A series of E-learning courses, online calculation tools, How-to videos and installation guides are some of the many ways Hep2O can provide support for students and apprentices. Plus, with a rating of 9 out of 10 for quality and a 50-year guarantee, it’s no wonder installers can feel confident of doing a great job every time with Hep2O. For added assurance, Hep2O also features In4Sure™ secure jointing technology for a perfect push-fit. It’s compatible with copper and the coiled pipe stays flat, which makes every job quick and easy, but don’t take our word for it, try it yourself and request your free test pack now from: www.hep2o.co.uk
In this issue, you can also read all about the HIP Learner of the Year 2023, which is now in its fifteenth year. The calibre of plumbing students was higher than ever, which made judging the competition very difficult! We also launched the very first HIP Female Skills competition, where we saw six finalists battle it out to be crowned the first-ever winner of the new competition. Find out more on page 12.
Competitions are a great way to hone your skills and demonstrate just how much you already know. Make sure you check out our website www.hip-magazine.co.uk for details of next year’s competitions. Why not put your name forward to enter next year!
Have a great summer, as you continue to work towards an incredible career in plumbing.
Celia Matthews
Managing Editor
MANAGING EDITOR: CELIA MATTHEWS celia.matthews@sng-publishing.co.uk
SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER: LEE OWEN lee.owen@sng-publishing.co.uk
DIGITAL CONTENT EXECUTIVE: PHOEBE MANSFIELD phoebe.mansfield@sng-publishing.co.uk
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER: PATRICK BLORE patrick.blore@sng-publishing.co.uk
EVENT MANAGER: SAMANTHA COLE samantha.cole@sng-publishing.co.uk
MANAGING DIRECTOR: ZOË TANNER zoe.tanner@sng-publishing.co.uk
TECHNICAL CONTRIBUTORS:
Harvey Brades, Petroc
Chris Walling, Coleg Llandrillo
Jerry Whiteley, CIPHE
Ian Hall, Bolton College
PRINTERS: Stephens & George, Wales
It couldn’t be easier to create fast-paced and engaging videos with the variety of free editing apps now available. You’ve probably heard of CapCut, which you can use to find trending video templates to use for TikTok and Instagram reels.
1 DOWNLOAD Download CapCut and link it to your TikTok account
2 TRENDING Head to the Template page and look through the trending templates to see what’s popular
3 CHOOSE Choose a template, add in your footage as directed and export – it’s that easy!
SEEN A TEMPLATE YOU LIKE ON TIKTOK? SIMPLY PRESS THE ‘TRY THIS TEMPLATE’ BUTTON TO OPEN IT IN CAPCUT.
Check out our social media and give us a follow. You can showcase your own work, see what others are doing and get awesome tips, tricks and news from across the industry.
SEARCH FOR HIP MAGAZINE
Our seven regional finalists undertook a live 12-hour practical test, carried out across two days. The competitors were:
We are thrilled to announce the HIP Learner of the Year 2023 winner. Our HIP judges raised the stakes this year and created an ever tougher test of ability, putting the contestants through their paces!
The HIP Learner of the Year competition has a history of uncovering future industry skills, unearthing the fresh talent that will help shape the future of the plumbing industry and ensure standards never drop. The 2023 competition was no exception, with skilled learners from across the country proving the future for professional plumbing and heating installers is bright!
The competition kicked off in January, when Level 2 and 3 plumbing students competed across six regional locations in England and Wales. The high calibre of entries this year meant that competition judges, Jerry Whiteley, Technical Manager at CIPHE, and Glenn Scholfield
from Aalberts IPS (formerly Pegler) had a difficult job on their hands.
After much deliberation, with some of the results having just a few marks between them, six regional winners, plus the highest runner-up, were announced as this year’s HIP Learner of the Year finalists.
On 19th & 20th April, after a closely contested two-day final held at the Worcester Bosch HQ in Worcester, Elliot Julian from Cornwall College, St Austell was crowned HIP Learner of the Year 2023. Followed closely behind, Louie Diver from Cambridge Regional College was awarded runner-up.
12 HOUR PRACTICAL TEST
Why not put your skills to the test and put your name forward for the HIP Learner of the Year 2024!
A HUGE SHOUT OUT TO OUR INCREDIBLE SPONSORS WHO MAKE THIS COMPETITION POSSIBLE:
For well over a decade, the HIP competition has given young plumbers the opportunity to showcase their skills, celebrating the up-and-coming talent across the UK, and instilling confidence in the next generation of the plumbing industry.
Many of the past HIP Learner of the Year competitors have gone on to accomplish further achievements, proving competitions like these provide a
springboard for those looking to carve a name out for themselves in the industry.
