What do tooth paste, hair, your engagement ring, and sections of food all have in common? They can all get trapped in your drain! You can call expert and professional Plumbers Bromley to help you or you can conduct a do-it-yourself home project. Alternatively, you could learn to make an efficient and affordable drain. All you’re going to need is about a half a box of ordinary vinegar or baking soda. If you would like, you can even put your own product name on the mix for added effect. Adopt these measures and watch your drain clear.First, add half a box of ordinary baking soda in the drain.Add a small quantity of vinegar in the drain to make the foaming activate.Let the froth settle down and do the previous step again it. Let your drain sit fresh for about 30 minutes, so that the process is more efficient.Finally, clean the drain with hot water to clear any frustrating waste.This method is perfect for cleaning out your drain if you notice that it is depleting slowly; however, what can you do if time isn’t on your side, or it isnt working as well as you pictured, you can use other methods. Here are a few more solutions on unclogging a drain if the drain isn’t strong enough to clear clog. Clean the PipePut a vacant pail below the pipe. Take out a wrench to release the slide nut products at both sides of the pipe, but remember to finish the job by removing the slide nut products off manually. Remove the snare manually, and the material of the snare will add into your pail. If you are having difficulty with a drainage system or any other plumbing project, you can contact Plumbers Bromley since we will send out one of our experienced plumbers to help you out.
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Category: plumber Bromley
Understanding the Toilet Plumbing System
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If you have ever encountered the toilet plumbing situation, you might agree that it comes in all sorts of shapes and sizes. Whether you are going for installation or replacement, you have to take care of three things, the water inlet, the floor drain and the inside of the toilet. In order to avoid leakage and to make sure that the toilets keep on working for a long time, it is important to choose the best plumbing supplies.For toilet installation, Plumber Bromley has to consider the water supply. It is recommended to have shutoff valve connected to the water supply. Such a valve can save you time and it can also save you from costly repair. You will find it useful in the long run during bad times. If a spring leakage appears all of a sudden then the first thing you can do is to shut the valve so that water supply is controlled and spring leakage stops for the time being. It is important to consider the supply line that is connected to the toilet. The supply line is available in two types, braided stainless steel and flexible plastic. Usually plastic is chosen but experts say that braided stainless steel lines are best as they can easily handle any time of water pressure. Once you have used these, you will not have to worry about the bursts because of water pressure.The drain under the toilet is also an important part of the toilet plumbing system. A toilet should be located at the distance of 12 inches from the wall to the drains center. You will need the help of a professional Plumber Bromley in to take the right measurements. The pipe that is connected is made from PVC. Connecting the pipe with drain is a job that is tough. Any mistake in this case can ruin the whole toilet plumbing system. Choosing the right type of flushing system is also essential. Most of the customers are not aware of the right type of flushing system for their washrooms. When you have reliable Plumbers Bromley beside you it is easy to make the best decision. They can check the best possible connection and then let you choose the right flushing system. It is important to understand the basis of toilet plumbing because when sudden problems arise, it has been seen homeowners are not aware of even the basics and all they are left with is a mess.
Direct and indirect hot water cylinders
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Direct (HWC).The directly- heated hot water cylinder is quite a simple system to understand. Cold water is fed in at the bottom where there is usually a small draincock. The water is then heated either by a dedicated boiler or an electric immersion heater in the cylinder. Bromley Plumbers are qualified for this type of job.A connection at the bottom of the tank feeds the boiler where the water is heated. The hot water is then returned to the hot water cylinder through a connection situated at the top of the cylinder. The hot water supply exits the top of the cylinder through what is called a T-joint. From this T-joint an expansion pipe called a vent pipe also runs away to the cold water storage tank in the loft.Indirect (HWC).The indirectly heated hot water cylinder has a heat exchanger (or coil) fitted inside. The water heated by the boiler passes through this coil and the heat is transferred to the stored water sitting in the cylinder. The water that is in the coil itself is part of a self-contained system and is never mixed with the water in the cylinder that is supplied to the taps. This prevents not only limescale build up in the boiler system but it will also extend the life cycle of the system as it will allow anti-rusting additives to be introduced into the boiler water. A Bromley Plumber understands these systems.The cold water feed enters the cylinder at the bottom where there is also usually a small draincock fitted ( same as the direct system). The hot water supply to the domestic taps exits the cylinder at the top through a T-joint and just the same as the direct system an expansion pipe called the vent pipe also runs from the T-joint to the feed and expansion tank in the loft.
