Hints, tips & secrets of plumbing - No Banter please!

[kay-jay]

re: Hints, tips & secrets of plumbing - No Banter please!

one thats earned me an extra tenner before........

always carry a 2ltr bottle of water in the van. i produced mine on a callout to a leak under a bath that was resulting in water through the ceiling in the night so they had turned the water off for a couple of hours.

she nearly cried when i offered her the water saying 'i bet you must be thirsty with the water off all this time'

got extra tenner, and 3 repeat jobs from them since and one was a proper earner!

 

[Guest123]

re: Hints, tips & secrets of plumbing - No Banter please!

Just bought a chemical toilet out of our local caravan showroom. I was getting fed up when on long bathroom jobs, having to stop early and temporarily fit the toilet each night so that the customer had a loo until next day. Now they can wee and poo all they like in the chemical loo and it gets lifted in place each day.
Will be handy too for back of van on fishing trips up the highlands!

 

[dannyleebrazier]

re: Hints, tips & secrets of plumbing - No Banter please!

always check bleed valves are CLOSED before re-filling the heating system and then bleed one by one

 

[WaterTight]

re: Hints, tips & secrets of plumbing - No Banter please!

And when getting bored waiting for a big old double to refill don't be tempted to do something else a few feet away - the second you do it'll urinate pitch black water everywhere.

 

[GQuigley67]

re: Hints, tips & secrets of plumbing - No Banter please!

anyone know of those tools that bleed the rads while catching the water in the container are any good ?

 

[dontknowitall]

re: Hints, tips & secrets of plumbing - No Banter please!

anyone know of those tools that bleed the rads while catching the water in the container are any good ?

Memory escapes me but I think they're called rags or towels ...

When servicing a boiler, just before starting, turn it on briefly to make sure it's working, no matter what the customer says.

 

[GQuigley67]

re: Hints, tips & secrets of plumbing - No Banter please!

this little bad girl

Plumb-Pak Radiator Drain Bleed Tool#

 

[R1CKY]

re: Hints, tips & secrets of plumbing - No Banter please!

Not sure if it has been said.

But when servicing an Open-Flued Appliance, check the ventilation first. Nothing worst than wasting time servicing a BBU and finding out at the end of it that there is no ventilation!

 

[GrahamM]

re: Hints, tips & secrets of plumbing - No Banter please!

this little bad girl

Plumb-Pak Radiator Drain Bleed Tool#

They are rubbish. Only fit certain bleed valves and there is a rubber seal that never seals properly. Stick to good old brass key and rag.

 

[WHPES]

re: Hints, tips & secrets of plumbing - No Banter please!

Here's a useful one I was told today by an old guy - To fix leaking Danfoss HSV HPV etc motorised valve bodies where the leak is from the spindle, you do not need to disconnect the valve from the pipework. Also it's very easy to do and saves replacing the whole valve.

Remove the actuator, then the four screws holding the valve plate on. Carefully remove the top section (some types including the mid position valves have small parts which will spring apart when removed so be careful). Remove the circlip and take the spindle out. Replace the 2 "o" rings with 4mm x 2mm o rings (found in the Holdtite Metric O Ring Box (kit 5)) and lubricate with silicone grease. Reassemble and job done.

May be possible to do the same with other makes such as the Honeywell but I haven't tried yet!)

 

[stevie t]

re: Hints, tips & secrets of plumbing - No Banter please!

If you use Hep and Speedfit push fittings and pipe and run short of one or the other you can use Hep pipe with Speedfit fittings and vice versa. However, make sure you use the correct liner/insert for the fitting being used. EG if using Speedfit fitting with Hep pipe ensure you use a Speedfit liner/insert and vice versa!

 

[Guest123]

re: Hints, tips & secrets of plumbing - No Banter please!

If you use Hep and Speedfit push fittings and pipe and run short of one or the other you can use Hep pipe with Speedfit fittings and vice versa. However, make sure you use the correct liner/insert for the fitting being used. EG if using Speedfit fitting with Hep pipe ensure you use a Speedfit liner/insert and vice versa!

No you can't. There is a small difference between the diameter of barrier pipe and fittings between different manufacturers. You should use a compression fitting with TS inserts for Speedfit and metal liners for Hep and use PTFE tape and only copper olives never brass ones. Use a quality compression with a deeper slip like Conex.

 

[Spanner2k7]

re: Hints, tips & secrets of plumbing - No Banter please!

Came up with this one the other, call out to a bath mixer which would not turn off, 1/4 cerdisc insert had broke, could not isolate the tap as the floor had been laid to the panel, customer said it was ok, to leave as they would just keep turning the main stop tap off, after a coupler of minute thinking, I remembered I had a ballvalve washer kit in the van. Used one of the flat washers and screwed the tap insert back into the tap, stop the water completey.

