Blog

Plumbing Tips for DIY Enthusiasts
And Safety Advice for around the Home

Bath - plumbing in new

Locating the bath Stand the new bath in position and adjust the feet to the required height. Make sure the bath is level. Mark the wall to show the position of the taps and the new waste outlet. Remove the bath. Extending hot & cold pipes and ...

Bath - choosing types

Bath considerations When selecting a new bath, give consideration to the spacial requirements as well as the plumbing. Mark out the position on the floor. Is there enough room for you to get in and out? Is there enough room for the door to open and...

Basin - removing

Switch off the water supply. Open the taps to drain any excess water. Disconnect the waste trap, keeping a bucket underneath to catch the water. Undo the hot and cold feed. How you do this will depend on whether you are replacing like for like or w...

Basin - plumbing in new

Locating the basin ensuring basin is levelHold the basin against the wall and mark the new fixing points. This may require an extra pair of hands. Be sure to get it level and at the right height. Lay the basin on the floor on a protective cloth to ...

Basin - choosing types

Basin considerations When selecting a new basin, give consideration to the spacial requirements as well as the plumbing. Try standing in front of the proposed position. You can cut a piece of cardboard roughly to size and hold it in front of you. I...

Ball valve 2

Ball valve types There are basically two main types of float valve, those with a solid metal arm and those with a plastic arm. They are sometimes referred to as a ballcock. When correctly adjusted, the valve should close off the water feed a little...

Ball valve 1

Switch off the supply of water to the cistern. With a WC, it will be a little easier to work if the cistern is flushed to remove the water. There is a split pin holding the float arm in place. This should be straightened and removed to release the f...

Backflow In Plumbing

In plumbing systems it is important to prevent contamination of the water for obvious reasons. Dirty water getting back into the system poses a health risk and steps must be taken to prevent this happening. Backflow, as it is called, is when water wh...

Air lock in pipework

A tap which fails to supply water when opened may well be airlocked. Removing the air lock To overcome this, attach a length of hosepipe to the affected tap and connect the other end to a working direct feed tap. In most cases this will be the cold...