Plumbing DIY SOS kit
 

I Don't Do plumbing.

The main reason I don't is I'm not confident in being able to get myself out
of trouble if I start a job and then find I don't have the ability to make
it safe again afterwards, without causing a flood.

This is probably something I should improve upon. One thing that would be
useful is to have sufficient tools and parts on hand so that I can handle
emergency and basic jobs without having to leave someone with their finger
in the dyke as I run out mid-job to grab parts.

So what should I be looking to have in my basic toolkit to handle such
things? I'm thinking of things like:

Pipe freezer kit
PTFE tape
Plumbing wrench
Silicone sealant
Some kind of pipe leak sealant
Isolation valves

but what else would the panel recommend?

Thanks
Theo

Plumbing DIY SOS kit
 

On 30/11/2020 12:49, Theo wrote:
I Don't Do plumbing.

The main reason I don't is I'm not confident in being able to get myself out
of trouble if I start a job and then find I don't have the ability to make
it safe again afterwards, without causing a flood.

This is probably something I should improve upon. One thing that would be
useful is to have sufficient tools and parts on hand so that I can handle
emergency and basic jobs without having to leave someone with their finger
in the dyke as I run out mid-job to grab parts.

So what should I be looking to have in my basic toolkit to handle such
things? I'm thinking of things like:

Pipe freezer kit
PTFE tape
Plumbing wrench
Silicone sealant
Some kind of pipe leak sealant
Isolation valves

but what else would the panel recommend?

Thanks
Theo


Knowing where all the stop cocks are, inside and out.
Checking that they work, expecially the outside one.
Ditto gate valves. Every time the clocks change, close
any stop cocks and gate valves then re-open, but after
fully opening close them half a turn, or they might jam
in the open position.

Check your lagging in the loft when the weather is mild.

Some people might say have a set of drain rods ready for
the Xmax day fat bergs (and god knows what else kids chuck
down the loo).

Plumbing DIY SOS kit
 

On 30/11/2020 12:49, Theo wrote:
I Don't Do plumbing.

The main reason I don't is I'm not confident in being able to get myself out
of trouble if I start a job and then find I don't have the ability to make
it safe again afterwards, without causing a flood.

I can sort of do it, but I don't like that with plumbing when things go
wrong with it water gets everywhere. Worse still if it is grey water or
the evil black muddy sludge that comes out of some CH systems.

This is probably something I should improve upon. One thing that would be
useful is to have sufficient tools and parts on hand so that I can handle
emergency and basic jobs without having to leave someone with their finger
in the dyke as I run out mid-job to grab parts.

So what should I be looking to have in my basic toolkit to handle such
things? I'm thinking of things like:

Pipe freezer kit
PTFE tape
Plumbing wrench
Silicone sealant
Some kind of pipe leak sealant
Isolation valves

but what else would the panel recommend?

A couple of sacrificial towels, a shallow bowl and a bucket to hand.

Knowing where all the various stop cocks are and that should they be
needed that they will actually turn the water off!

My main inlet valve is borderline but with it as hard off as possible
and the lowest positioned tap open it is tolerable to work on. The
stupid thing is almost at ground level behind kitchen cabinets so
incredibly difficult to replace without replacing the entire kitchen!

--
Regards,
Martin Brown

Plumbing DIY SOS kit
 

On 30 Nov 2020 at 12:49:56 GMT, "Theo"
wrote:

I Don't Do plumbing.

The main reason I don't is I'm not confident in being able to get myself out
of trouble if I start a job and then find I don't have the ability to make
it safe again afterwards, without causing a flood.

This is probably something I should improve upon. One thing that would be
useful is to have sufficient tools and parts on hand so that I can handle
emergency and basic jobs without having to leave someone with their finger
in the dyke as I run out mid-job to grab parts.

So what should I be looking to have in my basic toolkit to handle such
things? I'm thinking of things like:

Pipe freezer kit
PTFE tape
Plumbing wrench
Silicone sealant
Some kind of pipe leak sealant
Isolation valves

but what else would the panel recommend?

Thanks
Theo

Some decent purpose made spanners for the larger rad and union nuts, and those
under basin things. A selection of push fit plastic pipe and connectors, and a
couple of end caps. A couple of lengths of copper pipe too. Wire wool.
Plumber's mate. Selection of washers.

I'd take on most plumbing now. I think it's one of the better 'what's the
worst that can happen' DIY jobs. Cue apocalyptic flood ;-)

--
Cheers, Rob

Plumbing DIY SOS kit
 

On 30/11/2020 12:49:56, Theo wrote:
I Don't Do plumbing.