I remember when I bought that ball valve washer box, and said to myself when the hell will i use those LOL.

 

[Ravenrider]

re: Hints, tips & secrets of plumbing - No Banter please!

Probably too simple for you guys but i find the humble heavy duty rubbish bag is excellent for catching any water in awkward places where getting containers/buckets are too difficult. I use them mainly between joists, where pipes are too close to walls and even when emptying rads. Obviously check them for holes first.

 

[markfxy]

re: Hints, tips & secrets of plumbing - No Banter please!

The diameter of all pex pipe is the same as 15mm copper the internal diameter is different therefore you can use any fitting with any pipe but you can only use the inserts from the same manufacturer as the pipe you are using.

 

[stevie t]

re: Hints, tips & secrets of plumbing - No Banter please!

If soldering a fitting close to felt (say in a roof space) and you aint got a solder mat, wedge a normal joiners saw between the fitting and the felt. This will deflect the heat while soldering and stop the felt catching fire.

 

[stevie t]

re: Hints, tips & secrets of plumbing - No Banter please!

If you come across the old type black alkathene pipe and you aren't sure what size it is (5/8" for example), cut a piece off take it to your plumbing supplier and he will recommend which size of coupling to use to reconnect to your new MDPE (blue pipe) if thats what you are using.

 

[stevie t]

re: Hints, tips & secrets of plumbing - No Banter please!

Yes you can but I should have stated to be used only in an emergency. You are right System3 there is a small difference in diameter and you have to force the inserts into the fitting. I have done it on 2 occasions on call outs in the wee hours sometime ago. If have since returned to these customers recently fittings showers/changing taps/general maint work etc and the fittings and inserts are good to this day! Thanks for pointing that out.

I've only used Hep on a couple of occasions, but do you not use plastic inserts for comp fittings and metal liners for push fit fittings?

 

[stevie t]

re: Hints, tips & secrets of plumbing - No Banter please!

When powerflushing a htg system and there's no outside tap to connect your mains fill too, connect your powerflush unit mains fill to the cold mains from the washing machine.

 

[Guest123]

re: Hints, tips & secrets of plumbing - No Banter please!

I've only used Hep on a couple of occasions, but do you not use plastic inserts for comp fittings and metal liners for push fit fittings?

Yes you use TS plastic inserts for compression fittings when using Speedfit. With Hep use the metal liners. Not used Hep very much, I prefer JG Speedfit as I find it far more user friendly and cheaper to buy.

In a perfect world I'd use soldered fittings and copper all the time, but it's way to expensive right now.

 

[stevie t]

re: Hints, tips & secrets of plumbing - No Banter please!

When using bungs on an open vented system to change a rad make sure you work on/open one tail at a time. Once that end is sealed/compressed only then open the other rad tail to work on.

 

[stevie t]

re: Hints, tips & secrets of plumbing - No Banter please!

Don't throw out your old bath towels. Keep them in the back of your van, they come in handy when doing minor repairs/maint work like changing taps, removing rads to avoid water thats lying in the pipework spilling onto carpets etc..

 

[Ian10261]

re: Hints, tips & secrets of plumbing - No Banter please!

I always hang on to any used slip-on C/H pump valve nuts. When i go to change a pump and the nuts are siezed solid, i use a hacksaw blade in a holder to make a cut across the nut. Then prize the nut apart and off comes the pump. Slide on the new nuts, fit the pump, job done.

 

[Hybrid]

re: Hints, tips & secrets of plumbing - No Banter please!

Not sure if this has come up already.

If you cut out an old stop tap with flared compression connections keep the nut and cone. When you're called out in the depths of winter to a burst on an outside toilet you'll be glad you did.

 

[armourer]

re: Hints, tips & secrets of plumbing - No Banter please!

When working on 8mm pipework but find you have only got 10mm fittings (or rad valves).
Solder an 8mm straight coupler onto the pipe.
The outside diameter of an 8mm coupler is 10mm.

 

[Ian10261]

re: Hints, tips & secrets of plumbing - No Banter please!

The outside diameter of the 8mm is the same as the inside of the 10mm, i always do it this way, saves on couplings.

 

[Guest123]

re: Hints, tips & secrets of plumbing - No Banter please!

Use a cutting of white 15mm Speedfit pipe as a spacer on pipe clips that need fixed further out from the wall. Works really well on the pipe clips for 32mm and 40mm waste pipe where a spacer isn't available to buy. Using longer screws going through two 75mm pieces of Speedfit pipe top and bottom of the pipe clip on the waste pipe I was fitting outside today, I was able to clear a gas pipe without using extra bends.
For copper pipe I use the Talon ones.

