Plumbing Advice

PLEASE AVOID - Connor Archer - AKA Neil Connors and Nico Connors Discussion Thread

PLEASE AVOID - Connor Archer - North East Area (also going by the name Neil Connors and Nico Connors) His buisness also has a varity of names on different customer quotes - Nico Plumbing and Bathroom Services, Nico Bathroom Designs, Nico Bathrooms and Plumbing.

He provided a quotation for a boiler installation and took nearly...

 

Honeywell ST699 thermostat upgrade.. Discussion Thread

I have a fairly old Honeywell ST699 thermostat that controls the central heating and hot water on a Worcester boiler. It is in an old farmhouse which has an airing cupboard with a hot water tank. There is also a separate thermostat located near the top of the stairwell.

I'd like to upgrade it to a wireless thermostat if possible and was wondering if anyone has replaced this model. I have fitted a Nest unit before, however this...

 

weather compensation suitable? Discussion Thread

Designing system for building that is only used two evenings a week (3 hours each evening) and one day of 8 hours. Temperature set at 21deg with setback of 12 deg out of hours. normally would be recommending weather compensation. But with such little use, wonder if more economical to have normal room stat and programmer. cant see that weather compensation would be of any real benefit.

weather compensation suitable? for the original...

 

vokera boiler (fault code A02 ) Discussion Thread

do i need to drain system for replacing a high limit thermostat on vokera boiler (fault code A02 )

vokera boiler (fault code A02 ) for the original thread on Plumbers Forums

 

Vaillant controls Discussion Thread

Hi all

I have Vaillant 624 running 3 circuits; a Telford unvented tank and then 2 hearings circuits (downstairs & 1st/2nd floor).

This is currently all run with 3x 2-port valves in and-plan+ configuration with Hive controls. I did have LLH fitted which was removed about a year ago for some trials with a 637 boiler. Now I’m thinking about getting this reinstated but also upgrading all the controls to Vaillant to utilise better modulation and...

 

Weather compensation, low boiler flow temp & bacteria Discussion Thread

Hi all,

I've been adjusting our combi boilers flow temperature based on outside temperature. A sort of manual weather compensation. The weather compensation curves you find go through the whole flow temp range e.g. 30-60C+ what are the risks of bacterial growth below 60C? How are people with low temp heating systems & weather compensating systems mitigating the risks of bacterial growth? Does inhibitor & magnetic...

 

Hot water on with heating yes or no Discussion Thread

Morning like some advice we have hot water tank k for hot water and boiler for heating we can set water or central heating on at different times via our hive app what's the best both together on timer or on separate times just not sure what's best for money and boiler usage

Hot water on with heating yes or no for the original thread on Plumbers Forums

 

Thermal imaging camera Discussion Thread

Any of you guys have them? I’m thinking of getting one for radiators / power flush of systems. Leaking finding and heating flow diagnostics, cold spots, blockages etc

Are they worthwhile? Any recommendations for one greatly appreciated.

Thermal imaging camera for the original thread on Plumbers Forums

 

Get 400 free google ads money Discussion Thread

Google Ads – Get Customers and Sell More with Online Advertising ​

Discover how online advertising with Google Ads can help grow your business. Get customers and sell more with our digital advertising platform.

ads.google.com

Spend 400 get 400 for free. New customers only I think (so register a new email if you...

 

Riello oil pump Discussion Thread

Hi. Is it possible to repair a leaky oil pump? Or best to get replacement??

Riello oil pump for the original thread on Plumbers Forums

 

Broken Sewer Pipe vs Clogged? Discussion Thread

Hi guys! The sinks and toilets weren’t draining and someone has told me that the pipe has broken and is asking for £13,000 to fix it, whilst I spoke to someone from Thames water today, on my way home from the shops, and he said the same issue (clogged sinks, toilets, etc) could be from a clogged pipe and that wouldn’t cost much to get fixed. The plumber posted this video of the issue but I can’t see any broken pipe.

That’s the video he...

 

Leaking tap, faulty cartridge? Discussion Thread

I've got a kitchen tap that leaks from the handle on the cold side only when the tap is on at medium to full blast.

can see exactly where its coming from but a fairly fast drip is coming out here

ive tried removing the cartridge, dismantling it, descaling and rebuilding it with new o rings but that didn't resolve the problem so i was going to just replace the...

 

Viessman Vitodens 100-W weather compensation Discussion Thread

Good evening,

I have a Vitodens 100-W (Type B1HC, B1KC) boiler and I'm considering adding a weather compensation control.

I'd appreciate any insights on the pros & cons.

We spend around £1,200 a year on gas, Viessmann reckons you can save up to 15%, is this achievable?