“It is essential that the next generation of plumbing and heating engineers are supported by the industry – helping them navigate through their training as they work towards their qualifications."
Martyn Bridges, Director of Technical Services at Worcester Bosch
HIP: How does it feel to be called out as the runner-up?
Louie Diver: Really, really good. I really didn’t expect it. I’m so happy!
HIP: What do you think of the prizes?
LD: The prizes are amazing. I’ve got an iPad, a Milwaukee drill, an AirPod, vouchers and lots of other things too.
HIP: How did the final test compare with the regional test?
LD: It’s been difficult today. A lot more to do. At one point, I didn’t think I was going to finish, but I got stuck in and managed to get it done.
HIP: Have you enjoyed working with all the different products?
LD: It’s been great learning about new products. I’ve never used Tectite before so that was really useful.
HIP: What has been your biggest takeaway from competing?
LD: To take your time. Do what you know you can do.
HIP: What would you say to someone thinking of entering the competition?
LD: Go for it. It’s great fun and you get lots of freebies.
“AT ONE POINT, I DIDN’T THINK I WAS GOING TO FINISH, BUT I GOT STUCK IN AND MANAGED TO GET IT DONE”
HIP: How does it feel to be named HIP Learner of the Year 2023?
Elliot Julian: I’m buzzing! Really, really happy. It’s been an awesome competition.
HIP: How did today’s test compare with the regionals?
EJ: It’s a lot more involved. You’re working on a cylinder too. A reasonable step up from the regional heats.
HIP: How’s it been meeting other plumbing students from across the country?
EJ: It’s nice to meet other people my age who have similar interests and who are into their job too, you can discuss different things with them.
HIP: What’s been your biggest takeaway from this experience?
EJ: Measure twice, cut once!
HIP: You came away with lots of prizes at the regionals, what do you think about the prizes you’ve just won today?
EJ: They’re awesome! I haven’t had a chance to look through everything. I know there’s an Apple Watch, a Worcester boiler which is a pretty big prize, and we take away all
the products we’ve been working on in our bays too. Good job we’ve got a big van!
HIP: What would you say to someone who is thinking of entering next year?
EJ: 100% go for it! It’s not even about winning, just for taking part you’re learning so much. It really brings you on.
HIP: What are you going to do to celebrate tonight?
EJ: I’m going straight down the pub!
“MY BIGGEST TAKEAWAY HAS BEEN TO MEASURE TWICE, CUT ONCE!”
1
Learn as much as you can while you are studying. You will only be at college once. Give it your all and ask as many questions as possible.
2
Take advantage of every opportunity. After qualifying, get your foot in the door wherever you can. This could mean doing a week’s free trial. During any trial, make yourself indispensable so that the engineer you have worked with misses having you there to help.
3
Be patient. You’re only at the very start of your career, and the knowledge and skills you are gaining now will open up so many opportunities. The industry is always changing and there are so many roles within plumbing, including working in retail, manufacturing or design.
4
Don’t run before you can walk. It’s great to be confident, but when you are newly qualified, be careful about the type and amount of work you take on independently as you can easily get overwhelmed. Take it slow when it comes to working on your own.
5
It’s okay to go back. However hard you work at college or during your apprenticeship, there will always be elements you could have learned more thoroughly. One thing I wish I had learnt in more detail is the lowtemperature heating and low-carbon qualification, but it’s never too late and I plan to return to this soon.
“WORK AS HARD AS YOU CAN IN YOUR APPRENTICESHIP - IT WILL PAY OFF LATER”
We’re committed to providing you with the skills, training and knowledge as we prepare for Net Zero 2050.