 

[Phil]

re: Hints, tips & secrets of plumbing - No Banter please!

When fitting a shower pump and the head is low, make sure the shower head is clean (could be an old shower you're boosting) and check the shower hose isn't one of those nasty Homebase ones with the reduced internal bore.

 

[GQuigley67]

re: Hints, tips & secrets of plumbing - No Banter please!

use industrial wipes to remove silicone, and don't rush things or you'll end up in trouble !!

 

[PlumbBobBob]

re: Hints, tips & secrets of plumbing - No Banter please!

baby wipes are just as good just so long as they have citric acid in them and a good sight cheaper as well

 

[carpstu]

re: Hints, tips & secrets of plumbing - No Banter please!

those rubber smothing off shapeing silicone tools are pretty fool proof

 

[GQuigley67]

re: Hints, tips & secrets of plumbing - No Banter please!

can get industrial wipes for about £4, had mine for ages now

 

[Ian10261]

re: Hints, tips & secrets of plumbing - No Banter please!

If you cut the nozzle at about 45 degrees with a little practice you dont really need to smooth it off much but those industrial wipes really are the business.

 

[Guest123]

re: Hints, tips & secrets of plumbing - No Banter please!

Just put a length of masking tape top and bottom of the joint, apply the silicone, smooth it off with a wipe wrapped round the end of your finger and then remove the masking tape. Perfect neat joints every time.

 

[Ian10261]

re: Hints, tips & secrets of plumbing - No Banter please!

Yeh used to do that until i got fed up of applying the masking tape. When it gets to the point of sealing everything up i've usually had enough of bathrooms and swear i'll never do another.................... til one comes along.

 

[helpsy]

re: Hints, tips & secrets of plumbing - No Banter please!

I use the 3 piece smoothing tools available from Plumbfix....quick,easy and effortless.....and a spot on finish!!!!

 

[cdodds2004]

re: Hints, tips & secrets of plumbing - No Banter please!

when diagnosing faults but dont have the parts and need to book a re-call dont tell the custard the exact problem or you end up with some have a go hero saying he can fix it for cheaper or they try to order the part them selves off the net, remember they are paying for your knowledge its not free 🙂

 

[shorticus]

re: Hints, tips & secrets of plumbing - No Banter please!

Thought I'd read the whole thread before posting my tip just to make sure no-one else had posted it and found GQuigley67's question...

anyone any tips for filing chrome for soldered joints ?? takes to long using the old jeremy kyle

now before you all shout 'Shorty you don't know diddly-squat' I suggest you try this in your garage, I didn't believe it myself when I was told some 15 years ago, then we did it and tested to 10 bar and it absolutely works!!!

YOU DO NOT NEED TO FILE THE CHROME OFF of chromed copper pipe before soldering IF you use ACTIVE flux i.e. Laco or Everflux (passive or traditional yorkshire flux won't work)

Now here's the theory. Chromium is very porous, when it's used on steel (ferous) for a decorative finish it has to be plated over nickel (not porous and non ferous) otherwise it would give no protection to the steel and it would rust quick-smart. When copper (non-ferrous) is plated with chrome no nickel is used and as just said the chrome is porous so your solder goes straight through it.

Note; This will not work on stainless steel

 

[helpsy]

re: Hints, tips & secrets of plumbing - No Banter please!

When using a spanner in an awkward area put some string/cord through hole in spanner and tie off to something. If you drop it you just pull it out with the string/cord!!

 

[Phil]

re: Hints, tips & secrets of plumbing - No Banter please!

Interesting shorticus, I'll try that although I have to say I have a bench grinder and it makes short work of grinding the chrome off.

 

[stevie t]

re: Hints, tips & secrets of plumbing - No Banter please!

Lighting your BBQ with your blowtorch is safer than using BBQ fluid!

 

[stevie t]

re: Hints, tips & secrets of plumbing - No Banter please!

Pipe splicers are handy for cutting copper pipe however if theres water in the pipework theres no going back. Alternatively a hacksaw slightly cuts into the pipe at first. When in doubt use a hacksaw!

 

[stevie t]

re: Hints, tips & secrets of plumbing - No Banter please!

If powerflushing a heating system and the cylinder is a prismatic type runaway. Or to aviod bursting the cylinders bubble disconnect it and loop the pipework. Personnally I'd leave it alone.

 

[stevie t]

re: Hints, tips & secrets of plumbing - No Banter please!