Regards

Viessman Vitodens 100-W weather compensation for the original thread on Plumbers Forums

 

Problem with Kane 458s Discussion Thread

Issues with Kane 458s

Bought unit back end of April 2022.

1st. Problem sent back to Kane on 7th July. After flue sampling it would take 2 minutes to slowly drop coppm. Then hang at 4 coppm for next to 3 to 4 minute's before zeroing in fresh air. Also ratio would jump around.

Kane fitted a new CO sensor.

2nd. Problem sent back to kane on 6/12/2022. On older pre-condensing boilers I'm getting unbelievable clean ratios of.
Example given...

 

The Wheel Winner this week, a Plumber in Norfolk, Livvi Discussion Thread

Congratulations to The Wheel Plumber, Livvi - Won 90,000 for her Football Team, and a holiday and stuff I think she said.

Plumbing Lecturer AND Plumber still in and around Norfolk. (Anybody know her?)

Started plumbing at 16 and is now still a mere 30 but is a lecturer, I assume at a College?

Massive football fan. And started a Girls Team down her local club which I think she said Downham Market? (might need...

 

Biasi Riva Plus He 28C - No hot water Discussion Thread

Boiler: Biasi Riva Plus He 28C Erp
GC: 47-583-42
Serial No: N056941117

Hi fellow engineers
Need some help on this boiler please.
Boiler works fine for central heating, but as soon as hot water is turned on, all the fault leds flash, middle red lock out led solid.

There was another fault which indicated a APS fault. Both green leds flashing, red solid.
Would the APS function normally on CH mode?

Would appreciate any...

 

Replacing push fit Osma Gold for something else - tap change Discussion Thread

Hi,

I know the fittings I have are Wavin Osma Gold and have done a fair bit of research into them, I just wanted to confirm once I try and demount the fitting with bent circlip pliers and discard the Osma, as long as I keep the original insert on the lower plastic main part.

That I will be ok to use Hep2o or JG speed fit etc?

The grey pipe is also Wavin and seeing as unless I cut the lower copper and...

 

Riello rdb 1 brandnew retro fitted to a firebird 70-90 Discussion Thread

Fitted a new riello 1 rdb the noz zle that came with it was a .6 80 eh but no settings in the manual what it should be??
I got the CO2 at 11.6
Oil pressure 100
Any advice?

Riello rdb 1 brandnew retro fitted to a firebird 70-90 for the original thread on Plumbers Forums

 

How do I remove the front cover from a Vent Axia extractor fan Discussion Thread

The model number is not shown, but I have attached an image of the model. There are two small flexible plastic tabs underneath the fan. I have tried squeezing them together. They click but they don't release the front cover. I have tried pulling the lower edge away from the fan but am reluctant to try harder and cause damage.

How do I remove the front cover from a Vent Axia extractor fan for the...

 

Type of washer Discussion Thread

Hi Team,

I have a leaky radiator as it washer must of got damaged when it was fitted

Anyone know what this washer is called? And where I can find a pack?
It

Please respond if you know the answer to this question rather than alternative responses
Outer diameter 23mm
Inner diameter 20mm
Thanks in advance

Type of washer for the original thread on Plumbers Forums

 

Air bleed magnetic filter Discussion Thread

Can someone please advise how to bleed air from a magnetic filter installed on a Worcester Greenstar boiler. I don’t want to clean it out as that was done by a professional engineer who seemingly left me with this problem. Specifically, should I close the valves either side of the filter before opening the top bleed valve? Should the boiler be turned off? Etc, etc
Comments appreciated.

Air bleed magnetic filter for the original thread...

 

Smart thermostat causing boiler to short cycle or something else? Discussion Thread

Hi all,

When I use my hive thermostat in the way I think your supposed to. I.e. set it to a desired temperature then don't touch it. The combi boiler seems to cycle on/off in short succession as can be seen in the attached image of the heating history. Does this indicate what's called short cycling? In a way it makes sense to me that the boiler is doing this if what is happening is:
-temp drops...

 

Low pressure light coming on. Discussion Thread

My Ariston Eurocombi A23 low pressure light has started to come on.

When the kitchen HW tap is on the boiler ignites and then immediately goes off, then about 5 seconds later it comes back on. The kitchen HW runs okay.

When the bathroom HW tap is turned on the same happens with the ignition but then runs cold with the boiler switching itself off and then the low pressure light comes on. My house is a two bed mid terrace with the...

 

Air Source Heat Pumps Discussion Thread

I have been thinking of going on this course but my only reservation with it is reaching out to the right clientele, has anyone made this transition and started fitting these units? And if so, was it worth doing the course for the amount of work gained afterward?