worcester-bosch.co.uk/future-industry
MEET ELISE JANSEN
MEET ELISE JANSEN
30, lives with her partner and her dog
30, lives with her partner and her dog
30, lives with her partner and her dog
30, lives with her partner and her dog
Certified Plumber and Engineer Has used GROHE products for 13 years
30, lives with her partner and her dog
Certified Plumber and Engineer
Certified Plumber and Engineer
Certified Plumber and Engineer
Certified Plumber and Engineer
Has used GROHE products for 13 years
Has used GROHE products for 13 years
Has a range of experience working on smaller projects and large constructions
Has used GROHE products for 13 years
Has used GROHE products for 13 years
Has used GROHE products for 13 years
Has used GROHE products for 13 years
Has a range of experience working on smaller projects and large constructions
Has a range of experience working on smaller projects and large constructions
Has a range of experience working on smaller projects and large constructions
Has a range of experience working on smaller projects and large constructions
Has a range of experience working on smaller projects and large constructions
Has a range of experience working on smaller projects and large constructions
Elise is already on
Elise is already on
MEET ELISE JANSEN now and discover all the benefits she‘s enjoying:
Elise is already on
she‘s enjoying: grohe.co.uk/en_gb/grohe+/
grohe.co.uk/en_gb/grohe+/
MEET HER FAVOURITE, EUROSMART exclusive professional portfolio
HER FAVOURITE, EUROSMART exclusive professional portfolio
MEET HER FAVOURITE, EUROSMART exclusive professional portfolio
MEET HER FAVOURITE, EUROSMART exclusive professional portfolio
MEET HER FAVOURITE, EUROSMART exclusive professional portfolio
MEET HER FAVOURITE, EUROSMART exclusive professional portfolio
MEET HER FAVOURITE, EUROSMART exclusive professional portfolio
GROHE
Eurosmart
GROHE
Basin tap
Eurosmart
GROHE
Eurosmart
Basin tap
GROHE
GROHE
Faster and easier installation
Basin tap
Faster and easier installation
Isolated inner water ways
Isolated inner water ways
10 years spare parts availability
10 years spare parts availability
GROHE
Faster and easier installation
Eurosmart Basin tap
Eurosmart Basin tap
Isolated inner water ways
Eurosmart Basin tap
Faster and easier installation
Faster and easier installation
Faster and easier installation
10 years spare parts availability
Faster and easier installation
Isolated inner water ways
Isolated inner water ways
Isolated inner water ways
Isolated inner water ways
10 years spare parts availability
10 years spare parts availability
10 years spare parts availability
10 years spare parts availability
The search for outstanding female plumbing learners kicked off earlier this year with two regional competitions in February and March, and the HIP team and expert judges were blown away by the skills on display.
Level 2 and 3 female student plumbers of all ages, from colleges nationwide competed in a live practical installation for the chance to win a place in the grand final. Marking the competitors work was Head Judge, Jerry Whiteley, Technical Manager from CIPHE, Glenn Scholfield from Aalbert IPS and professional plumber, Becky Bates from BB Plumbing.
The judges had a tough time marking, as the standard was so high, but after much deliberation, the successful finalists were announced. The six regional finalists went on to compete at the grand final which took place on 30th March, at Loughborough College, where the winner and runner-up were announced.
The first-ever HIP Female Skills winner is Tiffany Baker of Group Llandrillo Menai and the runner-up is Adelaide Ruddy from Bath College.
202 3
HIP: How did it feel to be called out as the runner-up?
Adelaide Ruddy: It was amazing. I felt really proud of myself.
HIP: What has been your biggest takeaway from competing?
AR: To believe in myself and give everything a go.
HIP: What’s been your favourite part of the competition?
AR: Being with lots of females in the trade and just giving it a go and challenging myself.
HIP: What’s it been like working with so many different products?
AR: It's been amazing because I haven't had that much industry experience, so now I’ve gained a lot more knowledge.
HIP: What are you going to do to celebrate?
AR: I’m going to celebrate tonight with a few drinks!
“The standard of work has been very high. We want to encourage more women into the plumbing industry, and set new industry standards with our products and also with the people that install them. It’s important that we bridge that gender gap.”
Chris Penney, Leader GIVE Program LIXIL EMENA, at Grohe
DID YOU KNOW?
According to the Office for National Statistics, as little as 1% of the UK Construction Industry are female.
“MY BIGGEST TAKEAWAY IS TO BELIEVE IN MYSELF”
On 30th March, after two close-run regional heats, and some incredible demonstrations of plumbing ability, Tiffany Baker was announced as the first-ever HIP Female Skills winner.
HIP: How did it feel to be named the first-ever HIP Female Skills Winner?
Tiffany Baker: It’s completely mad, to be honest! It’s brilliant, because I didn’t expect it at all.
HIP: What’s been your biggest takeaway from this experience?
TB: Definitely meeting other females in the trade, because at my college there are only younger lads so I don’t get to meet a lot of female plumbers.
HIP: What has been the hardest part of the competition and how did you overcome it?
TB: The last hour was the hardest because I’d left the water heater until the end, but I said to myself I’ve just got to go for it and I managed to finish it all in time.
HIP: What’s it been like working with all the different range of products?
TB: That’s been really good. It’s good practice for me as I will need to know how to install these when I go back on site.
HIP: What would you say to someone who is thinking of entering next year?
TB: It’s definitely a good experience. It can be daunting at first so just make sure you go into it to have fun and don’t be worried about whether or not you win. Just go, do your best and have fun!
