Plumbing is a trade with many intricacies. Many problem solving techniques have to be learned because, in most properties, additional plumbing is added to existing systems to create new shower installations, new en-suite toilets, additional sinks, bathrooms and basins.
Washing machines and dishwashers are plumbed in by non experts and outside taps are fitted sometimes with no regard for regulations regarding non return valves. These can all cause problems from a badly jointed U bend to a piece of pipe that has been capped off and collects air causing a “dead leg” and air lock.
Basic plumbing is something we suggest the reader tries. As long as you know how to turn all your water valves off you can stay safe and dry!
In this section we cover all of the jobs you may want to do at home. From changing a tap to bending copper pipe. We look at how to stop a basin or shower tray gurgling and how noisy pipes can be made quiet. We show you how a toilet cistern works and how the hot and cold water find their way round your house.
There are videos which reveal the secrets of the hot water tanks and miles of copper pipe in your airing cupboard as well as how to repair a burst pipe in the winter. You will find out how, and when to use chrome pipe, why lead pipe is dangerous and how mains water pipes are made from plastic.
Although essentially a heating engineers job, you will see how central heating systems work and get a look at diagnostic charts to see what to do when you have a problem with your radiators and hard water and limescale are making life difficult.
You can learn how to over wash basins and toilets and how to fit a bathroom suite. You can then go to another section to find out how to tile the bathroom and fix soap dished and toilet roll holders to ceramic tiles. This is a very complete section with a great deal of plumbing help and advice.