Air Source Heat Pumps for the original thread on Plumbers Forums

 

£750 Aquataps or £2000 Quooker Tap £1000 Verana Tap What's Best? Discussion Thread

£750 Aquataps or £2000 Quooker Tap £1000 Verana Tap - Which is best?

Been looking online, and see adverts on TV, for a Boiling Water Tap.

Aquataps do them, Quooker Taps are probably the first to do them, and then there is a Verana Tap (I think it was) too.

Has anybody had experience in installing these taps? Can they hook up to existing plumbing systems or does it need its own feed?

How do they...

 

Advice on a Drayton EB valve body leaking from the top Discussion Thread

A routine check revealed a leaking valve body on the en suite bathroom radiator.
I removed the thermostatic head and found the range limiting pins to be severely corroded.
Now, I’m resigned to draining the heating system and replacing the faulty valve body.

My question: In the interim, is there any point in fitting a decorator’s valve cap in place of the thermostatic head?

I’m thinking that if the cap were...

 

Traymate Shower tray Discussion Thread

Hi guys,

This is my first post so apologies if this isn't the right section for the post.

I'm a qualified plumbing and heating engineer with nearly 20 years experience under my belt.

I have an issue with a (client supplied) TM Traymate shower tray/trap and wondered if anyone else has had similar issues? As you can see from the pictures, it has cracked directly inline with one of the two fixing screws which retain the entire trap. The shower...

 

Signing in Discussion Thread

Hi Dan, just to let you know that there were no issues regarding signing in on the new platform. 👍🏻

Signing in for the original thread on Plumbers Forums

 

Dual fuel towel rail heating element Discussion Thread

The instructions with the new dual fuel towel rail we've had installed are in very bad English and, anyway, are pretty short!
Any chance of a couple of quick questions?
1. Do we have turn down the central heating control on the radiator when the electric element is on? Obviously, we wouldn't choose to run the central heating AND have the electric element on but mistakes can happen - is it dangerous?
2. Does anyone have better...

 

Plumbers Forums News and Updates Forum is Back Discussion Thread

I got rid of this forum a while ago and wanted to use a blog instead but it never happened. So I thought I'll bring the forum back so that you know where to go to find information about forum changes and improvements.

Plumbers Forums News and Updates Forum is Back for the original thread on Plumbers Forums

 

What is wrong with my hot water cylinder water cylinder is cold to touch and only feeling warm near the top Discussion Thread

I am new to any forum on the internet. I live in NZ
I am seeking advice on what is wrong with my hot water cylinder

My hot water tap downstairs immediately runs hot when turned on.
The water cylinder is cold to touch and only feeling warm near the top.

Any answers gratefully appreciated

What is wrong with my hot water cylinder water cylinder is cold to...

 

Atkinson Tanktop general info & service advice Discussion Thread

Hi all, we spotted threads on this forum, thought it would be good to create a general thread with some useful advice and service info.

Top off take systems are a bit more complex than standard gravity feed and often certain service aspects are overlooked causing issues down the line....which are then often attributed to the valves themselves.

To my knowledge I don't believe we have actually had a faulty Tanktop valve...

 

Atkinson tank top oil feed Discussion Thread

As title anyone using one, good? bad? ugly? has to feed through a de-aireator to the boiler, but should not be a problem, my question is, should the oil line be insulated up the side of the tank, if so how do you attach the insulation to a plastic tank? Pipe being used is green PVC covered, would this be sufficient?

https://www.tanksrus.co.uk/assets/media/2024/04/26/atkinson-top-off-take-valve-datasheet.pdf

Atkinson tank top...

 

Capping off redundant pipework question. Discussion Thread

Hi all.

I done some work for someone a few years ago and I've been getting paranoid that things haven't been done the right way.

I capped off a gas cooker supply that was no longer in use, left the redundant pipework capped off at the appliance isolation valve in the kitchen.

I'm getting paranoid that if someone later down the line for some reason, was to drop the pressure in all of the pipework, say during a boiler service...

 

Baxi system boiler and Opentherm Discussion Thread

Hello
Does anyone know if its possible to connect an Opentherm thermostat such as a Nest to a Baxi 800 System boiler.
I know its possible with a Baxi 800 Combi but I cannot find any information on achieving this with a system boiler.

I wondered if its possible to control the radiator flow temperature with say a Nest connected to the opentherm inputs.
(also controlling S plan CH & HW zone valves with its 240V outputs.)

Then for...