Radiator htg probs:

1. Upstairs rads not working (gravity sys): Check for water in F&E tank (ballcock may have jammed) or check htg pump is working.

2. Downstairs rads not working (gavity & sealed sys): Sys may need cleaned/flushed (cost eg £250.00 for 8 rads and £10 for every rad thereafter. Price incl VAT and chemicals, doesnt incl any valves that may need changing say £15 - £25 per pair depending if TRV or not) or new pump required which is more likely (approx £75.00 incl supply and VAT).

3. All rads up and downstairs cold at bottom but hot on top: Sys needs flushed and cleaned (cost as above).

4. If for some reason a rad stops working close all other rads, put on CH and push hot water through the rad that ain't working. If it heats up there maybe air in sys. If it doesnt heat up valves could be faulty (cost as above, plus time to drain/plug sys plus inhibitor if required).

Note: Vent your rads every 6 months or so and on sealed sys check your pressure gauge is around 1.25 bar. Rem htg inhibitor/protector in your CH sys doenst last forever, replenish every few years and the odd powerflush wont go amiss.

Please note prices subject to change. All work guaranteed till check clears LOL!

 

[stevie t]

re: Hints, tips & secrets of plumbing - No Banter please!

100% fuzzy even if cust insists you should insist more tell them its all part of the service even if you take the rough off and bin it.



All work guaranteed till cheque clears... lol

 

[stevie t]

re: Hints, tips & secrets of plumbing - No Banter please!

Always carry a tub of plumbers mait in your van it comes in v handy at times. For example when changing a syphon on a close coupling toilet you notice the spongey flange that sits between the cisterin and the pan is shot to bits its easier to make one up with your plumbers mait than leave the job and run back to the plumbers merchants for a new flange. You can never go wrong extra PTFE either. Better lookin at it than for it!

All work guaranteed till cheque clears... lol

 

[Phil]

re: Hints, tips & secrets of plumbing - No Banter please!

If you've just frozen a pipe that is over the louge ceiling for instance and you absolutly need to make sure its safe before cutting into it - 28mm gravity circs from a primatic clyinder?

Get a clamp type temporary pipe repair with a rubber gasket and fit it to the pipe with the nuts almost nipped up and then drill a 3mm hole in the top of the pipe right next to it. If it should spray out the slide the clamp over the hole and tighten up.

 

[helpsy]

re: Hints, tips & secrets of plumbing - No Banter please!

Always carry a tub of plumbers mait in your van it comes in v handy at times. For example when changing a syphon on a close coupling toilet you notice the spongey flange that sits between the cisterin and the pan is shot to bits its easier to make one up with your plumbers mait than leave the job and run back to the plumbers merchants for a new flange. You can never go wrong extra PTFE either. Better lookin at it than for it!

All work guaranteed till cheque clears... lol

I always apply Plumbers Gold to syphons,floats and doughnuts and never had a problem......that's tempted fate now!!!!

 

[stevie t]

re: Hints, tips & secrets of plumbing - No Banter please!

If you need to replace a gasket on a boiler, say around the burner, cos the old one disentegrates once removed (which happens) and your supplier wont have them for a day or 2 go to your nearest garage/car workshop and buy a sheet of gasket fibre and make your own using the old one as a template. It does the same job! Same applies to oil fire burner gaskets.

 

[shorticus]

re: Hints, tips & secrets of plumbing - No Banter please!

If you need to replace a gasket on a boiler, say around the burner, cos the old one disentegrates once removed (which happens) and your supplier wont have them for a day or 2 go to your nearest garage/car workshop and buy a sheet of gasket fibre and make your own using the old one as a template. It does the same job! Same applies to oil fire burner gaskets.

er, that's certainly not a good idea on Vaillants and it may even be illegal!

 

[GQuigley67]

re: Hints, tips & secrets of plumbing - No Banter please!

If you need to replace a gasket on a boiler, say around the burner, cos the old one disentegrates once removed (which happens) and your supplier wont have them for a day or 2 go to your nearest garage/car workshop and buy a sheet of gasket fibre and make your own using the old one as a template. It does the same job! Same applies to oil fire burner gaskets.

have done this type of thing before on plumbing, wouldnt entertain it though on boilers

 

[stevie t]

re: Hints, tips & secrets of plumbing - No Banter please!

have done this type of thing before on plumbing, wouldnt entertain it though on boilers

I got this tip off a htg engr a few years back, I know of others who have done the same over time, just make sure the depth of the gasket is enough to ensure its tightness.

 

[WHPES]

re: Hints, tips & secrets of plumbing - No Banter please!

