A
AlfWright
Hi guys, I've been lurking - and reading the forums avidly - for a couple of months now. I started browsing as I'm currently renovating my bathroom (standard Sth London semi)...and I have learned heaps from reading various threads.
I completed a 5-day plumbing course a couple of months ago and, as a competent DIY'er, thoroughly enjoyed it (cost £350). However, I didn't do the course to come away thinking that I was now a 'plumber' (I'm a chartered accountant by training, though I work in banking), but to understand some of the basics...not least being able to better assess when I need - and when I don't need - to bring in an expert.
In fact, my primary motivation for taking the course was due to a small 'mishap' I had about a year ago, when tightening up the wooden floor in my son's bedroom. Having virtually completed the job (screwing down 1930's floorboards), I literally had one screw left out of the gazillions I had when I began, and couldn't resist the temptation to use it. And, of course, it went straight through a poorly placed CH pipe! And, this was 4:30 on a Sunday afternoon. Now, my dad and uncles are all in the building trades, so I spent my childhood helping them on weekends, school holidays etc. Except that I rarely helped my uncle or grandfather, who were plumbers.
So...whilst I would always readily turn my hand to any building/carpentry/joinery works that are within my competence, here I was with a small water-fountain in my house, panicking like a teenage girl. Happily...with the help of my plumber (a great guy), it was sorted within an hour for a cost of £40 !! (for a Sunday afternoon call-out!!). But, I promised myself...never again!
As for my overall thoughts having taken one of these short courses, the most valuable insight for me was learning about the various domestic water-supply systems (direct vs indirect etc.). Basic, but essential...and my comfort level with all of the small jobs I have undertaken since has risen considerably. I am so much more confident now that I understand where the job that needs doing fits within the overall system in my house.
From a practical perspective, I learned about the various domestic pipe systems and fixings (including how to bend pipe, solder, using compression and push-fit fittings, and how to install components of a domestic water system/taps/WC's etc.). Thoroughly enjoyable...
Anyhow, this is my first post, but I guess you'll get the odd (muppet) question from me from time to time...
I completed a 5-day plumbing course a couple of months ago and, as a competent DIY'er, thoroughly enjoyed it (cost £350). However, I didn't do the course to come away thinking that I was now a 'plumber' (I'm a chartered accountant by training, though I work in banking), but to understand some of the basics...not least being able to better assess when I need - and when I don't need - to bring in an expert.
In fact, my primary motivation for taking the course was due to a small 'mishap' I had about a year ago, when tightening up the wooden floor in my son's bedroom. Having virtually completed the job (screwing down 1930's floorboards), I literally had one screw left out of the gazillions I had when I began, and couldn't resist the temptation to use it. And, of course, it went straight through a poorly placed CH pipe! And, this was 4:30 on a Sunday afternoon. Now, my dad and uncles are all in the building trades, so I spent my childhood helping them on weekends, school holidays etc. Except that I rarely helped my uncle or grandfather, who were plumbers.
So...whilst I would always readily turn my hand to any building/carpentry/joinery works that are within my competence, here I was with a small water-fountain in my house, panicking like a teenage girl. Happily...with the help of my plumber (a great guy), it was sorted within an hour for a cost of £40 !! (for a Sunday afternoon call-out!!). But, I promised myself...never again!
As for my overall thoughts having taken one of these short courses, the most valuable insight for me was learning about the various domestic water-supply systems (direct vs indirect etc.). Basic, but essential...and my comfort level with all of the small jobs I have undertaken since has risen considerably. I am so much more confident now that I understand where the job that needs doing fits within the overall system in my house.
From a practical perspective, I learned about the various domestic pipe systems and fixings (including how to bend pipe, solder, using compression and push-fit fittings, and how to install components of a domestic water system/taps/WC's etc.). Thoroughly enjoyable...
Anyhow, this is my first post, but I guess you'll get the odd (muppet) question from me from time to time...