 

Using an AAV for washing machine waste trap Discussion Thread

Hi
We have a small utility cupboard for a washing machine with a standard washing machine waste kit installed as shown. Excuse my poor draughtsmanship. For complicated reasons we need to raise the floor as shown but this means we obviously need to raise the washing machine waste trap.

The shaded area is how the team of builders that built the bathroom section, which is an extension on a beam and block floor, left things. I...

 

Underfloor heat pipe specification and pipe centres and radius bends. Discussion Thread

In my attempt to future proof my underfloor heating design to maximise the heat output at the lowest possible mean water temperature, I am planning pipe 16mm dia pipe centres at 133mm governed by the nature of the installation (3 pipes per space between floor supports at 400 mm ctrs. - Serpentine layout.
I would welcome any advice on the best possible pipe spec or brand for this approach so...

 

Alternative to Everbuild Plumbers Gold? Discussion Thread

Can anyone recommend an alternative to Everbuild Plumbers Gold? I have always used this with great success, but the latest tube doesn't seem to work as well as previous tubes. Have the changed the formula when they moved from black tube to a grey tube?

Alternative to Everbuild Plumbers Gold? for the original thread on Plumbers Forums

 

Anyone done the heat geeks online courses? Discussion Thread

Has anyone done the online heat geeks training? I believe you get a BPEC certificate when completed. It's a self study course. Thanks

Anyone done the heat geeks online courses? for the original thread on Plumbers Forums

 

What are the best heating flushing systems Discussion Thread

Any advice on selecting the best central heating flushing system would be most greatful

What are the best heating flushing systems for the original thread on Plumbers Forums

 

Hello, I’m hoping someone out there can help me with a query I have regarding my central heating system. It’s an oil fired system with 16 radiators. I’m not sure when the system was installed but certainly a long time ago, perhaps even when the house was built in the mid 90s.

The radiators are fed by pipes that come directly up through the floor, (in other words there is no pipework that runs along the skirting)

My question is what could cause the pipe to drop from the union that connects...

 

This time last year our heating/boiler/hot water started making a loud rattling noise. The rattling happened each afternoon about 20 mins after the timer switched on the heating and hot water for the afternoon/evening. The rattle happened 2-3 times over a five minute period for maybe 10-15 seconds a time. The next day it did it again. The day after that it did it again but only once instead of 2-3 times. It never did it in the morning only the afternoon

Until last week (so same time of year...

 

When you think of a truly expert plumbing estimator, what qualities come to mind?
I’ve had a few experiences where the price looked right, but once we dug into the details—pipe sizes, fixture counts, venting—things started to unravel. One job in particular, the estimator missed a floor drain layout that ended up costing us both time and change order headaches. Ever since, I’ve been a lot more cautious about who I trust with plumbing takeoffs.
For me, attention to detail and knowing how to...

 

Hi

My name is Jose, I live in Bath, Somerset. I have decent plumbing skills having installed several bathrooms and kitchens over the past 10 years. I have a question about a system that I have been thinking it might have the potential to replace my gas boiler and bring me closer to be completly off gas and somewhat mains eletric independent and would like to hear your opinions.

I am having big solar PV system of about 30 solar 400 W array and 2 x 12 kW battery installed on my 3 bed 100sq...

 

Shower tray assistance required

Hi
Just after a bit of advice/voice of experience.
Do I have to put the drainer under the shower head side of my shower tray?
I’m thinking of putting it the opposite side.
The reason being that I then don’t have to notch all the joists!
Or am I just over thinking it?

Continue reading...

 

Ok, just a layman's view here. I understand fully the need for a PRD in a shower unit. I know the Physics of it all and I get how they work totally. But why nowadays is it a piddly little soft ball popping out of a hole and not a proper sprung loaded valve set to open at the same pressure the ball pops at? It is no problem to make a valve which will open cleanly at the required pressure but will reset itself if the pressure is released. We have these fitted in every car on the road in the...

 

Hello everybody! Could you please give me advice on what is the best way to hide radiator pipes behind the plasterboard? I have heard from other plumbers that if i will chase the wall and wanted to fill channel with filler or cement, copper pipes needs to be covered with foam insulation. What about if i will put those copper pipes in chased channel and cover with plasterboard without filling chaser? is that good practise to do it or there is have to be specific regulations on how to hide...

 

Hi
I'm going away for an extended period (more than 6 weeks) and wondering if I need to empty the 1000l buffer tank/thermal storage tank to avoid legionella bacteria

Thanks in advance

Continue reading...

