to the last row, you might need to cut the boards so they fit into place. Measure and mark the boards appropriately, remembering to leave that 12mm gap for expansion. Make cuts according to the measurements, and then fit the last row into place.

How to Plaster a Wall

Another very common question amongst homeowners in the UK is ‘how to plaster a wall’. Plastering a wall can be quite a difficult job to do properly as a DIY project, so this could explain why this is a very highly googled question.

While it's recommended that you hire a professional to plaster a wall for you, it can be done as a DIY job as long as you use the right method.

Below is a list of steps to take to properly plaster a wall:

Step 1 – Preparing

Before you start working on the wall, you must begin by laying down a dust sheet which will protect your floors by gathering all of the debris, dust, and plaster spills. You want to make sure the wall you want to plaster is free from any dust and debris. This is particularly important if you are plastering an old or very worn wall. Makre sure all the cracks and holes are filled or covered before moving on.

Step 2 – Apply The PVA

PVA helps to seal all of the pores of the drywall. Dilute the PVA in the following mixture – four parts water and one part PVA. Begin by rolling the PVA mix on a brush and apply it to the wall. You want to ensure the entire surface of the wall is covered. When you've gone over the wall with the PVA mixture, the first layer of plaster can then be applied.

Step 3 – Mix The Plaster As Needed

Different types of plaster require different mixing methods. It is important that you read the manufacturer's instructions to make sure you mix the plaster correctly. Always wear a dust mask when you open up the bag of plaster. Pour the mix into a bucket of cold water and mix it until it has a thick consistency without any lumps. Keep on mixing the plaster into the water and not the other way around.

Step 4 - Apply the Plaster On The Walls

Once you have prepared the plaster mixture, you can begin applying the first coat with the hawk board, floating tool, and trowels. Firstly, practice applying the plaster to a separate piece of plasterboard so that you can master the right technique. Place the plaster on a hawk board with your trowel. Use the float to push the material from the hawk onto the wall. Spread the plaster firmly upwards and flatten the float down at the end of each sweep. Always apply plaster from the bottom left-hand corner and move upwards. Make sure to fill a whole section from the bottom to the top beforeyou move on to the next section. Use small amounts of plaster and combine with firm pressure on the float. This will help you achieve a smooth appearance and avoid any excess plaster from coming away from the wall. Repeat this step until the entire wall is covered.

Step 5 – Skim and Smooth

Once the first coat of plaster is applied, wait at least 20 minutes.So the plaster has time to dry. Afterwards, get rid of any lumps and bumps by smoothing out the wall with a trowel. Smooth all of the corners using the corner trowel. Don't forget to smooth out the bottom and top of the wall. These are the most difficult parts of the wall to plaster properly so it's important you use the appropriate tools to even all the edges out.

Step 6 - Scrape

To get a professional finish, you need to scrape the wall before applying the second coat of plaster. Use a devilling float. This is a specific tool used for scraping. If you don't have this tool, you can use a kitchen fork. However, the results may not be as good. Scraping helps ensure the second coat sticks to the first properly.

Step 7 – Add The Second Coat

Next, you will apply your second coat of plaster using the same method as above. The plaster mixture for the second coat needs to be a thinner consistency, so dilute the plaster mixture with additional water. Plaster a thin layer to the wall and leave it to dry slightly.

Step 8 – Adding The Finishing Touches

When the plaster has dried slightly, you can polish the work. Add some water to a spray bottle and spritz the wall with some water. Make sure the edges of the plaster are smooth using the trowel to smooth out the surface with inward strokes. Finish the wall by using a clean float over the entire surface of the wall. This will help ensure any curves are flattened out and will help to remove any bumps. Once the plaster is completely dry, use some sandpaper to remove any excess material and finish the smoothed-out look. Once complete, the walls will now be ready to be painted or wallpapered as required.

How to Fix a Leaky Tap

Next on our list is ‘how to fix a leaky tap’. A leaking tap is a common issue in UK homes. The most common reason for a leaky tap is a broken or worn washer. However, there are several other reasons why a tap may be leaking.

Below is a step-by-step guide on how to fix a leaky tap:

Once the tap has been isolated or the water has been turned off, drain all the water out of the tap by turning it on.
Remove the tap head and undo the headgear nut with pipe grips or an adjustable spanner. If it's quite tight, you may need to protect the tap with a cloth to prevent it from rotating when you're undoing the nut.
Next, remove the headgear assembly. The washer sits within the jumper and will either be pressed into place over a small button or it may be retained by a nut. If necessary, unscrew the extra nut holding the washer in place with an adjustable spanner.
Remove the old washer and then insert a new washer, pushing it into the jumper.
Reassemble the tap the same way you took it apart.
Turn your water supply back on, either at the stop cock or the isolation valve – whichever method you used to turn it off.
Test the tap to make sure it is no longer dripping.