“IT'S DEFINITELY BEEN A GOOD EXPERIENCE AND BUILT MY CONFIDENCE”
You’ll also need to protect yourself against twisted ankles, which means opting for work boots with enough ankle support. The weight of safety boots can put additional strain on the ankles which makes that extra support even more important.
Every year, around 7,000 construction workers are injured following a slip or trip at work. Safety boots are an essential part of your PPE and wearing them should always be a priority. Here’s what you should consider when choosing a pair.
Professional safety boots will offer adequate grip so that when you are walking on slippery or uneven surfaces, you’ll avoid tripping or slipping and potentially long-term injury. Slips, trips or falls are the second most common type of workplace accident in Great Britain.
Safety footwear is designed to protect your feet from any hazards or obstacles you might face when working on a construction site or in a domestic property. Safety boots are a must if you want to avoid injuries and lost earnings!
“SLIPS, TRIPS OR FALLS ARE THE SECOND MOST COMMON TYPE OF WORKPLACE ACCIDENT IN GREAT BRITAIN”
This normally consists of a steel plate that protects the sole of the foot against puncture or penetration — if you tread on a nail, for example. Always check boots feature the CE mark which shows they comply with the Personal Protective Equipment Regulations 2002.
Steel toecaps, or a similarly tough composite toe, will protect against dropped objects. Both a steel and composite toe must provide 200 joules of protection. Remember, the bones and tendons in your foot are delicate and damage could put you out of action for months, which means no money.
■ Now fitted from inside the property
■ Just cut to length, one soldered joint and that’s it
Installers have a grace period, allowing work to continue on homes with older standards-approved plans, but this will end in June 2023. After which point, all projects will have to follow the new regulations.
■ The maximum flow temperature for newly installed heating systems is now 55oC, which is significantly lower than the previous requirement of 80oC. This is one of the major changes to the building requirements.
■ New systems in homes with a floor area of 150m2 or more will now need a minimum of two independently controlled zones with each room, or zone, requiring its own smart or thermostatic controls.
■ All pipework will now also have to be insulated to adhere to the new regulations. This includes:
• primary circulating pipes for heating circuits, including those pipes that pass into voids or ducts
• pipework for domestic hot water
• all cylinder pipework
• all secondary circulation pipework
• all pipes connecting to a hot water storage unit for at least 1m from where they connect to the unit
• any new exposed pipework in existing systems where the boiler or cylinder is replaced.
to find out all you need to know and to watch your ‘A Question of Regs’ gameshow to learn more about changes to Part L.
“THE MAX FLOW TEMPERATURE FOR NEWLY INSTALLED HEATING SYSTEMS IS CHANGING FROM 80OC TO 55OC!”
In 2021, the government published its Net Zero Strategy, setting out plans to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. You can make a difference in helping reach those targets!
The great news is, there are plenty of sustainable products available for you to learn how to install. Not only will you and your customers reap the benefits, but the environment will too! Renewable products help conserve energy and water, reduce wastage and can be very cost effective.
In the space provided, see if you can unscramble the names of some popular renewable products:
RAI ESROUC HTAE USPMP
SORLA VSHTPOOTICLOA
WIDN NBSTIURE
IOSBSMA
OMECNIDB AHET ADN WPREO
NEOUOFRDLR HAENGIT
GODRNU ESROUC HTAE USPMP
*Source: Ipsos Political Monitor
Sustainable heating systems are becoming more important to home-owners. Make sure you know your stuff!
College
“84% OF BRITS ARE CONCERNED ABOUT THE ENVIRONMENT, AND HALF THINK NET ZERO TARGET SHOULD BE BROUGHT FORWARD”
You are asked to advise a customer on which renewable technology will suit their property. They are keen to install some environmental technology as they are very aware of the environment and their carbon footprint.
They live in a three-bedroom semi-detached house, in the North West of England. They are interested in heat pumps, wind turbines, solar thermal and solar PV.
Question: What advice would you offer them, and why?
Clue: Think about their location, costs, usage, property and building fabric.
Answer:
Q1 What types of heat source options exist? Ans.
A Air, ground and water
B Air and water
C Air and ground
D Ground and water
Q2 What types of heat sink circuit exist? Ans.
A Air water
B Air and piped water
C Piped water
D Mains water
Q3 What are the main types of micro-wind turbines? Ans.
A Hydraulic axis wind turbines (HAWT) and vertical axis wind turbines (VAWT)
B Horizontal axis wind turbines (HAWT) and vertical axis wind turbines (VAWT)
C Hydraulic axis wind turbines (HAWT) and velocity axis wind turbines (VAWT)
D None of the above
Q4 Which part of the Building Regulations need to be considered when a micro-wind turbine is to be mounted directly onto a building? Ans.
