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This
Competitions are a great way to build confidence and be part of something bigger. When you join the HIP regional heats, you become part of a community, where everyone supports and learns from each other. Interested? Speak to your lecturer about entering in 2025—you might be the next big winner!
Enjoy the issue!
Celia MatthewsEDITOR: CELIA MATTHEWS celia.matthews@sng-publishing.co.uk
SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER: LEE OWEN design@sng-publishing.co.uk
SENIOR DIGITAL CONTENT EXECUTIVE: PHOEBE MANSFIELD phoebe.mansfield@sng-publishing.co.uk
PARTNERSHIP DEVELOPMENT MANAGER: PATRICK BLORE patrick.blore@sng-publishing.co.uk
PARTNERSHIP DEVELOPMENT MANAGER: SARAH HERNE sarah.herne@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 CONTRIBUTOR: JERRY WHITELEY, Technical Manager, CIPHE
PRINTERS: Stephens & George, Wales
ENVi® offers intuitive control with a unique personalised showering experience.
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HIP ONLINE
Your Ultimate Guide to Career Success!
1
HIP HANDBOOK
You’ve probably seen it around college, but did you know you can read the HIP Handbook for free on our website? It’s got loads of key info you’ll need for your course, plus career-building advice from industry pros.
3
STUDENT RESOURCES
Need a bit of help with your coursework? Our platform has a collection of short video tutorials that cover the basics and beyond. Plus, we have an industry contacts page with details of manufacturers who are eager to support you on your career journey.
DIGITAL COLUMN
2
HIP EVENTS
Want to get spotted by the big names in the industry? Our competitions are a great way to gain experience to boost your CV and meet like-minded learners and apprentices. Ask your lecturer about joining the next competition.
5 STAY CONNECTED
Follow us on social media, share your work and connect with our community—it’s a great way to build your network and get inspired!
4
LECTURER RESOURCES
Lecturers, we've got something for you too! Our Virtual Lecturer Training platform lets you earn CPD points and stay updated on the latest products in the industry.
#TheTapIsBack Plumb Centre
About Plumb Centre
Plumb Centre is a nationwide trade specialist in heating, renewables, pipes, valves, fittings, bathrooms, parts and drainage. With over 400 branches nationwide, there is always a local branch nearby. Whether online, in branch or delivered, we have over 300,000 products in stock and available – we got this, we got you. Visit wolseley.co.uk for more information.
You’re our business.
THE WATER REGULATIONS GUIDE HAS BEEN REPLACED BY ONLINE GUIDANCE ON THE WATER REGS UK WEBSITE.
KEY FEATURES:
■ FREE to access
■ Backed by water companies
■ Regularly updated
■ Ability to print specific chapters
■ Clear distinction between informative and regulatory guidance
■ Feedback for continuous improvement
“AMAZING
PRIZES”
Our seven finalists undertook a live 12-hour practical test, carried out across two days. The competitors were:
THE BEST OF THE BEST! THE FINALISTS
The HIP Learner of the Year 2024 champion has been crowned, following an epic journey that showcased the skills and determination of all competitors.
HOW THE TEST WAS MARKED
JUDGES EVALUATED COMPETITORS ON:
■ PRECISE MEASURING & LEVELLING
■ PIPE BENDING
■ PRESS-FITTING
■ SOLDERING
■ ECONOMICAL USE OF MATERIALS
■ TIDINESS
■ SAFE OPERATION OF POWER TOOLS
■ WEARING CORRECT PPE
THE JOURNEY
REGIONAL HEATS (Jan-Feb):
Level 2 and 3 learners from colleges across the UK competed in 6 regional heats.
THE FINAL SHOWDOWN
GRAND FINAL (April):
The final round took place on 11th and 12th April at the JTL Training Centre in Birmingham. After an intense two-day practical test, Daisy Turner, from Barking & Dagenham College was named HIP Learner of the Year 2024, with Zak Rowan from Grimsby Institute as the runner-up.
FINALISTS
WHY ENTER?