The Two Button Flush
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The toilet has had quite a makeover over the last few years, and not just in the looks department. The inner workings of the cistern have really joined the 21st century. The newer designs will not hold all the flushing arrangements that were in the older cisterns, so instead of the traditional siphon etc. the inlet valve is either a modified diaphragm type with a very short float arm, and miniature float, or an ingenious vertical valve with a float cup that fits round the central column of the valve body. These are both really quiet as they operate, but the float cup is slow to fill the cistern if it comes from a storage vessel rather than mains supply. The flush is also operated by top fitted button in the cistern lid. A Bromley Plumber is a trained professional. This design incorporates an overflow. Now, the button is split into two, with one for a short low volume of water flush and the two together is for a high volume flush. The button is connected to the plunger rather than the older style wire link float arm system. The valve design is very clever but can be very tricky to make adjustment for a correct fit so when installing the valve must be adjusted so that the critical level on the body of the valve is at least 25mm above the top of the overflow pipe. There is a threaded shank at the base of the valve assembly which gives the relevant adjustment so that correct positioning can be achieved. Bromley Plumbers can fit the new modern WC systems.The float cup inlet valve is a rubber ring seal at the bottom of the cistern which will probably need replacing in time but, spares are available. It is recommended that you keep any documentation regarding the unit such as a diagram should you need to replace a defective seal at some point.
Plumbing Skills Shortage
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Following a survey of 91,000 employers, the UK Commission for Employment and Skills dicovered more than one in five vacancies were because of a poor skill base. This suggests that the problem of poor skills, qualifications or real experience in the workforce is more prevelant in some industries more than others. The shortages were highlighted in the building, manufacturing and also plumbing. The study reported that employers struggled to find suitable workers with the “core skills” of communication, literacy and numeracy. The report also stated that there was an increase in the percentage of vacancies as a result of a lack of communication skills, particularly oral communication, as well as a lack of literacy and numeracy skills. Bromley Plumbers employ time served tradesmen. The report also highlighted nearly half of employers across the UK (48%) confessed to recruiting people with higher levels of skills and knowledge than were needed for the job.The research found the number of establishments providing training for their staff was back to levels seen before the recession. The truth is, the amount spent on training has decreased from 1,680 in 2011 to 1,590 in 2013 (per employee). The UKCES said only a small percentage of businesses were willing to give education leavers a first job, but if they did, they said the new joiners to be quite well prepared for work. People leaving College were reported by employers to be more “work ready” than school leavers of a similar age. A Bromley Plumber is a fully qualified tradesperson. A commissioner at UKCES Mr Douglas McCormick, sais that even though the rise in the number of vacancies is a positive sign that the economy is beginning to recover, it is a real possibility that businesses might not capitalise on the upturn because they don’t have the right personnel.
Gas Leak
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There may be times when you can smell something not quite right in your home. This could be gas or fumes from an appliance like a gas boiler that has developed a problem. Should you experience this you but are not sure you should still report it any way. If there is something wrong there are some actions that you need to carry out immediately, as they could save your possessions, property and ultimately you and your familys lives. A Bromley Plumber can detect and repair leaking appliances. The telephone number of the national gas emergency service is 0800111999.Immediate Action:Switch off all gas appliances, and the emergency gas control valve at the gas meter. Try and open all accessible windows.Do not switch on any lights and extinguish all naked flames. The gas meter should always be accessible by you. If your meter is boxed in, then you should have the key to open this box. You switch off the gas supply by turning the handle fitted to the emergency valve on the meter with just one quarter of a turn. Bromley Plumbers can isolate the gas and find leaks. The products that are produced by combustion are highly dangerous, not just from gas appliances but from any fuel burning appliances, such as those burning oil and solid fuel. Unison all products other than gas and there is a good chance that these will contain carbon monoxide, which is a very toxic gas that has no real smell and can build up in the home really quickly if the flue on the boiler becomes blocked (you should have a carbon monoxide detector fitted in the home). Reminder:Turn off the gas appliance. Open all windows and if you feel drowsy, evacuate the building to get fresh air into your lungs.
Water Closets
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Slim-line WC Cistern:This WC cistern is quite a slimmed plastic system fixed directly to the wall. It has a short downpipe and a lever or knob to operate the flush, a good option if you are short of space. They are quite fragile because their structure and strength is reliant on the lid being correctly fitted. These systems are not really suitable for toilets that are well used.High Level WC Cistern:This type is the old-fashioned style that is fitted (quite high, using a long downpipe and a chain to operate the flush). These are a great design if you are carrying out a home restoration on a pre-1950s property. Reproduction versions and antique designs are available. Make sure that there is enough ceiling height, for fitting. Bromley Plumbers can fit any WC.Low-Level WC Cistern:These WC systems are the most common of all. They are normally constructed of ceramic and secured by brackets and have a short downpipe with a lever to operate the flush.Concealed WC Cistern:Concealed WC cisterns are constructed from ceramic, plastic or metal, and as the name implies not meant to be seen, usually being completely hidden from view behind panelling. The disadvantage is that the panel has to be removable, for system maintenance, this is a pain if you wanted to tile the bathroom.Close Linked WC Cistern:Closed linked WC systems are designed in such a way that the pan and cistern are linked as a single feature. It is made of ceramic, having no visible downpipe, and the U-bends or traps is part of the design. It can be tricky to install, so it is not a job to do if you are a plumbing novice.Wash Down WC Pan:This type of WC is a standard design we all know with its waste pipe running through the wall or through the floor. It is a decent, low in price, easy fit choice, however you must make sure that you get the WC pan that has a through the wall or through the floor design to match the original. A Bromley Plumber can fit all models of WC including this model.