Go
Go HIP | TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE: RENEWABLES
RENEWABLES: SOLAR THERMAL SYSTEMS
Q1
Performance of the collector depends upon its orientation. Identify which area receives the highest levels of solar radiation. Ans.
A North East
B South East
C North West
D South West
Q2 Which type of collector is the most efficient on a rooftop? Ans.
A Flate plate
B Evacuated tube
Q3 How long is the payback period for a solar thermal system, when changing from a gas boiler? Ans.
A 6 years
B 10 years
C 20 years
Q4 Identify which home is not suitable for a solar HW system to be installed. Ans.
A A home with a combi boiler
B A home with a heat only boiler
C A home with a system boiler
Q5
If connecting a solar thermal system into an existing gas boiler/HW cylinder, what two steps can be selected? Ans.
A Replace the HW cylinder
B Replace the boiler and cylinder
C Use a dedicated HW cylinder for the solar heating and keep the existing one
D Install larger immersion heaters and a larger solar array
Q6 Identify which things might impact the performance of a solar collector from the list below. Ans.
A Nearby trees
B Nearby buildings
C North facing panels
D Aircraft trails
Q7 In general, how many square metres of solar collector is required for a household of four people? Ans.
A 1m2
B 2m2
C 3m2
D 4m2
True False to hip-magazine.co.uk to download exercise answers for free. 22 | SUMMER 2023 > WWW.HIP-MAGAZINE.CO.UK
The following questions have been provided by the CIPHE.
Q1 Identify which task must be carried out first before retro fitting a heat pump. Ans.
A The installer must design the heating and hot water system
B Add additional insulation first, then design a system
C Design the heating system with backup heat sources
D Use a manufacturer to design the system
Q4 What does the abbreviation COP stand for when talking about heating systems? Ans.
A Continued operating performance in kW/h
B Co-operation of plumber in work mode
C Competency of plumber
D Coefficient of performance between power drawn and power supplied to the compressor
Q5 What effect will an outside temperature of -5oC have on an air source heat pump? Ans.
A The efficiency will gradually reduce
Q2 What is the purpose of an anti-freeze valve when a heat pump is installed? Ans.
A To add in anti-freeze when the temperature drops below 3oC degrees
B To stop the pump running when the temperature drops below 3oC degrees
C To drain down the system when the temperature drops below 3oC degrees
D To kick in the heat pump when the temperature drops below 3oC degrees
Q3
A customer has a 1970s house and is considering a heat pump. The existing heating system is mostly 15mm and 10mm pipework. What advice might you give at consultation stage? Ans.
A Crack on and sell them a heat pump system, all will be fine
B Advise to replace all pipework if it’s the incorrect size
C Advise not to install a heat pump due to the disruption it will create
D Move house, it's cheaper and less stressful
B The efficiency will increase
C The hot water will be cooler
D The heat pump will fail to work
Q6 What is meant by the term ‘set back’? Ans.
A Setting back the temperature in the home over night
B Turning off the heat pump when the occupier is out or away
C It’s a setback when the system is costing more than it should
D Setting back temperature when the sun is shining inside the home
Q7 What is the primary role of a buffer tank? Ans.
A To buffer heat pressure, build up when high
B To hold heated volume of water and dump it when not used
C Keep a minimum volume of water in circuit at times when the heating load is low
D Breakdown wastage of heated water to improve the COP
Triton electric showers are the best fit for your customers’ wallets and our world. Why? Because they’re inexpensive to run and reduce the cost to the environment.
After all, electricity is an efficient way to heat only the water you need.
WaterSafe membership is a great way to show future customers that you’re a qualified, approved plumber supported by your local water company and the drinking water regulators.
WaterSafe approved plumbers are trained to meet the strict regulations for installing pipes and fittings that supply drinking water to keep it fresh and healthy.
If you’re an apprentice, talk to your employer to find out if their business is already WaterSafe approved. You will be able to be approved and listed once you qualify, subject to meeting all scheme requirements.
“It’s important to me to be a member of WaterSafe because it promotes correct working practices and gives customers reassurance they’ve selected top quality tradespeople.”
Shaun Scott, Insch
“I’m a member of WaterSafe because it shows my customers that I’m trained to meet the strict regulations for installing pipes and fittings which supply drinking water.”
Steve Bartin, Somerset
“Being accepted as a member of WaterSafe matters to me because I want to show that I’m an approved plumber who can be trusted to carry out work properly. It’s great for business and lots of customers tell me they’ve found me on the WaterSafe website.”
