I couldn't believe it when I switched on the central heating for the first time this year and the overflow started to pour.

That fixed I returned home to discover within two days that the overflow from the tank in the loft was streaming. Investigations revealed that a piece of board placed over it, probably 20 years ago, had fallen in and was stopping the ballcock operating.

Then believe it or not the toilet overflow also acted up and had to be fixed.

On Saturday my washing machine sprung a leak and water teemed under all the fitted cupboards. On Sunday I discovered my extension lead had given up the ghost.

These are the times when you're glad to have a handy man around the house!