Never try and use a brass olive reducing set in an Oventrop TRV or lockshield as the fittings aren't deep enough to accomodate them. Use a copper reducing solder fitting instead.

 

[WHPES]

re: Hints, tips & secrets of plumbing - No Banter please!

Pipe splicers are handy for cutting copper pipe however if theres water in the pipework theres no going back. Alternatively a hacksaw slightly cuts into the pipe at first. When in doubt use a hacksaw!

Even better drill a small hole in it and if its still full screw a self tapping screw in wrapped with PTFE to stop the water.

 

[stevie t]

re: Hints, tips & secrets of plumbing - No Banter please!

Nice one. As we live we learn🙂

 

[tweakyboy]

re: Hints, tips & secrets of plumbing - No Banter please!

Or just put a small slice in the pipe with a hacksaw and if there is still water in it wrap some insulation tape around the pipe. Saves fiddling about with a screw and no doubt you will end up loosing it in the insulation!

 

[WHPES]

re: Hints, tips & secrets of plumbing - No Banter please!

Quick fix for a perforated pipe - jubilee clip and a square of car innertube. For some houses round here with private water supplies (the water can be quite corrosive) you find pipe covered with such repairs.

 

[Phil]

re: Hints, tips & secrets of plumbing - No Banter please!

Flimsy bath panels?

You know when fitting a bath panel you ALWAYS need to slice 20mm off one end to get it in and it leaves one end mis shapen and flaping about?

What I did today on a micron thin Homebase bath panel (slightly curved) was silicone the cut off back on the end of the panel.(front face of cut off glued to back of panel) This gives you the shape and strength back on that side, and a return.

You'll have to give yourself say 2 - 3 hours for the Dow Corning to set so glue it early in the day but apart from that it worked a treat.

 

[REDSAW]

re: Hints, tips & secrets of plumbing - No Banter please!

for gluing up bath panels, invest in a set of acrylic superglue sold at your local pvc merchant for around £8.
sets in 15 seconds.

 

[WaterTight]

re: Hints, tips & secrets of plumbing - No Banter please!

Pipe splicers are handy for cutting copper pipe however if theres water in the pipework theres no going back. Alternatively a hacksaw slightly cuts into the pipe at first. When in doubt use a hacksaw!

Even better drill a small hole in it and if its still full screw a self tapping screw in wrapped with PTFE to stop the water.

Or just put a small slice in the pipe with a hacksaw and if there is still water in it wrap some insulation tape around the pipe. Saves fiddling about with a screw and no doubt you will end up loosing it in the insulation!

If worried about whether there's water in a 15mm pipe - especially during freezing it - best thing is to put on a a self-cutting isolation valve.



Available at bes.co.uk

 

[mikejthomas]

re: Hints, tips & secrets of plumbing - No Banter please!

Keep a 40mm to 43mm (1.5" solvent weld pipe size) adaptor in your van for when you are fitting a waste trap from our continental friends! They come 40mm OD and our UK pipe doesn't fit!! I can tell you where to buy them, Sanifix on 0845 450 1940 or 01902 636095

 

[mikejthomas]

re: Hints, tips & secrets of plumbing - No Banter please!

Don't lick your finger before smoothing silicone! It adds bacteria into the silicone and relicking your finger puts silicone in your mouth and it's NOT good for you!!

 

[mikejthomas]

re: Hints, tips & secrets of plumbing - No Banter please!

ALWAYS use the correct cutter and not a hacksaw when cutting JG Speedfit or Hep20 etc. O rings can get damaged otherwise....

 

[mikejthomas]

re: Hints, tips & secrets of plumbing - No Banter please!

I don't sell it, stock it, work for them or have anything to gain but try out Everbuild Styxall, especially the crystal clear one! I use it all the time for applications where you need to seal in a shower screen and test it immediately.

 

[dontknowitall]

re: Hints, tips & secrets of plumbing - No Banter please!

Black marks on glass - lighter fuel and WD40 are useful weapons.

Also WD40 (with kitchen roll) makes many scratches on your car/van disappear and it also clears those annoying tar spots that find their way around the wheel arches and up the doors. (Wash off with car shampoo after using WD40.)

 

[mikejthomas]

re: Hints, tips & secrets of plumbing - No Banter please!

WD40 is good for loads of things. I polish out black marks and improve scratches if not deep using T-Cut and mix in some talcum powder or jeweller's rouge for extra cutting action. Mix just water with them too. You have to rub really really hard and be patient but it can save a costly piece of glass.

 

[mikejthomas]

re: Hints, tips & secrets of plumbing - No Banter please!