■ BOOST YOUR CONFIDENCE
■ BETTER YOUR SKILLS
■ WIN AMAZING PRIZES
■ ADD THE ACHIEVEMENT TO YOUR CV
■ IMPROVE YOUR EMPLOYABILITY
THE JUDGES:
HEAD JUDGE:
Jerry Whiteley, CIPHE
Glenn Scholfield, Aalberts IPS
Toni Oakley-Tulk, Viessmann CS UK
Mark Killy, WaterSafe
GUEST JUDGES:
Tony Kite, previous HIP Head Judge
Ruben Duggan, HIP LOY 2022 Winner 12 HOUR PRACTICAL TEST
"We're proud to have sponsored HIP Learner of the Year 2024. Viessmann is committed to supporting the next generation of installers, offering them opportunities to develop their best practice skills and experience." - Darren McMahon, Marketing Director at Viessmann CS UK
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MEET THE RUNNER-UP
ZAK ROWAN
ZAK IS AN APPRENTICE STUDYING AT GRIMSBY INSTITUTE
“IT’SBEENANAMAZING EXPERIENCE!”
“THEAMAZINGSAVEPRIZESWILL MELOADSOFMONEY!”
“IT’S HIGHLIGHTED AREAS WHERE I CAN BETTER MYSELF”
“I’VE NOW GAINED EXPERIENCE OF INSTALLING A VIESSMANN BOILER!”
“YOULEARN DOINGMETHODSDIFFERENTOF THINGS”
HOW I WON > I TOOK ONE STEP AT A TIME
I DID THE BEST THAT I COULD
I DIDN’T OVERTHINK WHAT I DID
THE WINNER IS…
DAISY TURNER
DAISY IS AN APPRENTICE STUDYING AT BARKING & DAGENHAM COLLEGE
“I HONESTLY DIDN’T EXPECT TO WIN!”
“THE WHOLE EXPERIENCE OF THE COMPETITION HAS BEEN AMAZING – IT JUST MEANS A LOT”
“THE PRIZES UNBELIEVABLE!ARE ”
“IT CAN BE A BIT INTIMIDATING BEING THE ONLY GIRL IN THE COMPETITION, BUT JUST GO FOR IT!”
“FINISHING AND STANDING BACK AND LOOKING AT WHAT I DID WAS A GREAT FEELING”
Meet Elliot Julian, the 2023 HIP Learner of the Year, as he shares his essential top tips for winning at the start of your plumbing career.
ELLIOT'S TOP TIPS
“IMPROVEMENT COMES FROM LEARNING FROM MISTAKES”
1
EVERY DAY’S A SCHOOL DAY! You can learn something new every day. If you keep an open mind you’ll keep developing and improving on current skills and even pick up new ones throughout your career.
2
DO YOUR OWN THING. While it's important to heed advice from those more experienced, especially when starting out, remember that everyone has different approaches to tasks. Find out what works best for you and get it dialled in!
3 LOOK AFTER YOUR TOOLS AND THEY’LL LOOK AFTER YOU. A tidy van and an organised tool bag can make a massive difference, especially when you’re working under pressure or to tight deadlines. Searching your van at 5PM on a Friday in search of that lost roll of solder isn’t fun for anybody!
4
DON’T GET STRESSED. It’s easier said than done, but remember to take a five-minute break for some fresh air when needed—it will help clear your head. You won’t be producing your best work when you’re stressed out. Often, a short break and a fresh perspective are all you need to solve a problem that previously seemed impossible.
5
KEEP AN OPEN MIND
CHALLENGE YOURSELF DAILY. Make a conscious effort to work on things you find challenging, and you’ll see a massive improvement. Try those hard passovers or tricky offsets and don’t worry about getting them wrong. Improvement comes from learning from mistakes— the more you make, the better you'll become!
“MAKE A CONSCIOUS EFFORT TO WORK ON THINGS YOU FIND CHALLENGING”
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THE FINALISTS
BREAKING MOULDS, BUILDING FUTURES!