 

Can anyone help as the heating in our house has always been troublesome, but now it is worse than ever. Over the years we have had 3 new boilers, 3 new pumps, 4 new radiators and 2 power-flushes. This last week we have had the Y-plan connections changed to 2 S-plan connections with lights on so that we can see when both are on. I put in 2 bottles of X400 on Monday and then attached a hosepipe from the boiler to drain the system on Wednesday. I left it on for about an hour from the advice of...

 

I have a Bristan PM VSHXSP Prism Inline Vertical Shower Pole with Fixed Head that needs a bit of care. The diverter pulses and needs a new spring and there are general leaks throughout the pole. This is a discontinued model and spares seem impossible to obtain. I have a couple of questions:


Is there a direct replacement for this type of shower where the feeds are about 3” above one another.


Does anyone know of spares for this particular Bristan shower?


Any recommendations so as not to...

 

Hi all - hopefully I can get some answer to a maddening issue. The boiler bypass just refuses to stop letting water through.

Here is the run down. We bought the house last year. It has a Vaillant Ecotec Plus 418 which is only 3 years old. It's on a Y plan, with a hot water cylinder that looks to have been installed at the same time as the boiler - it's very new and a sealed foam type.

When we moved in we had new rads all round and all the microbore removed. The system was powerflushed...

 

Hello all,

This is my first post here and would be greatfull for any advice on the issue I am having currently.

I have an en suite with mixer shower - concealed. This is in an attic conversion so at the top of the house, boiler is combi and directly below the shower on the floor below. Unfortunatly make and modle of said mixer are not stamped on the unit but I have some photos attached.

The rest of the ensuit was not finished till recently so the shower was not used for maybe 2 years...

 

Hi, have recently decided my old shower had to go , so have ripped most of it out. It is situated in a separate shower room with a external wall at one end and the sides composed of stud walls. The distance (width to opposite side ) of the studding is 770mm, the old plaster board on the studding has been removed. I intend to replace the plaster board with Jackoboard with a nominal thickness of 12mm so that would bring the gap to 770-24 = 746mm.
The most suitable tray width is 760 mm, which...

 

Hello, I hope someone can give me some advice on replacing an old air source heat pump.
We moved into a shared ownership house last year which has a Daiken air source heat pump fitted to provide heating and hot water. The unit was fitted when the house was built 12 years ago. It seems that the previous owners of the house weren't too bothered about getting the unit serviced and the unit has died on us, although I think 12 years is about the average lifespan for older ASHP units.
We had an...

 

I have just had a ASHP installed, grant funded as I am over 77.
The expansion tanks touch, hot water pipes are touching with electric cables running over them!
One radiator, replacing an older radiator has pipes that come though a brick wall and skirting board, why, when the radiator it replaced pipes came up through the floor boards. One condition of the install was I should be out of the house while they were working .

Continue reading...

 

My recently new Gledhill indirect hot water cylinder is making a humming noise when hot water only is on the noise seems to be coming from the return side of the coil there is a gate valve on the return for balancing does it just need adjusting or is it something else can anyone help me out thanks

Continue reading...

 

Hi

When I go to bed I manually set my thermostat to 17.5 so the temperature never falls below and when we wake up it is not too cold.

However, recently in the morning the temperature is actually BELOW what i set.

There is not an 'auto' programme set on there either.

Example:
When waking up the temp is 16.

But, I had set it to 17.5, as can be seen when i press the 'i' button...

 

My old system that was a vented thermal storage tank. Fitted to it was a TMV ensuring safe hot water.

I had fitted a new S Plan, unvented system and found the water is coming out very hot. I’ve ensured the tank temperature is 60ish. But it seems the new system doesn’t have a TMV.

Question:
1. Is this normal to not fit a TMV?
2. Should I get one fitted or live with the hotter water? Do the pros of TMVs get outweighed by Cons? Not sure why one wasn’t fitted or the previous one reused?

Kids...

 

Hi all

I'm looking for advice on a pipe bender. It'll be for 3/8" SS pipe. I've been looking at a 'RIDGID 606 3/8" Heavy Duty Instrument Bender' at £194.77 inc. VAT. I tried to post a link but doesn't look like I can (@Dan ??) Anyone got any comments on that one or suggestions for a better one, possibly hydraulic ? It's going to be used for oil pipework on dissolved fault gas analysers on transformers at power stations. As mentioned, pipework will be stainless steel with Swagelok...

 

Hello,
A novice question I'm sure.

What's the issue here? some sort of pressure issues of course but was it due to bad plumbing. What's needed in a house to ensure not matter how many taps are on the water still comes out full blast?

On top of this a similar issue is turn on tap on down stairs the kitchen sink for instance and then who ever is in the shower gets angry because they were showering in ice cold water. Why didn't the plumbers that installed the piping put some kind of device...