The main reason I don't is I'm not confident in being able to get myself out
of trouble if I start a job and then find I don't have the ability to make
it safe again afterwards, without causing a flood.

This is probably something I should improve upon. One thing that would be
useful is to have sufficient tools and parts on hand so that I can handle
emergency and basic jobs without having to leave someone with their finger
in the dyke as I run out mid-job to grab parts.

So what should I be looking to have in my basic toolkit to handle such
things? I'm thinking of things like:

Pipe freezer kit
PTFE tape
Plumbing wrench
Silicone sealant
Some kind of pipe leak sealant
Isolation valves

but what else would the panel recommend?

Use the thicker PTFE tape.
Short hose to assist with any drain.
Key for outside stop cock, make sure you can turn it off.
A couple of adjustable wrenches, you need more than one.
Assortment of fittings, including compression caps/end stops.
Pipe cutters.
Decent junior hacksaw.

You don't mention gas lamp/solder/flux. Best to practice first. There
shouldn't be any need for silicone sealant, apart from finishing around
basins and baths etc.

Plumbing DIY SOS kit
 

On 30/11/2020 12:49, Theo wrote:
I Don't Do plumbing.

The main reason I don't is I'm not confident in being able to get myself out
of trouble if I start a job and then find I don't have the ability to make
it safe again afterwards, without causing a flood.

This is probably something I should improve upon. One thing that would be
useful is to have sufficient tools and parts on hand so that I can handle
emergency and basic jobs without having to leave someone with their finger
in the dyke as I run out mid-job to grab parts.

So what should I be looking to have in my basic toolkit to handle such
things? I'm thinking of things like:

Pipe freezer kit
PTFE tape
Plumbing wrench
Silicone sealant
Some kind of pipe leak sealant
Isolation valves

but what else would the panel recommend?

Thanks
Theo

Everyone so far has left out the most important thing. The wet and dry
vacuum cleaner.

Not just for preventing, and for cleaning up flooded floors. Unpleasant
though it may sound, it is also the least worst way to start tackling a
completely blocked loo (or drain gully).

Plumbing DIY SOS kit
 

On 30/11/2020 12:49, Theo wrote:
I Don't Do plumbing.

The main reason I don't is I'm not confident in being able to get myself out
of trouble if I start a job and then find I don't have the ability to make
it safe again afterwards, without causing a flood.

This is probably something I should improve upon. One thing that would be
useful is to have sufficient tools and parts on hand so that I can handle
emergency and basic jobs without having to leave someone with their finger
in the dyke as I run out mid-job to grab parts.

So what should I be looking to have in my basic toolkit to handle such
things? I'm thinking of things like:

Pipe freezer kit
PTFE tape
Plumbing wrench
Silicone sealant
Some kind of pipe leak sealant
Isolation valves

but what else would the panel recommend?

A couple of metres of copper pipe

Perhaps not isolation valves but some of those end caps
for sealing off a pipe.

In an older house, an adapter to go from the older steel
(BSP?) to modern copper.

Tap washers.

Plumbing DIY SOS kit
 

Theo wrote:

Pipe freezer kit

I've done all manner of plumbing and never needed it.

PTFE tape

yes

Plumbing wrench

some water pump pliers, or just a crescent wrench, one of the dedicated
1/2"+3/4" split ring spanners is nice

https://www.toolstation.com/split-ring-compression-fitting-spanner/p23418

Silicone sealant
Some kind of pipe leak sealant

LS-X

Isolation valves

A handful of push-fit stop ends in 15mm and 22mm

https://www.toolstation.com/jg-speedfit-stop-end/p52927

but what else would the panel recommend?

Are you planning on soldering?

Plumbing DIY SOS kit
 

On 30/11/2020 12:49, Theo wrote:

Pipe freezer kit

If you are worried about flooding, I suggest that you don't use this. :)

In any case, it won't work at all if there's any water flow at all.


It might be better to get one of these:

https://www.screwfix.com/p/aladdin-e...ter-pack/36008

Plumbing DIY SOS kit
 

On 30/11/2020 12:49, Theo wrote:


but what else would the panel recommend?


One of those handy circular, put it on the pipe and turn it, pipe cutters.

Plumbing DIY SOS kit
 

Andy Burns wrote:
Theo wrote:

Pipe freezer kit

I've done all manner of plumbing and never needed it.

