Your home, explained.
Ready for whatever winter throws at it.
Straight-talking guides from the Mains & Drains channel: what to do in a power cut, how to beat damp, keep warm for less and get flood-ready. Free advice first, then researched kit picks.
Buying guides
Each one starts with the free fixes, then compares the kit.
The best power cut kit for UK homes
What you actually need for a UK power cut: torches, a lantern, a wind-up radio, power banks and backup power, with honest pros and cons and a free checklist.
Read the guide →
Keep warm for less: winter kit for cold UK homes
Heat the person, not the house. Researched picks for electric blankets, heated throws, draught-proofing, radiator foil and storm-ready car kit.
Read the guide →Damp and condensation: what actually works
Wet windows and black mould? The free fixes first, then the right size of moisture absorber or dehumidifier for the room, with honest pros and cons.
Read the guide →Energy-saving gadgets that are actually worth it
Find out what each appliance really costs, then fix the worst offenders. Smart plugs with energy monitoring, LED swaps and heating controls, researched for UK homes.
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Flood prep for UK homes: the kit and the plan
Check your flood risk, sign up for free warnings, then the kit: flood bags, air brick covers, a dry grab bag and clean-up gear, with honest pros and cons.
Read the guide →Home safety essentials every UK home needs
Carbon monoxide and smoke alarms, a fire blanket, a socket tester and the tools for a burst pipe. Researched picks with honest pros and cons.
Read the guide →Latest videos
New explainers every week on how British homes and infrastructure work.
Watch nowWhy Britain's Kettles Can Shake the National Grid
Out Fri 6 NovWhy Do British Plugs Have Fuses?
Out Tue 10 NovWhy Are British Homes So Damp?
Out Fri 20 NovWhat Happens If Britain Loses Power for 3 Days?
The kit worth having
The six most useful things for a UK home, from our guides.
Kidde K5CO carbon monoxide alarm (10-year sensor)
CO alarm: main pick
Check price on AmazonAdWind-up / solar FM radio with torch and USB
News when phones are down
Check price on AmazonAdTapo P110 smart plug with energy monitoring, 2-pack
Finding power-hungry appliances
Check price on AmazonAd#ad “Check price” buttons are Amazon affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Printable guides
Instant A4 downloads. Stick them on the fridge, keep them in the kit box.
FREE UK Home Complete BundleAll four guides in one download
£16 Winter Storm ReadyBefore, during and after a named storm
£5 3-Day Emergency PlanFill-in plan for the household
£7 Home Energy SaverFind and fix the waste
£6 UK First Home Survival GuideStopcock, fuse box, bills, damp
£7
Prefer printed planners? Visit our Etsy shop.
The UK Home Handbook
Our paperback guide to running a UK home: bills, power cuts, floods, damp and the stuff nobody explains. Paperback £9.99 on Amazon.
Haven’t got the free checklist yet?
2 A4 pages for the fridge. Takes a minute, costs nothing. Enter £0 at checkout.