Only hand tighten basin mixer flexible hoses. Never allow any twisting of the braiding and be careful not to bend them more than 30 degrees - read the installation instructions to double check. I've known manufacturers of the hose to invalidate the warranty when a hose has failed.

 

[mikejthomas]

re: Hints, tips & secrets of plumbing - No Banter please!

Get a pop-up waste mechanism working smoothly by making sure the horizontal and vertical bars actually touch before fitting the connecting joint. You will probably have to carefully bend the horizontal bar when in place to do this - never bend it near a threaded connection though.

 

[mikejthomas]

re: Hints, tips & secrets of plumbing - No Banter please!

If you are fitting a waste to an acrylic bath and the layer of fibreglass to acrylic is not sealed to draining water (OR overflowing water) then seal it in with a little silicone (there are loads of tiny holes that can allow water to drain into the sandwich layer of some bath shells and materialise as mysterious leaks on the outside of the fibreglass....). Some wastes come with double seals to encapsulate this area for a good reason!

 

[Guest123]

re: Hints, tips & secrets of plumbing - No Banter please!

When using a flexi bath overflow tube for a combined waste and overflow that is going to be way out of reach, say on a double ended bath and in the centre of the bath at the back wall, for extra security, fix it with a jubilee clip. Never comes off and gives peace of mind.

 

[LegionellaSlave]

re: Hints, tips & secrets of plumbing - No Banter please!

When using a flexi bath overflow tube for a combined waste and overflow that is going to be way out of reach, say on a double ended bath and in the centre of the bath at the back wall, for extra security, fix it with a jubilee clip. Never comes off and gives peace of mind.

Yes, these hoses can blow off when unblocking baths/sinks.

 

[Phil]

re: Hints, tips & secrets of plumbing - No Banter please!

Need a compression slip coupling?

Simply take a normal compression coupling and use a small drill/Dremel grinding bit and grind away at the stop, it takes about a minute as its brass.

 

[aaronsmith]

re: Hints, tips & secrets of plumbing - No Banter please!

Tutorial - How to remove an immersion element which has been stuck in with jointing compound:

Time - Approx 1/2 hour from draining.

1, drain to below level of element

2, remove all cover, thermostat, wires etc

3, make a saw cut across top with hacksaw as in the first picture, down to the gasket but be careful not to cut through the gasket or you will damage the face which the gasket seals onto. Make another saw cut at about 45 degrees to the first.

4, with a 3mm drill, drill a series of holes across the face of the element joining the saw cuts and going round the thermostat hole and element terminals.

5, use a 5mm drill to enlarge the holes so that a continuous gap is created across the face.

6, next we need to cut through the vertical sides of the element cap where the threaded section is (first picture). Work a hacksaw blade along the gaps to clear out and parts between the drill holes. Next cut into the threaded part, being careful not to cut beyond the thread or you will cut deep into the cylinder thread and risk damaging the cylinder.

7. with a pair of grips, try to pry out the 45 degree segment. Once you have cut through enough thread you should be able to remove this (second picture). Once removed, you should be able to squash the remaining sides of the element top together to free from the cylinder and unscrew.

8, With a wire brush and miniature screwdriver, clean out the threads on the cylinder and clean any jointing compound from the mating face.

View attachment 2100View attachment 2101

this is brill bit of info i will use this way of doin this pain in the bum usauly! also try heating the imeser up with blow torch this helps expand and contract the metal to losen the bam!

 

[Phil]

re: Hints, tips & secrets of plumbing - No Banter please!

Siphon swap, seized wingnuts?

If the wingnuts can't be turned with grips then I've found the best way is to take a paint scraper or other thin implement and heat the end with your blowlamp until its hot enough to melt plastic and then slide it in and cut through the siphon tail.

Cistern's off in 2 seconds which will leave part of the siphon and the close couple bracket still attached, however the bolts can now be attacked with access from the top which is much much easier.

Depending on how tight the bolts have been done up etc you may need to carefuly play about with a chisel/lever to open up the gap between the bottom of the cistern and the close couple bracket in order to expose the tail. Also works with hacksaw blade, whether heated or not.

 

[philip mc geown]

re: Hints, tips & secrets of plumbing - No Banter please!

Siphon swap, seized wingnuts?

If the wingnuts can't be turned with grips then I've found the best way is to take a paint scraper or other thin implement and heat the end with your blowlamp until its hot enough to melt plastic and then slide it in and cut through the siphon tail.

Cistern's off in 2 seconds which will leave part of the siphon and the close couple bracket still attached, however the bolts can now be attacked with access from the top which is much much easier.