Yes, I was going to say that. A pipe freezer kit really isn't an
emergency sort of thing, more a way of doing something that would take
longer and/or more effort by other means. Also I think you very much
need to know what you're doing to use one successfully.

--
Chris Green
·

Plumbing DIY SOS kit
 

On 30/11/2020 12:49, Theo wrote:
I Don't Do plumbing.

The main reason I don't is I'm not confident in being able to get myself out
of trouble if I start a job and then find I don't have the ability to make
it safe again afterwards, without causing a flood.

This is probably something I should improve upon. One thing that would be
useful is to have sufficient tools and parts on hand so that I can handle
emergency and basic jobs without having to leave someone with their finger
in the dyke as I run out mid-job to grab parts.
The non-PC schoolboy in me wonders what a finger in a dyke has to do
with plumbing (sorry)

So what should I be looking to have in my basic toolkit to handle such
things? I'm thinking of things like:

Pipe freezer kit
PTFE tape
Plumbing wrench
Silicone sealant
Some kind of pipe leak sealant
Isolation valves

but what else would the panel recommend?

Thanks
Theo

Some thoughts ...
Don't bother with pipe freezer (unreliable IME) but make sure you have a
good wet vacuum for dealing with spills and getting water out of pipes
so they can be soldered.
Don't bother with hacksaws but get "pipe slice"s of the appropriate
sizes and, if you have any plastic pipe, a dedicated plastic pipe cutter.
A MAP blowlamp is a very useful tool, not just for plumbing.
At least two adjustable spanners.
Some olives (copper are easier to use than brass)
Joint sealant (jet blue is one brand).
Fibre washers and tap washers (unless yours all have ceramic inserts)

Plumbing DIY SOS kit
 

In article ,
Andrew wrote:
On 30/11/2020 12:49, Theo wrote:
I Don't Do plumbing.

The main reason I don't is I'm not confident in being able to get myself out
of trouble if I start a job and then find I don't have the ability to make
it safe again afterwards, without causing a flood.

This is probably something I should improve upon. One thing that would be
useful is to have sufficient tools and parts on hand so that I can handle
emergency and basic jobs without having to leave someone with their finger
in the dyke as I run out mid-job to grab parts.

So what should I be looking to have in my basic toolkit to handle such
things? I'm thinking of things like:

Pipe freezer kit
PTFE tape
Plumbing wrench
Silicone sealant
Some kind of pipe leak sealant
Isolation valves

but what else would the panel recommend?

Thanks
Theo


Knowing where all the stop cocks are, inside and out.
Checking that they work, expecially the outside one.

I needed to turn mine off and couldn't fine the tool I knew I had. Screwfix
came up trumps.



Ditto gate valves. Every time the clocks change, close
any stop cocks and gate valves then re-open, but after
fully opening close them half a turn, or they might jam
in the open position.

Check your lagging in the loft when the weather is mild.

Some people might say have a set of drain rods ready for
the Xmax day fat bergs (and god knows what else kids chuck
down the loo).

I've got 2 sets to add lenght for a land drain,

--
from KT24 in Surrey, England
"I'd rather die of exhaustion than die of boredom" Thomas Carlyle

Plumbing DIY SOS kit
 

In article ,
Theo wrote:
I Don't Do plumbing.

The main reason I don't is I'm not confident in being able to get myself out
of trouble if I start a job and then find I don't have the ability to make
it safe again afterwards, without causing a flood.

This is probably something I should improve upon. One thing that would be
useful is to have sufficient tools and parts on hand so that I can handle
emergency and basic jobs without having to leave someone with their finger
in the dyke as I run out mid-job to grab parts.

So what should I be looking to have in my basic toolkit to handle such
things? I'm thinking of things like:

Pipe freezer kit
PTFE tape
Plumbing wrench
Silicone sealant
Some kind of pipe leak sealant
Isolation valves

but what else would the panel recommend?

Thanks
Theo

The trick is to put in sufficient full flow isolation valves so you don't
have to turn everything off to do any work. Cost is a drop in the ocean if
done step by step.

For the water side, I use end feed fittings. So you need a blowlamp, etc.
Once you've mastered the skills of soldering, leaks a thing of the past.
With wastes, I also prefer solvent weld. For the same reasons.

--
*Hang in there, retirement is only thirty years away! *

Dave Plowman London SW
To e-mail, change noise into sound.

Plumbing DIY SOS kit
 

On 30/11/2020 12:49, Theo wrote:
I Don't Do plumbing.

The main reason I don't is I'm not confident in being able to get myself out
of trouble if I start a job and then find I don't have the ability to make
it safe again afterwards, without causing a flood.

