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

 

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...

 

Wondering if anyone can help please!

The current problem with our water is noticed mainly through hair-washing and showering. The water is not discoloured and has no smell however it has a slimy/waxy feel. When washing our hair, we have to shampoo it twice every time. Even after doing so it still leaves a waxy/unclean feel to the hair, almost like it was washed 2 days ago!

We are confident that our water problem is a plumbing issue of some sort as our local water board has confirmed that...

 

I'm hoping someone can help me work out my central heating system please... I've just moved into a new house with an unvented OSO cylinder, a Danfoss FP720 programmer and underfloor heating controlled by Aube TH 232 thermostats and it is starting to drive me crazy!!

We have 3 bathrooms with showers, 1 of which is on the 1st floor, and the kitchen located in between - The boiler, OSO Cylinder and Danfoss Programmer are all located in the garage. What looks to me as the logical and most...

 

At my sons house, had 2 radiators downstairs that would never heat up, so thinking that the locks held valve was down, today we replaced the valves, but still got the same issue.

He has a glowworm ultracom cxi combi boiler, upstairs gets hot quite quickly, we have bled all radiators, and tried to balance the system, but to no avail.

He has a policy for boiler service and parts only. I think it is with utility warehouse.
Should he just call them out and see what they say, just call a local...

 

Hi everyone,
I have an Ideal Max Heat H18 system boiler with weather compensation installed. My understanding is that while weather compensation controls the heating flow temperature based on the outdoor temperature and the setpoint at the boiler, when there’s a call for hot water, the boiler overrides weather compensation and runs at a fixed 80°C until the cylinder thermostat is satisfied.
I’d like to know if there’s any way to reduce this DHW...

 

Hi there,

I have a condensing oil boiler running an open vented 3 zone CH system.
Z1 - Hot water tank.
Z2 - 7 radiators. (Grd Flr front).
Z3 - 4 radiators. (Grd Flr rear).
Some of my radiators are showing signs of trapped air on a regular basis.

I need to vent 2 rads (but sometimes all 4) in Z3 at least once a week since last autumn.
These 2 rads are closest to the boiler & always affected every time while the other 2 rarely.
I have a similar problem, but very rarely, in the 2 closest rads...

 

Hi,

Looking for any (constructive 😉) feedback on the schematic below. Trying to find a way to make use of multiple heat sources (OV Heat only boiler and Thermal Store with woodburner/solar thermal).

All the major elements (except for the UDH) are already installed.

Boiler has PDHW and Weather Comp, and the UFH digital blending valve also has weather comp so in theory I can have 3 different temp circuits heated from the boiler. Excess heat from the TS distributed to radiators before the...

 

Hi..

Heating Engineer here, ready to give up !!

We have been looking into an over heat issue with a Potterton Titanium Combi 40kw, Customer thinks about 5 years old.

They have had 3 engineers out previously, all walked away.

Boiler was firing on both CH and DHW and then cutting out after 8-10secs indication likely pump issue/circulating problem/blockage etc.

System was power flushed 1 year ago to date
Mag Filter installed
Previous engineers replaced Diverter Valve Cartridge & Motorised...

 

Hi All
The 2 radiators in my front room don't heat as quickly as I'd like. Probably because they're the furthest from the boiler which is upstairs in the bathroom. Would it be good practice to install a pump of some kind on the flow and fix it under the stairs or is this a ridiculous Idea?

Continue reading...

 

I have a Triton Lewis rail riser that came with a bar mixer.

This screenshot from a Triton video shows how the bottom bracket of the rail is installed - the screw goes through the vertical rail riser to secure it in place. The hole in the bracket is a bit larger than the diameter of the rail - the grey trims fill in that gap.

However, tightening the fixing screw pushes the rail against the (flimsy) trims. Securing...

 

Hi,

Every glass bath screen I have come across uses Easy Clean as a treatment during production.

In an attempt to try and reduce my use of PFAS I wondered in bath screens exist without any treatments?

Regards

Continue reading...

 

The first showerpump i fitted close to the immersion with warix flange and it works fine for the small bathroom.
I fitted another pump for another shower in another bathroom about 2-3 metres away and that seems fine.
i am wondering if i am likely to encounter problems later with the second shower pump. I think the warix flange prevents bubbles and pitting.
thanks in advance

Continue reading...

 

I have a ten year old Provost Riser Rail System with Integrated Shower Mixer and Thermostatic ABS (Ultra) (pic attached) which is now beginning to leak a little around the on/off tap on the left hand side. It might just be a washer that needs replacing, but there is no obvious way to gain access to the cartridge mechanism inside the bar. Is there a way to inspect the washers or will I have get either a new compatible cartridge (if there is one) or a complete new bar assembly?

Continue...

 

I'm about to install a P shaped shower bath into a small bathroom. However I've noticed that with the bath in place it's not possible to reach under the bath to the pre drilled tap holes. Because of the circular shape there's also no line of sight to these either making it very hard or impossible to reach with a spanner.

So if I were to install the bath like this I'm wondering if it's possible to remove the taps without ripping out the whole bath?

One option I'm considering is to cut new...

 

Hi, I have a leak on the hot water inlet of my concealed Aqualisa Gainsborough shower.
I have stripped it back and with the hot water feed on I can see the drip appear at the bottom of the plastic screw fitting.

I want to ensure that when I re-tile it, I won't have the same problem in the future and was wondering what to use around the plastic thread to make a well sealed connection, (PTFE, boss white, etc etc) bearing in mind it is the hot feed of a plastic/nylon inlet.

(I have attached a...

 

Hi All
I need some advice as to a replacement power shower and there are a few problems
I have posted a photo showing the old unit ( a ShowerForce 2000 ); it has supply pipes which run down from the roof and into the left side of the unit as shown

The big problem is that the hot and cold are reversed ie the hot is on the right and cold on the left
I have heard that it is possible to get a reversed cartridge? that can be fitted to a shower unit to allow for this

So can someone tell me if...

 

Hi
For the past 2 months my shower has been draining slowly and bubbling like there an air block. I've put 3 loads of drain cleaner down, but still not draining properly.
Any advice would be very greatfully received.

Thanks
Jim

Continue reading...