Depending on how tight the bolts have been done up etc you may need to carefuly play about with a chisel/lever to open up the gap between the bottom of the cistern and the close couple bracket in order to expose the tail. Also works with hacksaw blade, whether heated or not.

i just take a wee angle grinder 2 them, just makes sure u wear glasses, plus saves u the cost of a new syphon

 

[WHPES]

re: Hints, tips & secrets of plumbing - No Banter please!

And the cost of a new scraper, as after heating it up it will be bendy and useless for scraping.

 

[WHPES]

re: Hints, tips & secrets of plumbing - No Banter please!

Festive plumbing tips:

We have found a great use for used silicone sealant tubes - we have been using them as moulds for Christmas candles and they are perfect for the job!

Last year we gave the kids some old valve floats with holes cut in them but leave the bottom in. Spray painted they are great for kids chrismas crafts - you can make nativity scenes, santas and reindeer etc inside

 

[MarkAqua]

re: Hints, tips & secrets of plumbing - No Banter please!

Use a cutting of white 15mm Speedfit pipe as a spacer on pipe clips that need fixed further out from the wall. Works really well on the pipe clips for 32mm and 40mm waste pipe where a spacer isn't available to buy. Using longer screws going through two 75mm pieces of Speedfit pipe top and bottom of the pipe clip on the waste pipe I was fitting outside today, I was able to clear a gas pipe without using extra bends.
For copper pipe I use the Talon ones.

I used to do this myself, but since ive been working in more commercial and pipe fitting enviroments lately I now use threaded bar m8 or m10 with a brass bracket and a couple of backnuts obviously with a hinged clip looks a lot neater in my opinion.

 

[MarkAqua]

re: Hints, tips & secrets of plumbing - No Banter please!

When I'm siliconing a bathroom Etc I apply the silicone where it needs to be then using a bottle spray I mix up water and a neautral soap solution, spray the freshly applied silicone and use a decent mastic forming tool to remove excess silicone, leaves it in a great finish and perfectly straight - saves time trying to get tape dead straight down the long runs. Oh and ALWAYS use a good quality finishing silicone.

 

[MarkAqua]

re: Hints, tips & secrets of plumbing - No Banter please!

If you wear shirts for work never put your phone or any other valuable equipment in your top pocket and lean over a blocked manhole!

 

[MarkAqua]

re: Hints, tips & secrets of plumbing - No Banter please!

Thought of one today - it's probably obvious to most, but for what ever reason when you have had to install flexi hoses rather than rigid copper then be very carefull not to twist them or bend in a position that is liable to kink, even temporarily as this cracks the rubber lining inside and is a perfect place for bacteria to store and grow at a later date I.e Legionella.

 

[Guest123]

re: Hints, tips & secrets of plumbing - No Banter please!

Thought of one today - it's probably obvious to most, but for what ever reason when you have had to install flexi hoses rather than rigid copper then be very carefull not to twist them or bend in a position that is liable to kink, even temporarily as this cracks the rubber lining inside and is a perfect place for bacteria to store and grow at a later date I.e Legionella.

Hold them as you tighten them. And the cheaper ones are not for potable water. Use the WRAS ones. Best is rigid pipe.

 

[WaterTight]

re: Hints, tips & secrets of plumbing - No Banter please!

On your website have a clickable link to email you. Many customers, given the choice, will take the option to pen an email while online rather than phone. After including one I find I can get up to 5 a week.

 

[stevie t]

re: Hints, tips & secrets of plumbing - No Banter please!

Thanks watertight wasnt aware I could do that i'll look into it. I'm not too hot on the old computer/giggleywotwots I know just enough to get by but i'll give it ago

 

[Phil]

re: Hints, tips & secrets of plumbing - No Banter please!

The one may be obvious...

When sorting your scrap metal out, remove the little brass screws, nuts and washers from taps, shower valves rad valves etc and put them in a little tin. They really come in handy when you accidently shear off a brass screw when putting Hudson Reed a shower back together!

In that case some numpty had been there before me and failed to fix it, in the process he over tightend a brass screw and it sheared as I undid it.

 

[WHPES]

re: Hints, tips & secrets of plumbing - No Banter please!

Also keep back any odd, unusual and weird looking nuts, fittings, strange threads etc from your scrap - you never know when you will need them.

Keep a few good lengths of scrap 3/4" pipe as one day you will be faced with the end of an inaccessible 3/4" compression fitting, which 22mm pipe will not fit into!

Note to newbies to the trade - you need 3/4" olives for 3/4" pipe - Don't try and make do with and squash up a 22mm one!!

 

[WHPES]

re: Hints, tips & secrets of plumbing - No Banter please!

Note on Wiped Lead Joints - this came up again on a discussion.