This is probably something I should improve upon. One thing that would be
useful is to have sufficient tools and parts on hand so that I can handle
emergency and basic jobs without having to leave someone with their finger
in the dyke as I run out mid-job to grab parts.

So what should I be looking to have in my basic toolkit to handle such
things? I'm thinking of things like:

Pipe freezer kit
PTFE tape
Plumbing wrench
Silicone sealant
Some kind of pipe leak sealant
Isolation valves

but what else would the panel recommend?

Perhaps a brass or pushfit coupling as shown he
https://www.bes.co.uk/plumbing-supplies/plumbing/leak-repair-kits/

--

Jeff

Plumbing DIY SOS kit
 

On 30/11/2020 13:26:13, GB wrote:
On 30/11/2020 12:49, Theo wrote:

Pipe freezer kit

If you are worried about flooding, I suggest that you don't use this. :)

In any case, it won't work at all if there's any water flow at all.


It might be better to get one of these:

https://www.screwfix.com/p/aladdin-e...ter-pack/36008

That's a nifty piece of kit. Not cheap, but cheaper than calling a
plumber out.

Plumbing DIY SOS kit
 

On 30/11/2020 14:11:50, Dave Plowman (News) wrote:
In article ,
Theo wrote:
I Don't Do plumbing.

The main reason I don't is I'm not confident in being able to get myself out
of trouble if I start a job and then find I don't have the ability to make
it safe again afterwards, without causing a flood.

This is probably something I should improve upon. One thing that would be
useful is to have sufficient tools and parts on hand so that I can handle
emergency and basic jobs without having to leave someone with their finger
in the dyke as I run out mid-job to grab parts.

So what should I be looking to have in my basic toolkit to handle such
things? I'm thinking of things like:

Pipe freezer kit
PTFE tape
Plumbing wrench
Silicone sealant
Some kind of pipe leak sealant
Isolation valves

but what else would the panel recommend?

Thanks
Theo

The trick is to put in sufficient full flow isolation valves so you don't
have to turn everything off to do any work. Cost is a drop in the ocean if
done step by step.

For the water side, I use end feed fittings. So you need a blowlamp, etc.
Once you've mastered the skills of soldering, leaks a thing of the past.
With wastes, I also prefer solvent weld. For the same reasons.

While I agree, I do like to make various sections demountable for future
access and changes, so the occasional compression fitting. It's a bugger
to solder fittings to wet pipes.

Plumbing DIY SOS kit
 

In message ,
writes
On 30/11/2020 12:49, Theo wrote:
I Don't Do plumbing.
The main reason I don't is I'm not confident in being able to get
myself out
of trouble if I start a job and then find I don't have the ability to make
it safe again afterwards, without causing a flood.
This is probably something I should improve upon. One thing that
would be
useful is to have sufficient tools and parts on hand so that I can handle
emergency and basic jobs without having to leave someone with their finger
in the dyke as I run out mid-job to grab parts.
The non-PC schoolboy in me wonders what a finger in a dyke has to do
with plumbing (sorry)
So what should I be looking to have in my basic toolkit to handle
such
things? I'm thinking of things like:
Pipe freezer kit
PTFE tape
Plumbing wrench
Silicone sealant
Some kind of pipe leak sealant
Isolation valves
but what else would the panel recommend?
Thanks
Theo

Some thoughts ...
Don't bother with pipe freezer (unreliable IME) but make sure you have
a good wet vacuum for dealing with spills and getting water out of
pipes so they can be soldered.
Don't bother with hacksaws but get "pipe slice"s of the appropriate
sizes and, if you have any plastic pipe, a dedicated plastic pipe
cutter.
A MAP blowlamp is a very useful tool, not just for plumbing.
At least two adjustable spanners.
Some olives (copper are easier to use than brass)
Joint sealant (jet blue is one brand).
Fibre washers and tap washers (unless yours all have ceramic inserts)

Side issue on the MAP blowlamp.

Mine came with 3 nozzles only one of which now ignites the gas from the
piezo trigger.


--
Tim Lamb

Plumbing DIY SOS kit
 

GB wrote:
On 30/11/2020 12:49, Theo wrote:

Pipe freezer kit

If you are worried about flooding, I suggest that you don't use this. :)

I was thinking of places where it's not easy to fit an isolator, eg annoying
corners. Or to avoid drain, fix, refill, oops-I-did-it-wrong, drain, fix,
refill cycles :)

Although point taken about bursting pipes :(

It might be better to get one of these:

https://www.screwfix.com/p/aladdin-e...ter-pack/36008

Do they work on plastic?

