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Plumbing

The Diy Fix It guide to plumbing

This section covers a wide range of plumbing jobs from cutting bending and fixing copper pipe to solder and compression joints as well as dealing with air locks, blocked toilets and other plumbing emergencies.  There is practical advice on choosing and fitting baths, basins and showers plus taps and mixers.  Whether you want to carry out a temporary leak repair or install a new kitchen sink with all new waste pipes you'll find hints tips and advice to help

Air lock in pipework

Diy plumbing repairs showing how to cure or clear an air lock in pipework to get the water flowing again.

Ball valve 1

Diy plumbing guide showing how to remove and replace the washer in a ball or float valve which leaks or fails to close. Also ballcock.

Ball valve 2

Diy plumbing guide showing how to adjust a ball or float valve which fails to close off the water to a toilet cistern or tank causing the overflow to run continuously. Also ballcock.

Basin - choosing types

Diy plumbing guide to choosing a new wash basin or hand basin for the bathroom.

Basin - plumbing in new

Diy plumbing guide to fitting a new basin in the bathroom. Fixing the basin to the wall, installing or connecting the taps, hot and cold pipes and waste outlet.

Basin - removing

Diy plumbing guide to removing an old wash basin or hand basin. Undoing the pipes, taps and waste trap.

Bath - choosing types

Diy plumbing advice on choosing or selecting a new bath for the bathroom. Types of bath include corner, free standing and sunken as well as plastic or metal.

Bath - plumbing in new

Diy plumbing guide to fitting a new bath in the bathroom. Fixing the bath to the wall, adjusting the legs plus installing or connecting the taps, hot and cold pipes and waste outlet.

Bath - removing

Diy plumbing instructions for disconnecting and taking out an old bath including undoing the hot and cold pipes and waste. And how to break up a cast iron bath.

Bending copper pipe

A diy how-to on bending copper pipes for diy plumbing projects, and how to use a spring or pipe bender to create offset or bends in tubes.

Blocked toilet or soil pipe 1

Diy how-to on plumbing repairs, showing how to clear or unblock a blocked toilet and soil pipe with a plunger auger or drain rods.

Blocked toilet or soil pipe 2

Diy how-to on plumbing repairs showing how to clear or unblock a blocked drain under the manhole cover using drain rods to rod out the blockage.

Blocked waste pipe

Diy how-to showing how to clear or unblock a blocked waste pipe to the kitchen sink, bath or basin as well as an outside gulley or drain.

Connecting copper pipe - compression fittings

A how-to on joining copper pipes with compression joints for diy plumbing projects. And how to connect the fitting and tighten the nuts and olive for a watertight seal.

Connecting copper pipes - solder joints 1

Diy how-to on copper pipe soldered and capillary joints for plumbing projects. And how to use flux and blow torch to solder the fitting for a watertight seal.

Connecting copper pipes - solder joints 2

Diy how-to on joining copper pipes with soldered and capillary joints for diy plumbing projects. Including how to use flux and blow torch to solder the fitting for a watertight seal and cure leaks.

Copper pipes and fittings 1

Diy plumbing guide to copper pipes, fittings and joints used to connect lengths - compression fitting.

Copper pipes and fittings 2

Diy plumbing guide to copper pipe and fittings or joints used to connect lengths - solder or capillary fitting.

Cutting copper pipe

Diy how-to on cutting copper pipe for diy plumbing projects. How to measure and mark accuartely and use a hacksaw or pipe cutter to cut the tube to the right length.

Drainage drains and waste water

Diy plumbing guide to drains and drainage systems for disposing of waste or foul water.

Draining down the water system 1

Diy plumbing guide to draining down the water system switching off the stopcock and emptying the tank or cistern.

Draining down the water system 2

Diy plumbing guide to draining down the water system, emptying the hot water cylinder, toilet cistern and the tank in the attic.

Fixing and supporting copper pipes

Diy plumbing guide showing how to fix and secure pipework with pipe clips and fixings to support and prevent movement and noise from pipes.

Frozen pipe thawing

Diy emergency plumbing repairs and how to clear or thaw a frozen pipe by gentle heating to allow water to flow.