Wiped lead joints may not be used on any pipework or equipment carrying potable water. The regulations actually say that no new lead may be used, rather than referring to wiped joints as such, but a wiped joint by defnition uses new lead.

However this applies to potable water only and there is NO REASON at all why you cannot use a wiped lead joint on pipework not carrying mains or drinking water!!

 

[Colin68]

re: Hints, tips & secrets of plumbing - No Banter please!

always check the condition of WC's or basins before installing them, never assume because they are in a nice box that it all is good, check for marks and chips. Check the supplied cistern fittings are good enough for the job and will fit and have sufficient protection for overflow should an inlet valve fail and test the overflow protection works as part of your final commissioning!

When installing any taps sets, use the bubble wrap or some packaging to protect the taps with rubber bands or tape while you install, stop any scratches.

Always .. Always be polite to the customer and clean up after yourself, do leave any bits or metal filings on carpet.

Take a small tub in with you on the job to catch any waste bits, nails screw old washers, nuts .. always keep as many old parts as you can .. you never know when you'll need them

It has also been said on here before .. the job is done when it's done .. don't put yourself under pressure to complete and cut corners this will result in costly call backs and if you p the customer off he or she will tell 10 other people about you!!

Get a wet vac .. advice given to me by somebody which I initially ignore in favour or more expensive tools .. I have used this bit of kit so many times in recent months 🙂

 

[Kyle87]

re: Hints, tips & secrets of plumbing - No Banter please!

always check the invoice....... i learned the hard way...... afterall the guy at the merchants is only human.

 

[JR John]

re: Hints, tips & secrets of plumbing - No Banter please!

Don't waste all day draining a gravity fed hot water system, shut off the gate valve which comes from the header tank!

 

[Dannypipe]

re: Hints, tips & secrets of plumbing - No Banter please!

Here's a very useful link. I just came accross it because I was worried about something I did today. I serviced a Potterton Suprima, and hoovered it out.

Then used the hoover later without the filter (as I was sucking water this time) and the hoover blew out a load of dust into my face. Nice.

Anyway, if you want to know whether an old appliance contains asbestos, this list is pretty comprehensive.

Click the link and save it to your PC.
http://www.stop-think-asbestos.co.uk/pdf_downloads/GAS_ELECTRICALAPPLICANCESLIST.pdf

 

[Dannypipe]

re: Hints, tips & secrets of plumbing - No Banter please!

that's fine if the bloody thing shuts off lol

If it doesn't, I'll sometimes use a rubber bung, then change the valve while I'm there. Though in larger houses the standard rubber bungs arent big enough - I think 28mm is too big.

 

[tamz]

re: Hints, tips & secrets of plumbing - No Banter please!

If it doesn't, I'll sometimes use a rubber bung, then change the valve while I'm there. Though in larger houses the standard rubber bungs arent big enough - I think 28mm is too big.

big lump of blue tack :wink: or denso

 

[Guest123]

re: Hints, tips & secrets of plumbing - No Banter please!

Best bung for a storage tank is a parsnip. Got that tip on here and it works brilliantly! Plus you get one of your five fruit and veggies after it.

 

[Gray0689]

If it doesn't, I'll sometimes use a rubber bung, then change the valve while I'm there. Though in larger houses the standard rubber bungs arent big enough - I think 28mm is too big.

Wrap a roll of ptfe on it then it works fine

 

[WHPES]

re: Hints, tips & secrets of plumbing - No Banter please!

Putting many of your tools in the dishwasher cleans them up a treat. Remember to spray with WD40 immediately afterwards

 

[WHPES]

re: Hints, tips & secrets of plumbing - No Banter please!

If you shove a turnip or a potato on the expansion pipe and a carrot in the outlet it works a treat as a bung. Be careful not to leave any in there though.

 

[philip mc geown]

re: Hints, tips & secrets of plumbing - No Banter please!

i use a piece of 15 or 22 copper pipe with plenty of ptfe wrapped around the end of it, works a treat! Just use a normal pushfit stopend for the expansion :boat:

 

[WHPES]

re: Hints, tips & secrets of plumbing - No Banter please!

Point to note - I discovered yesterday that Oventrop radiator valves and lockshields won't accept some makes of 10-15mm reducing olive sets as the recess in the valve is not long enough. Beware! Best to use a 10/15mm solder reducing fitting instead.

 

[kay-jay]

re: Hints, tips & secrets of plumbing - No Banter please!

Putting many of your tools in the dishwasher cleans them up a treat. Remember to spray with WD40 immediately afterwards

i tried this earlier, she was happy with the grips and my hammer but she called me kinky when i got the wd40 out