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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

If you do not have experience or are not confident to carry out this task you should call a professional plumbing tradesmen like Bromley Plumbers who have all the tool for this job.To begin a Bidet fit you should plumb the drain lines to the manufacturers specifications. Spread plumbers type putty on the base of the bidet tap, and then place the tap body into its mounting holes. Screw on the washers and locknut for the tap body shank and tighten it by hand. Put a roll of plumbers putty underneath the drain flange. Place the flange in the drain hole, and then fit the gasket and washer, threading the nut on the flange. No need to tighten. Fit the pop-up drain appliance by using the manufacturers diagram. Put the bidet in its final location. Make sure it is in line. Mark the location of the two side-mounting holes onto the floor through the pre-drilled holes on the stool. Remove the bidet and drill the correct size pilot holes through the marks on the floor. Push the floor bolts (supplied with the bidet basin) into the holes. Place the bidet so the floor bolts and their holes line up and mate. Make the water connection to the bidet tap with compression unions and dont forget to fit the hot/cold supplies to the correct ports on the bidet. Connect up the drain line by attaching the P-trap to the tailpiece for the drain. The trap then attaches to a branch drain line coming from the wall or floor in the same way as a sink drain. You may need a professional like a Bromley Plumber to ensure the job is done to the current regulations.Take the aerator out so any foreign bodies in the supply line will clear and then switch the supply on. Look for any leaking. Make up the bolt caps and thread them onto the floor bolts.

All domestic water supplies to the home arrives from a local water supply company. They will make sure that the water is pure enough to drink and does not contain any foreign objects or bacteria. There is of course a charge for this, so that is why it is usually well managed. The water goes through many processes before we get to drink or bathe in it, this includes filtration, chlorination, and the addition of something called fluoride. The pipes that moves our water supply is buried at such a depth depth to make sure that they are not disturbed by freezing or vibrations. A long time ago before new health and safety regulations were introduced, these pipes were pretty much all made from asbestos cement and cast iron. These days they are made from a plastic called PVC. You might possibly see blue pipes made of this when new mains are being laid. Bromley Plumbers use PVC pipes. The supply pipework runs under the ground at a minimum depth of 750mm which as stated gives protection from the frost. The pipes then stop just before the property and is fitted with something called a stop valve. This pipe is 15mm in diameter but is normally 25mm. A Bromley Plumber knows pipework sizes. Access to this stop valve is by a chamber or tube which has a removable cover on top and is marked so it is easy to locate. From there, the pipework comes into the property, through a service pipe of which the maintenance is the responsibility of the homeowner. The pipe is made from a material called medium density polyethylene (MDPE) and should be in a sleeve as it runs under the property and is insulated for protection from damage as it rises up. It connects to a water metering system inside or outside to monitor and record water use for billing.

1). Pipes.Visually inspect all accessible copper pies and if there is any verdigris and dots of dampness and wet they should be replaced.2). Stopcock.Make sure know the location of and check the operation of this particular valve i.e. on and off and if it will not turn then call your local water supply company. Bromley Plumbers are a professional service.3). Taps.Are they dripping?, if there are stains down the bath or sinks in the taps, new washers should probably be replaced.4). Internal Stopcock.Usually under the sink, again check operation of both open and close position and make sure water flow is nice and strong. If any problems occur then it should be replaced.5). Inspection Covers.Open any inspection covers on your property and inspect for crumbling concrete, debris or sludge in the gullies, holes and traps. These should be cleaned out.6). Toilets.Lift the WC cistern lid. Operate the flush and observe the system empty and fill. Any problems or sluggish movement or odd noises means the need for adjustment and overhaul.7). Cesspits and Septic tanks. If you have either, check for unpleasant smells or soft ground surrounding the covers.8). Drains.Again visually inspect all drainage looking for damage. If they are pottery you should consider plastic replacements.9). Floors.Check all floors behind toilets, under sinks, in the hot water cylinder cupboard in fact anywhere that water runs over and look for rusty marks and or wet patches. Any problems always consult an expert like a Bromley Plumber .10). Cold Water Storage Tank.his should have close fitting lid. Get help to run off some water and watch the re fill operation and cut off. Check level is lower than overflow. Any drips from valves etc. need replacing.

If the water from a WC fails to drain away easily or is overflowing, there is a blockage. Frequently this will be in the water trap in the pan itself and can readily be cleared. Bromley Plumbers can carry out all plumbing work. But, before proceeding, check the flow from other waste pipes to establish whether the blockage is affecting all the pipes. If it is, then the obstruction will be further down the line. If not, carry on as follows. Use a large plunger for this. Hold it so that the rubber end covers the waste outlet at the base of the pan and pump several times. Once the blockage is clear, the waste water should flow rapidly away its all downhill from here.How to rod out.If this wont clear it, the blockage could be further into the system, in which case, you can hire a large rodding auger to reach further along the pipework. This consists of a flexible rod which is pushed into the pipework. At the top is a handle that operates a claw at the far end. Push the auger down the pipe until it reaches the obstruction. Then turn the handle to dislodge it. If this fails to clear the blockage, it must be further along in the soil pipe. Unblocking a soil pipe.Old iron pipes rarely have serviceable access traps so the rodding out of such pipes may need to be undertaken via the vent, which is the top section on the roof. Access to the vent is high so if you are not confident you should use a professional like a Bromley Plumber .It is probably the case that a large mass of sewage is in the pipe above and this will come out at quite a speed. Unscrew it slowly and do your best to contain the result. If the pipework is indoors, lay plenty of plastic sheeting and make provision for clearing up the water. Remove the access cover and insert a drain auger (available from hire shops). Feed the auger in until you feel it reach the obstruction then turn the handle and move the auger back and forth to dislodge the blockage.?Withdraw the auger and flush the pipe with water from a hose. Replace the cover.