Michael Turnbull, Hampshire
As an apprentice, you will need to have a good understanding of how these systems work, along with all the component parts. It’s important to be aware of the legislation surrounding the design and installation of these systems, ensuring a good knowledge to correctly install and maintain them. Your knowledge and skillset in this area is paramount for everyone’s wellbeing.
Q1 What is the minimum height of an air admittance valve above the highest spill over level?
Q3
In order to avoid cross flow, what is the nonconnection zone dimension for a waste branch connection to a discharge stack where there is already a WC soil branch connected on the opposite side?
An essential part of your plumbing course is understanding sanitation systems. The following exercises are based on Sanitation Level 3, Phase 2, and will help improve your knowledge.
“IT’S IMPORTANT TO BE AWARE OF THE LEGISLATION SURROUNDING THE DESIGN AND INSTALLATION OF SANITATION SYSTEMS”
Plumbing Lecturer
Petroc College
Q4
When a basin loses its trap seal when connected to a combined waste pipe system which is also used by other appliances, what could be the most likely cause of the problem? Ans.
A Induced siphonage
B Remote siphonage
C Self-siphonage
D Back pressure
Q5
What is the minimum recommended size of waste pipe from a bath? Ans.
A 22mm
B 32mm
C 40mm
D 50mm
Q6 Trap seal loss can occur on very long pipe runs; which of the following can remedy such a problem? Ans.
A A running trap
B An anti-siphon trap
C A partitioned bottle trap
D A washing machine trap
Q7 What is the correct pressure for the soundness test for above-ground drainage systems? Ans.
A 21mm
B 28mm
C 32mm
D 38mm
Q8
Which type of sanitary pipework system will normally be used in a two-storey house with all appliances closely grouped around the stack? Ans.
A Primary ventilated stack system
B Secondary ventilated stack system
C Ventilated branch discharge system
D Stub stack system
Q9
A vent pipe to a soil stack must rise to what height above an opening into a building when it terminates within 3m of that opening? Ans.
A 400mm
B 500mm
C 900mm
D 1200mm
Q10
Over what period of time should an air test be carried out on an above ground sanitary pipework system? Ans.
A 1 minute
B 3 minutes
C 5 minutes
D 10 minutes
Q11 Before starting work replacing a bathroom suite in an occupied dwelling, a plumber should first: Ans.
A Protect the surrounding work area
B Check the water pressure
C Report the work to the local water company
D Arrange an inspection for completed work
Go to hip-magazine.co.uk to download exercise answers for free.
The following questions have been provided by CIPHE
Q1 Which two of the following are used for bedding down a shower tray on timber floors? Ans.
A Weak sand and cement mix
B Tile adhesive
C Floor levelling compound
D Wooden wedges
Q2 Identify the correct type of board fixed to the walls when a shower area is formed. Ans.
A Plasterboard
B Tile backer board
C Plywood
D Chipwood
Q3 When sealing around a shower cubicle, where do you seal the frame/door? Ans.
A Outside and inside
B Inside only
C Outside only
D Just 1m up each side
Go to hip-magazine.co.uk to download exercise answers for free.
Q4 When replacing a bathroom suite, which appliance is generally the first to go back in? Ans.
A Toilet
B Washbasin
C Bath
D Shower
Q5 What must be installed when fitting a bath in a new build project? Ans.
A A shower above the bath
B Mixer tap
C Non return bath trap
D Temperature control to the bath
Q6
A newly installed thermostatic shower has fluctuating temperatures, what is the most likely issue from the list below? Ans.
A Blocked filters
B Temperature not set correctly
C Water pressure too low
D Faulty control
Q7
A newly installed thermostatic shower only runs cold, what is the most likely cause? Ans.
A Faulty control
B Crossed connections
C Blocked filters
D Temperature needs setting
Q8
The toilet is constantly dripping water down the rear of the inside bowl, what is the probable cause? Ans.
A Leaking seal between the cistern and bowl
B Overflowing cistern
C Dirt/grit in the drop valve
D Jammed handle
Q9
Upon removal of an old bathroom suite, you find the existing water supplies to be lead. What do you do? Ans.
A Swage this out and carry out a lead wipe joint
B Cut off squarely and use lead to copper adaptors
C Inform the customer that all the lead should be removed
D Drive in the copper tube and seal with lead mastic
Q10
How many toilets can you connect to a 75mm stack? Ans.
A Four
B Five
C One
D None
Can you unscramble the following bathroom manufacturers?