Theo

Plumbing DIY SOS kit
 

Fredxx wrote:
You don't mention gas lamp/solder/flux. Best to practice first. There
shouldn't be any need for silicone sealant, apart from finishing around
basins and baths etc.

What's the recommendation for new interior plumbing these days? Copper?
PVC? PE? What kind of fittings?

I think we're mostly copper, although I'm not sure what has been tacked on.
Pipe soldering is probably a useful skill to pick up anyway...
(done lots of other kinds of soldering)

Theo

Plumbing DIY SOS kit
 

On Monday, 30 November 2020 at 15:21:00 UTC, Tim Lamb wrote:
In message ,
writes
On 30/11/2020 12:49, Theo wrote:
I Don't Do plumbing.
The main reason I don't is I'm not confident in being able to get
myself out
of trouble if I start a job and then find I don't have the ability to make
it safe again afterwards, without causing a flood.
This is probably something I should improve upon. One thing that
would be
useful is to have sufficient tools and parts on hand so that I can handle
emergency and basic jobs without having to leave someone with their finger
in the dyke as I run out mid-job to grab parts.
The non-PC schoolboy in me wonders what a finger in a dyke has to do
with plumbing (sorry)
So what should I be looking to have in my basic toolkit to handle
such
things? I'm thinking of things like:
Pipe freezer kit
PTFE tape
Plumbing wrench
Silicone sealant
Some kind of pipe leak sealant
Isolation valves
but what else would the panel recommend?
Thanks
Theo

Some thoughts ...
Don't bother with pipe freezer (unreliable IME) but make sure you have
a good wet vacuum for dealing with spills and getting water out of
pipes so they can be soldered.
Don't bother with hacksaws but get "pipe slice"s of the appropriate
sizes and, if you have any plastic pipe, a dedicated plastic pipe
cutter.
A MAP blowlamp is a very useful tool, not just for plumbing.
At least two adjustable spanners.
Some olives (copper are easier to use than brass)
Joint sealant (jet blue is one brand).
Fibre washers and tap washers (unless yours all have ceramic inserts)
Side issue on the MAP blowlamp.

Mine came with 3 nozzles only one of which now ignites the gas from the
piezo trigger.


--
Tim Lamb
If you only want to effect a temporary repair until someone else comes to make a permanent repair then there is only a few things you need. For leaks from pinholes or weeping soldered joints amalgamating tape will probably do might even cover the sort of split you get when a pipe has frozen. Weeping compression joints just need the right size spanners or a couple of Stilsons there are also some sealants that can be applied even with the leak if the joint will not tighten up. I would only heed some of the other suggestions regards tools if you see yourself doing any serious plumbing. Do however familiarise yourself with where all the stop cocks, valves and drain off cocks are if the water needs to be turned off.

Richard

Plumbing DIY SOS kit
 

"Dave Plowman (News)" wrote:
The trick is to put in sufficient full flow isolation valves so you don't
have to turn everything off to do any work. Cost is a drop in the ocean if
done step by step.

Indeed, but the problem is putting them in... (without leaking everywhere)

For the water side, I use end feed fittings. So you need a blowlamp, etc.
Once you've mastered the skills of soldering, leaks a thing of the past.
With wastes, I also prefer solvent weld. For the same reasons.

Are end feed preferred to solder ring?
And compared to compression?

Theo

Plumbing DIY SOS kit
 

In message , Theo
writes
"Dave Plowman (News)" wrote:
The trick is to put in sufficient full flow isolation valves so you don't
have to turn everything off to do any work. Cost is a drop in the ocean if
done step by step.

Indeed, but the problem is putting them in... (without leaking everywhere)

For the water side, I use end feed fittings. So you need a blowlamp, etc.
Once you've mastered the skills of soldering, leaks a thing of the past.
With wastes, I also prefer solvent weld. For the same reasons.

Are end feed preferred to solder ring?
And compared to compression?

Little difference providing you have cleaned (I use wire wool) and
fluxed the pipe. You need something to protect the wall behind the pipe
from the flame. I use a cement bonded asbestos offcut but you can buy a
small heat resistant blanket.

--
Tim Lamb

Plumbing DIY SOS kit
 

On 30/11/2020 12:49, Theo wrote:

I Don't Do plumbing.

The main reason I don't is I'm not confident in being able to get myself out
of trouble if I start a job and then find I don't have the ability to make
it safe again afterwards, without causing a flood.

