Do it yourself Plumbing!?

Question

I would like to know how much plumbing work I am allowed to do on my new build. I want to put as much of the pipework in myself to cut costs but am not sure on whats allowed. Has anyone got the answer please?

Answer 1

On a new build project, the main drawback of self-installing is time. A plumber will have the experience to 'imagineer' the whole system in his/her head, and quickly estimate how many of each component will be required. This is particularly useful if the designed system needs to be changed to accommodate other build changes.

Even if you have a good idea about where everything goes, you will be at a disadvantage, compared to a professional, when the plumbing jobs must integrate smoothly with other stages of the build schedule.

If you're not familiar with plumbing, there are some very good DIY books about, but they can sometimes assume you're using standard methods and fittings that may not be applicable to your project.

There is no restriction on the amount of 'wet' plumbing you are allowed to do, BUT the work MUST conform to building regulations in order to meet the inspection standard.

Building Regs for Plumbing are called 'part G (hygiene)' and 'Part H (drainage)', and you can get the instructions on how to meet the requirements for these from the following link:

http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/approveddocuments

('Approved Documents' are NOT the Building Regulations; they describe what kind of work will satisfy the rules that are set out in the Regulations. If you're interested in the Regs themselves, you can also link through to those via the planning portal.)

There are separate regulations governing Heating Appliances.

This year it became illegal for anybody who is not a qualified electrician to connect ANY major permanent equipment to a domestic electricity supply.

It has also been illegal for some time, for anyone other than a CORGI-qualified Gas Fitter to connect any gas equipment to the supply system.

However, it is quite common for the tradesperson to check, connect, and sign off equipment that has already been competently assembled. This is a standard procedure and (should be) fairly inexpensive.

Answer 2

You Can Do All The Wet Work Plumbing 1st Fix And 2nd Fix, Water Pipes, Let A Qualified Plumber Do The Boiler And Central Heating.

Answer 3

I have seen quite a number of propertys where the owner was trying to save money. Most homeowners havn't the faintest idea as to pipe sizing, and what should go to where. As an example I was asked to put in an oil fired boiler ONLY, I asked to see if the rest of the plumbing was OK To my astonishment the guy had plumbed the whole system in 15mm (half inch) pipe.
He naively asked what he should do, and my reply was to get a plumber

Answer 4

I would recommend leaving this to the builders. There is not a huge expense associated with this. The contractor will coordinate the electricians, plumbers, carpenters, etc. I doubt they will want to deal with fitting you into the schedule. I knew one builder who wouldn't even entertain the idea of me supplying my own range for cooking. Limit yourself to replacing the plumbing fixtures. You can tell the builder if you want the toilet or sink in a different location. But that is about it. Plus let them do it so it will be under warranty.

Answer 5

If a cap doesn't twist free, and the cap is metal, not plastic, heat the cap with a heat gun and grip it with the bare teeth of a slip-joint pliers.

If heating doesn't work, or your faucet is plastic, cut the cap with a rotary tool and a cutting wheel. Then jam in a flat-blade screwdriver and widen the opening until the cap unscrews. Buy a replacement cap at the home center. Coat the new cap threads with plumber's grease to prevent it from sticking again.

Answer 6

Hey.. If you know plumbing...and want to do it yourself.. go for it.. the ONLY problem is that if there is something that you are not sure about and/or do not know how to do and plan to call in a professional plumber... that plumber might be angry or upset(in fact, I am sure he would be) and not want to carry on the work and/or criticize the work that you had done.. SO BE PREPARED for that in case you want to do part and a plumber do the rest...

Answer 7

There are no limitations with the pipe work, but you must get a CORGI registered plumber to install the boiler and any other gas fittings.

Make sure you do the job properly, no leeks it could be costly.

Answer 8

o.ok., what you have is a flapper challenge, it would not seat properly on the flapper valve (it quite is all placed interior the bathroom tank, allowing an extremely minuscule volume of water to leak into the bowl leaving residue or encouraging mildew or the two. the restoration is to diminish the water off, get rid of the previous flapper, confirm the valve section is sparkling via any debris, and replace it with a reliable high quality flapper. the form occurring the line quite hasn't something to do with you're challenge. wish this helps.

Answer 9

It depends which country you are in and what the local laws are. However I would always recommend a qualified plumber do the work, in order to ensure it is guaranteed after completion.

Answer 10

The new UK legislation means you have to have it checked by a Qualified person with Gas pipe work, if you wish to sell it in the future the work needs to be certificated, I think