The purpose of construction documents is to ensure that building projects are designed, planned, installed, commissioned, and handed over properly. typical building project will normally follow three main stages. To help identify these stages the following diagram may be useful. Note, this is not an exhaustive list, however it does illustrate some of the many important documents and drawings associated with each stage:
During your career, you will need to complete various documentation. See if you can match the document name with the correct description.
VARIATION ORDER
QUOTATION SCHEMATIC DRAWING ARCHITECT’S DRAWINGS
ESTIMATE JOB SHEET
A diagram showing a detailed arrangement of electrical connections between components and accessories D
This is a statement, made by a contractor, of the expected cost of the work to be carried out G
A document that is produced when a change is made to the original plan
PROPOSAL
WIRING DIAGRAM PURCHASE ORDER A
B
An initial idea regarding a development to be later planned E
This is a statement or offer outlining the cost of carrying out a particular task or set of tasks for the customer H
Sometimes called a ‘ladder diagram’ because it resembles the rungs of a ladder in its layout
C
These show the physical details of the buildings F
A written document identifying the materials and quantities of materials required and the address where the materials are to be delivered I
This document provides information concerning a particular job to be carried out
The unique design is the first to enable testing with air as well as water and the range of fittings come with a variety of marketleading benefits to streamline the overall pressure testing process, whilst also ensuring accuracy and maintaining a hygienic pipe system.
■ An air pressure leak alert has been designed to emit an easily identifiable 80-decibel whistle to ensure that leaks can be detected, even in the loudest of environments.
■ 50% greater flow rate, called the Optiflow, assists in reducing overall pressure, avoiding any potential heat loss or legionella contamination.
■ A Multi-Jaw feature of the fittings ensures that both Tigris K5 and M5 are compatible with the most common jaw profiles, avoiding the need to purchase new equipment for the installation
“The development of the new Tigris K5/ M5 fittings is set to advance the pressure testing process across the industry and provide a variety of real-time benefits for contractors. The wider diameter and subsequent increased flow rate make the fittings particularly beneficial for high-rise projects and larger developments, where there’s increased demand on the pumping system to supply water to upper levels.”
“Using air in pressure testing is widely considered the most hygienic option, and this should be as accessible as possible to the industry. Designed to focus on the needs of installers, these marketleading features are set to ensure that the pressure testing process is as easy, accurate and cost-efficient as possible.” SCAN
The layouts of the three most common belowground drainage systems are listed below:
■ Combined
■ Separate
■ Partially Combined
It is essential that you understand how they work, as cross connecting pipework is illegal!
1
COMBINED: Foul water and surface water drain into one main sewer.
In your plumbing course, you will learn about below-ground and above-ground drainage systems. This article will help improve your knowledge. TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE
“IF YOU COME ACROSS CROSS CONNECTIONS, YOU MUST NOT IGNORE THEM, THEY NEED TO BE PUT RIGHT”COMBINED SYSTEM
2SEPARATE: Foul water and surface water are kept separate and are drained into separate sewers.
3PARTIALLY COMBINED: There are separate surface water and foul water sewers, but some surface water is allowed to enter the foul water system. This is in order to help flush the foul water into the foul sewer.
QWhy do I need to know about below-ground drainage if I never install it?
A. You must be knowledgeable about how these systems work because cross connections are illegal. Cross connections allow foul water to enter surface water drains. This can cause serious environmental damage as surface water often ends up in our rivers and streams. If you come across cross connections you must not ignore them, they need to be put right as soon as possible.
QWhat exactly is a cross connection?
A. A cross connection is where a foul water appliance such as a bath, WC or macerator is connected to the rainwater drain. This happens when a tee is made
into the surface water drain instead of the foul drain or a waste pipe empties into a rainwater hopper or is teed into a rainwater drain pipe.
QHow do I find out if a property has separate or combined drainage?
A. A starting point is the age of the property. If a property was built before the 1920s it will most likely have combined drains. By the 1950s separate drains were common. In more recent years, all new build areas must have separate drains. To find out for sure, look at the layout of the inspection chambers and lift them if necessary. Try sending some water down pipework to help you identify connections. On a separate system you should usually find separate inspection chambers for each system.
New build properties built in older areas will still be built with separate drainage even if they are in a combined sewer area. This is because new separate sewerage may be built later by the water company. You must keep foul and surface water installation pipework separate, the property will then be ready to connect to the new separate drainage correctly when it is installed.
The following questions have been provided by the CIPHE.
Q1 Identify which Approved Building Regulations Document covers soil pipes and waste pipes. Ans.
Q4
Go to hip-magazine.co.uk to download exercise answers for free.
The discharge of a branch pipe cannot be positioned in which location, from the list below? Ans.