How to Hang Wallpaper

Wallpaper is a great interior design element that can instantly transform the look of a room. However, many homeowners are googling 'how to hang wallpaper'. Wallpapering is a fairly simple DIY job as long as you can get the technique right.

Follow the steps below to properly hang wallpaper:

Decide on the order that you’re going to hang the wallpaper. If you are working with patterns, start at the window and work away from there in both directions.
Draw a vertical line on the wall where you are going to start papering. This will ensure that everything remains straight.
Put the first piece of wallpaper into position, starting at the top of the wall. Make sure there is enough paste for it to stick but not too much. Allow the paper to overhang at the top so you can trim it later. Use a papering brush to smooth it out and remove any air bubbles.
Trim the paper at the ceiling and the skirting.
Place the second piece of wallpaper next to the first strip and smooth it into place. Make sure that you create a butt-join that is completely seamless and ensure that the pattern matches up on the join.
Continue wallpapering around the rest of the room in the same way.

How to Clean Grout

Finally on our list of most googled DIY questions, we have ‘how to clean grout’. Tile grout can very quickly become dirty and may build up with water stains, mould, and limescale. So, many people look out for the best ways to clean the grout.

There are several ways to properly clean tile grout. Below is a list of great methods for cleaning tile grout. The method you choose will depend on the types of staining that you’re dealing with.

Clean Tile Grout With Bleach

If you have any stubborn stains on the tile grout, bleach is usually the best option. Avoid cleaning the tile grout with bleach regularly, as this can start to discolour the grout. Instead, save the bleach for heavily stained grout. When cleaning with bleach, make sure you ensure the room is ventilated.

Simply pour some bleach into a small container and then dip an old toothbrush into it. Scrub the grout with this bleachy toothbrush. Keep dipping the brush in the bleach substance every now and again to ensure you are getting good coverage. You may want to lay an old towel underneath the area, as bleach can stain carpets or other surfaces. Also, make sure you wear gloves and old clothing.

Clean Tile Grout With Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is a brilliant, natural cleaning agent and it has the benefit of anti-fungal properties. This is great for bathrooms or kitchens that are prone to mould and can prevent you from having to regrout the tiles.

Pour some of the hydrogen peroxide into a spray bottle and then spray it directly onto the tile grout. Allow it to soak for around 10 minutes and then scrub. Once you've finished scrubbing, wipe over the grout with a damp cloth and then use a dry, clean towel to dry it off.

Clean Tile Grout With Vinegar

Vinegar is known for being one of the most effective and versatile natural cleaners available. Vinegar is naturally acidic, meaning that it can prevent mould growth, mildew, and other types of bacteria.

Simply mix some distilled white vinegar with some water in a spray bottle and then spray the mixture directly onto the tile grout. Leave the substance to soak for around 10 – 15 minutes, and then scrub it away with a brush.

Clean Tile Grout With a Steam Cleaner

A steam cleaner can work wonders on tile grout. It's a very easy method for getting your grout sparkling clean. The heat from the steam can easily lift grime and dirt from your tile grout, leaving it looking clean and fresh.

Begin by filling the steam cleaner with water and add a small brush attachment. Run the steamer along the grout lines. Work in gentle scrubbing motions as you go along. You should see the stains start to lift away as you move across the grout. You may need to repeat the process if necessary.

Clean Tile Grout With Baking Soda and Vinegar

Vinegar and baking soda is one of the best homemade cleaning solutions. It works brilliantly for cleaning many things, including tile grout.

You can easily create a paste by mixingbaking soda with water. Apply this paste to your grout lines. When the grout is covered, mix some white vinegar with water in a spray bottle and spray this onto the baking soda on the tile grout. The mixture will begi to foam. When it has stopped foaming, scrub it using a small brush. Then, rinse the space with water and wipe it dry.

Final Thoughts

Are you feeling overwhelmed by a to-do list full of home improvement tasks? You are not alone! Here at MyJobQuote.co.uk, we understand that tackling DIY projects can be very daunting. That's why we have delved into Google Search data to uncover the most frequently asked DIY questions in the UK and provided clear instructions from our resident experts to help you conquer them with confidence.

Whether you’re dealing with a leaky tap, a blocked toilet, or simply looking to refresh your home’s décor, our expert advice can guide you through the process. Remember, safety always comes first. If a project seems too complex, don’t hesitate to consult a professional!

MyJobQuote is one of the UK's top trades matching sites that helps individuals find a reputable tradesperson in their local area.

MyJobQuote also has a wide range of experts with extensive knowledge in interior design, cleaning, gardening, property, construction and more. MyJobQuote's experts have been featured in over 700 publications, including Woman and Home, The Times, House Beautiful, BBC News and more.