Plumbing Info
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Freezing:Check and confirm that pipework that is exposed to very cold temperatures is properly insulated. Look at pipes in the attic and basement if you have them fitted there. If you have an outside tap, turn off and dont use it during the cold weather. Knowing Valves:Locate and remember where your main stopcock is so that it can be switched off in an emergency. Bromley Plumbers can supply and fit valves. Take a walk around your plumbing system and spend some time finding out the different valves you have in the house and you could even label them. Valves seize up over their lifetime if they are not used, so make point of turning them off and on again a couple of times a year to keep them in working order. Machine Hoses:Flexi hoses that connect appliances such as washing machines need to be checked once a year for signs of wear and tear. They move lots of water. Check the connections at each end of the hoses as well to make sure they are not dripping.Waste Outlets and Drains:Waste-water outlet pipework should be checked at a regular interval. Many drains have a removable filter which can be cleaned easily. If you need to clear a drain, try and use a plunger rather than a chemical agent. Outside drains can easily block with leaves etc. You can Fit a leaf guard and run a hose to check flow once a year. A Bromley Plumber is trained to work on all types of drains.Hard Water:Hard water area plumbing develops lime scale deposits around taps and showerheads and on the inner walls of pipes. Vinegar is a great solution for cleaning a lime scale build up. There are plenty of other areas where lime scale can build up, washing machines, dishwashers, boilers and heating systems. One consideration is fitting a water softener.Emergency Plumbing:If you know how to deal with a plumbing emergency you could save a lot of stress and expense. Theres a product called LLFA tape that can seal a split pipe – it might be worth keeping some in your toolbox.
Plan an Electric shower
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The electrically operated shower is one that feeds cold water over an electric element to heat it up. Bromley Plumbers are skilled in all aspects of this work. There is a Thermostatic control that regulates the water temperature. The main water supply runs through a 15mm connection to the main water supply. Usually it is not much of a job to provide a branch supply from the rising main. One limiting factor for the siting of the shower might be the way the drainage is provided. With pumped waste systems, even this may not present a problem. If the shower is to be fitted over the bath, there is no need to plan for drainage as it is already in place as bath is the shower cubicle and drain together. If the shower is to be fitted as part of a cubicle, you will need to refer to the manufacturers instructions for installing the new cubicle. Plan the position for the shower components. The shower unit needs to be simply operated. The spray head rail should provide loads of adjustment to suit the various different height of people using it. A Bromley Plumber has all the experience required to fit showers.Water Supply:Place the shower in its final position and mark the point at which it will be connected to the supply. Run a copper pipe from here to the main supply (usually 15mm pipe is used) If possible it should be taken through the wall next to the shower so that only a minimal amount of pipework shows. An isolating valve should be fitted in the pipework near to the shower unit to provide a separate means of isolation. Mount the shower unit on the wall as specified in the manufacturers instructions and connect to the water supply pipe using a compression fitting, or the supplied connector if there is one. Switch off the supply for the rising main and fit a 15mm branch to this. This is done by fitting a T piece, using either compression or solder fittings depending upon the situation and your preference. Switch the water back on and check for leaks.Electrical Supply:Strict rules govern Electrical work that can be done without notification or inspection. Unless qualified you must seek a Professional Electricians service for this work and plan your installation around this.
Gas
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If you suspect that there is a gas leak or smell it, or even if you only think you can smell something like gas, you must report it and take some actions straight away, as both you and your familys safety is at risk. A Bromley Plumber can detect and rectify gas problems.Immediate Actions:1). Isolate the gas supply to every gas appliance.2). Turn off the emergency gas control valve at the gas meter.3). Open all the windows to vent the gas.4). Do not make any light switches as they may spark. Extinguish any naked flames. 5). Do not smoke.The national gas emergency service is: 0800 111999.The gas meter in your home should always be easy to access. If the meter is in a box, then you must the key in a safe and easy place to find (this is important). It is possible to isolate the gas supply to the home by turning the handle attached to the emergency control valve just one quarter of a turn. Bromley Plumbers can isolate the gas supply in case of an emergency. The bye-products that exhaust when combustion takes place are really dangerous, not just from gas but even solid fuel burning appliances, like those that burn oil or coal. There is a good chance that these products are carbon monoxide related. Carbon Monoxide is a very toxic gas that has no smell or taste and can build up in the home really quickly if the flue on the boiler is blocked naturally or by someone being careless (you need a carbon monoxide detector fitted in your home).If You Smell Fumes:Turn off the gas appliance. Open the windows were the fumes are discovered. If you feel drowsy, evacuate the building to get some fresh air into your lungs. Call a doctor if necessary. Call a gas service engineer.