That's probably more of a not having done enough of it to feel
confident, rather than not actually knowing what to do...

This is probably something I should improve upon. One thing that would be
useful is to have sufficient tools and parts on hand so that I can handle
emergency and basic jobs without having to leave someone with their finger
in the dyke as I run out mid-job to grab parts.

So what should I be looking to have in my basic toolkit to handle such
things? I'm thinking of things like:

Pipe freezer kit
PTFE tape
Plumbing wrench
Silicone sealant
Some kind of pipe leak sealant
Isolation valves

but what else would the panel recommend?

Firstly - good question - we probably ought to have a minimum tool /
materials set article on the wiki...

Part of the difficulty is that "plumbing" is a fairly broad topic, and
some of the things you might want are a bit job specific. So for example
a set of rubber bungs for plugging the vent and feed pipes on gravity
cold water cisterns and CH header tanks are very useful at times - but
only if you need to work on that kind of system.

So yup, what the others said and:

A set of speedfit[1] stop ends in various pipe sizes are very handy.

Isolation valves - preferably full bore.

A stock of olives, O rings, fibre washers, tap washers etc comes in
handy. Stock of fittings. Personally I keep a comprehensive set of end
feed, and a handful of solder ring (for when you need to work at arms
length etc), and compression (wet pipes, and places where you may need
to dismantle). Plus an assortment of waste fittings.

Some pipe might also come in handy!


A good quality compression fitting spanner:

http://wiki.diyfaq.org.uk/index.php/...ionSpanner.jpg

Vice grip spanner:

http://wiki.diyfaq.org.uk/index.php/...ripSpanner.jpg

(they get a good grip on anything and won't mar chrome fittings etc)

Plus the usual waterpump style pliers;

http://wiki.diyfaq.org.uk/index.php/...rpumpPlier.jpg

A pipeslice or two is very handy. Especially the miniture type can can
be slipped into spaces to make a clean cut in situ on things like rad
tails or on pipes under a a basin.

If soldering, then a good auto ignition torch that you can pick up,
fire, extinguish and put down easily with one hand is worth the money.

Heat proof mat for soldering close to finished surfaces.

Pipe brush, internal and external are good for cleaning up and de-burring.



There are a few little tools that are invaluable sometimes:

Set of box spanners for doing up the nuts on monoblock basin taps.
Plastic articulated "thingy" for tightening loo seat nuts.
Decent radiator bleed valve key with integral water catcher.




[1] specifically speedfit since they are easy to remove by hand without
needing a special demounting tool.


--
Cheers,

John.

/================================================== ===============\
| Internode Ltd - http://www.internode.co.uk |
|-----------------------------------------------------------------|
| John Rumm - john(at)internode(dot)co(dot)uk |
\================================================= ================/

Plumbing DIY SOS kit
 

On 30/11/2020 16:10:08, Tim Lamb wrote:
In message , Theo
writes
"Dave Plowman (News)" wrote:
The trick is to put in sufficient full flow isolation valves so you
don't
have to turn everything off to do any work. Cost is a drop in the
ocean if
done step by step.

Indeed, but the problem is putting them in... (without leaking
everywhere)

For the water side, I use end feed fittings. So you need a blowlamp,
etc.
Once you've mastered the skills of soldering, leaks a thing of the past.
With wastes, I also prefer solvent weld. For the same reasons.

Are end feed preferred to solder ring?
And compared to compression?

Little difference providing you have cleaned (I use wire wool) and
fluxed the pipe. You need something to protect the wall behind the pipe
from the flame. I use a cement bonded asbestos offcut but you can buy a
small heat resistant blanket.

I prefer end feed, and I also use stainless steel wire rather than wire
wool as that rots in any moisture.

Plumbing DIY SOS kit
 

On 30/11/2020 16:10, Tim Lamb wrote:
In message , Theo
writes
"Dave Plowman (News)" wrote:
The trick is to put in sufficient full flow isolation valves so you
don't
have to turn everything off to do any work. Cost is a drop in the
ocean if
done step by step.

Indeed, but the problem is putting them in... (without leaking
everywhere)

For the water side, I use end feed fittings. So you need a blowlamp,
etc.
Once you've mastered the skills of soldering, leaks a thing of the past.
With wastes, I also prefer solvent weld. For the same reasons.

Are end feed preferred to solder ring?
And compared to compression?

Little difference providing you have cleaned (I use wire wool) and
fluxed the pipe. You need something to protect the wall behind the pipe
from the flame. I use a cement bonded asbestos offcut but you can buy a
small heat resistant blanket.