Leak - repairing a holed pipe

Diy emergency plumbing repairs and how to repair a leaking or damaged pipe. Including how to repairing a pipe damaged by a nail.

Leak - temporary repair

How to make a temporary repair to stop a leaking pipe. Diy advice on stopping the leak by isolating the water supply and using hose and clips or epoxy putty, plus permanent repair.

Leaking tap

Diy plumbing guide showing how to repair or mend a leaking tap by tightening the gland nut or repacking.

Shower - instant electric

Diy plumbing for an instant electric shower with thermostatic control including the supply of water via a new copper pipe.

Shower - manual and thermostatic

A how-to on plumbing in a manual or thermostatic shower including hot and cold water supply and connecting pipework.

Shower - mixer tap

Diy guide on how to fit and plumb in a mixer tap type shower by replacing the bath taps.

Shower - power showers 1

Diy guide to power showers using water pumps to increase pressure and flow of the water.

Shower - power showers 2

Diy guide to power showers using integral or separate pumps to increase pressure and flow of water. Plumbing in the shower pump and hot and cold water pipes.

Shower cublicle

Diy home improvement guide showing how to instal a shower unit or build a shower cubicle, including the plumbing and drainage of waste water.

Sink - plumbing in new

Diy plumbing guide to fitting a sink in the kitchen. Fixing the sink to the cupboard or worktop, installing or connecting the taps, hot and cold pipes and waste outlet.

Sink - removing

Diy plumbing instructions for disconnecting and taking out an old kitchen sink including undoing the hot and cold pipes and the waste pipe.

Stopcock and gate valve repair

Diy maintenance of gate valve and repair of seized stopcock including washer and gland packing.

Tap ceramic disc cartridge replacement

Diy plumbing guide shows how to replace a ceramic disc cartridge in a bath basin or sink tap.

Tap valve seat repair

Diy plumbing guide shows how to repair valve seat using a reseating tool to regrind or jumper washer and seating set.

Tap washer replacement 1

Diy plumbing guide showing how to replace a tap washer - locate, undo and replace.

Tap washer replacement 2

Diy plumbing guide showing how to replace a mixer spout or reverse pressure tap washer.

Tap washer replacement 3

Diy plumbing guide showing how to replace a mixer tap valve "O" ring type washer.

Taps

Diy how-to showing how to fit new taps including undoing the old and connecting the new. Using a tap spanner and releasing stuck taps.

Toilet - choosing types

Diy plumbing advice on choosing or selecting a new toilet or wc - the types available and planning the installation.

Toilet - plumbing in new 1

Diy plumbing guide to fitting a new toilet or WC in the bathroom. Fixing to the floor, connecting to the soil pipe and drain, plus assembling the cistern and ball or float valve.

Toilet - plumbing in new 2

Diy plumbing guide to fitting a new toilet or WC in the bathroom. Connecting the cold water supply and the wc overflow.

Toilet - removing

Diy plumbing guide to removing an old toilet or WC. Undoing the water and overflow pipes before disconnecting them, then trimming or making good the soil pipe.

Washing machine or dishwasher - plumbing in

Diy guide to plumbing in a washing machine or dishwasher and installing the waste and water supply.

Waste pipe - compression joints

Diy plumbing guide to plastic waste compression joints showing the types, how to cut the pipe and connect the fitting to join pipes so they don't leak.

Waste pipe - new appliance

Diy plumbing guide to choosing and fitting a new waste pipe for an appliance, shows how to fix and connect to the drains.

Waste pipe - push fit joints

Diy plumbing guide to plastic waste push fit joints showing the types, how to cut the pipe and connect the fitting to join pipes so they don't leak.

Waste pipe - solvent weld joints

Diy plumbing guide on plastic waste solvent weld joints, showing you how to cut the pipe and connect the fitting to join pipes so they don't leak.

Waste pipe - types

A diy plumbing guide on joining or connecting plastic waste pipes and fittings , including details on how to cut the pipe.

Water supply

Diy guide to water supply and the plumbing in the home. Includes details of direct and indirect systems.

 

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