A Open hopper
B Gully at ground level
C Gully at basement level
D Into another branch pipe
Q2 Identify the purpose of Building Regulations. Ans.
A Health, safety and welfare, and the convenience of people and energy conservation
B Comply with the local authorities building control
C To ensure your work meets high standards
D To comply with conservation of energy and Water Regs
Q3
What is the minimum trap size depth for a washbasin? Ans.
A 25mm B 50mm
C 75mm
Q5
What is the lowest point of a branch pipe connection onto a soil pipe at the foot of the stack and invert level? Ans.
Q6
What is the maximum length of a 100mm branch pipe with up to 8 toilets connected? Ans.
Q7 What is the maximum recommended length of a 40mm waste pipe? Ans. A 2m
3m
4m
5m
Q8 When might a stub stack be used? Ans.
A If it connects to a ventilated discharge stack
B If it connects to a ventilated drain and no surcharging
C Stub stack centre line has more than 2m above the invert level
D All of the above
Q9 Which British Standard relates to good workmanship? Ans.
A BS 806-02
B BS 8000
C BS 12056
D BS 8010
Q10
What is the air test pressure applied when checking systems for leaks? Ans.
A 38mm water gauge
B 25mm water depth
C 1bar
D 50mm air test with auto pump
I connected a bath to a hopper, that’s nothing, right?
A typical bath uses around 80 litres of water, so if the bath was only used twice a week, that’s 8,320 litres in a year. Over a 10 year period, that’s 83,200 litres of untreated foul water into the environment!
Q1 From studying the following images, which ones have been installed correctly/incorrectly? Explain your answers.
Answers:
Q2 The traditional fragile pipe used for below ground drainage is called what?
Answer:
Q3 Plastic below ground drainage pipe is what colour?
Answer:
Q4 What type of bend should be used at the base of a soil stack to connect to the below ground drainage pipe?
Answer:
AHH, THAT'S WHERE THE DRAIN OFF IS, IN THE CEILING, BEHIND THE PIPES
While most plumbers and heating engineers are fully qualified and do a great job, there are some out there who leave disaster behind them. We’ve teamed up with Plumberparts to bring you our regular rogues gallery of shoddy showers, poor pipework and rubbish radiators.
CUSTOMER GETS TO SEE WHAT THEY PAID FOR.. PERMANENTLY!
HARDLY NOTICEABLE
“ERROR CHECK”
DIY AT ITS BEST
FIRST FIX PIPEWORK GOT THERE FIRST.... SURELY?
GUESS WHERE THE BLEED VALVE IS?
LOVE IT WHEN THE FLUE RUNS THROUGH YOUR BEDROOMSLEEP TIGHT!
SNOTS EVERYWHERE!
THIS BATH HAD NO LEGS , JUST WOOD!
POLYBUTYLENE
A flexible type of tubing used in water supply systems.
PRESSURE HEAD
NATURAL GAS
A colourless, odourless fuel that mainly consists of methane. Interesting fact – the smell we all associate with gas is actually added in order to make it easy to detect a leak.
NEGATIVE PRESSURE
Less than atmospheric pressure.
O-RING
OA round rubber washer used to avoid leakage by creating a water-tight seal.
OVERFLOW TUBE
This is the vertical tube situated in a toilet cistern, that directs water into the toilet bowl, when the ball float valve malfunctions.
N P
PPM
This stands for Parts Per Million - a unit of measuring impurities in water.
PACKING NUT
Not a midday snack, but a nut that holds the stem of a tap in place.
Referring to the pressure in a plumbing system, this is the unit of measurement which is the vertical force exerted by water at a depth of one foot.
QQUICK CLOSING VALVE
When rapid closure is called for, this valve will close automatically, either manually or mechanically. However it's done, it closes fast!
R
REDUCER
A handy fitting that connects pipes of different sizes together.
RELIEF VALVE
A valve that opens to relieve excess temperature.
REVERSE OSMOSIS
A method of filtering out impurities by forcing water through a semi permeable membrane.
S
SCUPPER DRAIN
A drain designed to release water from a roof or deck.
SOFT WATER
This is water with low calcium and magnesium content.
SPECIFIC GRAVITY
Ready for some science? This refers to the ratio of the weight of a specific volume of substance compared to the weight of the same volume of pure water at 4oC.
Do you know your plumbing terminology? Below is a selection of commonly used terms you are likely to come across during your studies.
E n e r g y e f f i c i e n c y , r e l i a b i l i t y a n d i n s t a l l a t i o n s i m p l i c i t y … a l l i n o n e c i r c u l a t i n g p u m p !
A s s e e n a t H I P L e a r n e r o f t h e Y e a r 2 0 2 3 !