+1 on all of that advice.

Its possibly *slightly* easier to make a neat joint with the 'in
connector' solder, but its also slightly easier to leave a leak....


--
WOKE is an acronym... Without Originality, Knowledge or Education.

Plumbing DIY SOS kit
 

If you're in an older property it really helps knowing what pipe is
metric (15mm, 22mm) and what is imperial (1/2" , 3/4"), particularly if
you're going to use pushfit.


--
Reentrant

Plumbing DIY SOS kit
 

On 30/11/2020 13:15, newshound wrote:
On 30/11/2020 12:49, Theo wrote:
I Don't Do plumbing.

The main reason I don't is I'm not confident in being able to get
myself out
of trouble if I start a job and then find I don't have the ability to
make
it safe again afterwards, without causing a flood.

This is probably something I should improve upon. One thing that would be
useful is to have sufficient tools and parts on hand so that I can handle
emergency and basic jobs without having to leave someone with their
finger
in the dyke as I run out mid-job to grab parts.

So what should I be looking to have in my basic toolkit to handle such
things?Â* I'm thinking of things like:

Pipe freezer kit
PTFE tape
Plumbing wrench
Silicone sealant
Some kind of pipe leak sealant
Isolation valves

but what else would the panel recommend?

Thanks
Theo

Everyone so far has left out the most important thing. The wet and dry
vacuum cleaner.

Not just for preventing, and for cleaning up flooded floors. Unpleasant
though it may sound, it is also the least worst way to start tackling a
completely blocked loo (or drain gully).
+1 great for draining radiators without spilling a drop.

Plumbing DIY SOS kit
 

On 30/11/2020 16:00, Theo wrote:
"Dave Plowman (News)" wrote:
The trick is to put in sufficient full flow isolation valves so you don't
have to turn everything off to do any work. Cost is a drop in the ocean if
done step by step.

Indeed, but the problem is putting them in... (without leaking everywhere)

For the water side, I use end feed fittings. So you need a blowlamp, etc.
Once you've mastered the skills of soldering, leaks a thing of the past.
With wastes, I also prefer solvent weld. For the same reasons.

Are end feed preferred to solder ring?
And compared to compression?

Theo


You can still get lead solder (*) which is easier to use with
a cheapo Wickes etc blowlamp. solder-ring will presumably always
be lead-free and need a hotter flame, surely ?.

(*) for central heating pipes.

Plumbing DIY SOS kit
 

On 30/11/2020 15:47, Theo wrote:
Fredxx wrote:
You don't mention gas lamp/solder/flux. Best to practice first. There
shouldn't be any need for silicone sealant, apart from finishing around
basins and baths etc.

What's the recommendation for new interior plumbing these days? Copper?
PVC? PE? What kind of fittings?

I think we're mostly copper, although I'm not sure what has been tacked on.
Pipe soldering is probably a useful skill to pick up anyway...
(done lots of other kinds of soldering)

Theo


If you use Hep20 or similar, remember to use the strain relief
supports if you have a 90 degree bend immediately before a
pushfit connector, otherwise there will be a lateral force
on the O ring in the connector which might leak at some point.

Plumbing DIY SOS kit
 

On 30/11/2020 17:26, Reentrant wrote:
If you're in an older property it really helps knowing what pipe is
metric (15mm, 22mm) and what is imperial (1/2" , 3/4"), particularly if
you're going to use pushfit.


That's very important. I had a narrow escape when I had to cut-out an
isolator that was weeping (after a change to mains pressure DHW) and
temporarily cap the pipe while I bought a new full-bore isolator. All
the plumbing is metric (or so I thought) so I just popped-on a 22mm
push-fit stop-end - it went on unusually easily but I didn't think any
more about it until later, when I tried to connect to it and realised it
was imperial. Fortunately the stop-end stayed on!!

Plumbing DIY SOS kit
 

On 30/11/2020 17:26, Reentrant wrote:
If you're in an older property it really helps knowing what pipe is
metric (15mm, 22mm) and what is imperial (1/2" , 3/4"), particularly if
you're going to use pushfit.


A selection of compression fittings takes care of metric to imperial
connections in an emergency.

Soldering 3/4 copper to 22mm needs special solder connectors.
Homebase used to sell them, but I haven't been in one for years.

Plumbing DIY SOS kit
 

Andrew wrote:

Soldering 3/4 copper to 22mm needs special solder connectors.
Homebase used to sell them, but I haven't been in one for years.

I have a couple, I think the only remaining 3/4" inch pipe is the
expansion up and over from the H/W tank to the header tank in the loft.

Plumbing DIY SOS kit
 

On 30/11/2020 15:43, Theo wrote:
GB wrote:
On 30/11/2020 12:49, Theo wrote:

Pipe freezer kit

If you are worried about flooding, I suggest that you don't use this. :)

I was thinking of places where it's not easy to fit an isolator, eg annoying
corners. Or to avoid drain, fix, refill, oops-I-did-it-wrong, drain, fix,
refill cycles :)

Although point taken about bursting pipes :(

You won't burst the pipe using one of those. Probably. But you might
find that the ice doesn't hold for long, and once any water starts to
get by it'll melt the ice plug extremely quickly.

Plumbing DIY SOS kit
 

I've got a couple of items that have proved very useful but I don't know how to describe - rubber bung for sealing the end of a pipe temporarily - a conical rubber thing with ribs that fits into the pipe end then you turn a plastic threaded handle that causes the bung to get tighter in the pipe.

Plumbing DIY SOS kit
 

On 30/11/2020 17:40, Robert wrote:
On 30/11/2020 13:15, newshound wrote:


Everyone so far has left out the most important thing. The wet and dry
vacuum cleaner.

Not just for preventing, and for cleaning up flooded floors.
Unpleasant though it may sound, it is also the least worst way to
start tackling a completely blocked loo (or drain gully).

+1 great for draining radiators without spilling a drop.

Yes indeed, also washing machines, dishwashers, defrosting freezers.

Plumbing DIY SOS kit
 

In article ,
Theo wrote:
Fredxx wrote:
You don't mention gas lamp/solder/flux. Best to practice first. There
shouldn't be any need for silicone sealant, apart from finishing around
basins and baths etc.

What's the recommendation for new interior plumbing these days? Copper?
PVC? PE? What kind of fittings?

I think we're mostly copper, although I'm not sure what has been tacked on.
Pipe soldering is probably a useful skill to pick up anyway...
(done lots of other kinds of soldering)

A pipe bender for 15 and 22mm copper tube. End feed solder fittings. Learn
those skills and you'll be happy with every job.

--
*Ambition is a poor excuse for not having enough sense to be lazy *

Dave Plowman London SW
To e-mail, change noise into sound.

Plumbing DIY SOS kit
 

In article , Theo
wrote:
"Dave Plowman (News)" wrote:
The trick is to put in sufficient full flow isolation valves so you
don't have to turn everything off to do any work. Cost is a drop in
the ocean if done step by step.

Indeed, but the problem is putting them in... (without leaking
everywhere)

You obviously turn things off and drain down before fitting. Once they are
fitted you can take your time with the rest of the job, without the
inconvenience of either.

For the water side, I use end feed fittings. So you need a blowlamp,
etc. Once you've mastered the skills of soldering, leaks a thing of
the past. With wastes, I also prefer solvent weld. For the same
reasons.

Are end feed preferred to solder ring? And compared to compression?

End feed are cheaper and neater. Compression where you can't use end feed.

--
*Real men don't waste their hormones growing hair

Dave Plowman London SW
To e-mail, change noise into sound.

Plumbing DIY SOS kit
 

In article ,
Tim Lamb wrote:
In message , Theo
writes
"Dave Plowman (News)" wrote:
The trick is to put in sufficient full flow isolation valves so you don't
have to turn everything off to do any work. Cost is a drop in the ocean if
done step by step.

Indeed, but the problem is putting them in... (without leaking everywhere)

For the water side, I use end feed fittings. So you need a blowlamp, etc.
Once you've mastered the skills of soldering, leaks a thing of the past.
With wastes, I also prefer solvent weld. For the same reasons.

Are end feed preferred to solder ring?
And compared to compression?

Little difference providing you have cleaned (I use wire wool) and
fluxed the pipe. You need something to protect the wall behind the pipe
from the flame. I use a cement bonded asbestos offcut but you can buy a
small heat resistant blanket.

Spare ceramic tiles are also useful as heat shields.

--
*Few women admit their age; fewer men act it.

Dave Plowman London SW
To e-mail, change noise into sound.

Plumbing DIY SOS kit
 

In article ,
Theo wrote:
Are end feed preferred to solder ring?

Screwfix prices - solder ring are over 3 times the price of end feed. Of
course you also need a reel of solder.

--
*Always drink upstream from the herd *

Dave Plowman London SW
To e-mail, change noise into sound.