Just two years in, the HIP Female Skills Competition is already making waves! The event highlights plumbing as a rewarding career path for women, encouraging more females into the industry.
THE JOURNEY (FEB-MAR)
The competition kicked off in February, as female plumbing learners from Levels 2 and 3 competed in three regional heats across the UK. The judges had their work cut out for them, narrowing down the entries to six exceptional regional winners.
THE FINAL (APR)
The six finalists went on to compete in a nail-biting final in April, at Stephenson College, Coalville. Daisy Turner from Barking & Dagenham College was crowned the winner, with Ciah Hooch Llewellyn Davies from Gower College Swansea as runner-up.
THE JUDGES:
Head Judge: Jerry Whiteley, CIPHE
Glenn Scholfield, Aalberts IPS
Becky Bates, BB Plumbing
Toni Oakley-Tulk, Viessmann CS UK
GUEST JUDGE:
Tony Kite, previous HIP Head Judge
HERE’S WHAT THE JUDGES HAD TO SAY...
"The competition has been a brilliant success. You can really see the girls' newfound confidence. The skill level has been fantastic!"
Becky Bates, BB Plumbing
“We already have so many skill shortages so to give females this opportunity to come into a competition and to show, actually, anybody can do this! It’s just great so see!”
Head Judge, Jerry Whiteley, CIPHE
FINALISTS
A MASSIVE THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:
MEET THE RUNNER-UP
CIAH HOOCH LLEWELLYN DAVIES
CIAH IS AN APPRENTICE STUDYING AT GOWER COLLEGE SWANSEA
“I JUST WANT TO SAY THANK YOU FOR ALL OF IT!”
“EVERYBODY’S WORK WAS JUST AMAZING!”
“I WOULD SAY THAT MEETING ALL THE OTHER GIRLS HAS PROBABLY BEEN THE BEST PART”
“WHEN THEY CALLED MY NAME, I WAS FILMING IT BECAUSE I DIDN’T EVEN THINK I’D BE IN THE RUNNING!”
“I HAVEN’T EVEN LOOKED THROUGH ALL THE PRIZES YET, BUT THEY LOOK REALLY GOOD”
“There is a huge gap in the market for skilled workers. There’s a huge gender gap as well, which is why we are really proud to promote and sponsor the HIP Female Skills Competition again this year.”
Chris Penney, Leader, GIVE Program, Grohe (Headline Sponsor)
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“I DON'T WORK WITH ANY OTHER WOMEN SO IT WAS REALLY GOOD!”
“TO WIN BOTH FEMALE SKILLS AND LEARNER OF THE YEAR IN THE SPACE OF A WEEK IS UNBELIEVABLE! I DIDN’T EXPECT IT.”
“IT LOOKS A LOT AT THE BEGINNING, BUT ONCE YOU START WORKING, IT ALL FALLS INTO PLACE.”
MEET THE WINNER!
DAISY TURNER
DAISY IS AN APPRENTICE STUDYING AT BARKING & DAGENHAM COLLEGE
“THE VOLUME OF PRIZES IS UNBELIEVABLE!”
“IF YOU’RE CONSIDERING ENTERING THE COMPETITION NEXT YEAR, YOU’RE OBVIOUSLY MEANT TO BE THERE, SO JUST GO FOR IT!”
SCAN HERE to watch the competition highlights.
JERRY WHITELEY, TECHNICAL MANAGER, Chartered Institute of Plumbing & Heating Engineering (CIPHE)
RENEWABLES & SUSTAINABILITY
Understanding the latest building regulations, and how to install efficient heating methods and renewable energy systems, is crucial for reducing carbon emissions.
With these skills, you can design energy-efficient buildings, lower environmental impact, and help your customers make smarter energy choices. Test your knowledge by trying these multiple-choice questions. Good luck!
Identify the maximum water flow temperature for a new gas boiler and associated system according to Part L of the Building Regs, since June 2022.
Identify the most efficient method of heating the hot water in a cylinder from those listed.
Internal plate heat exchanger
According to Building Regulation Part G 2 guidance, what is the estimated consumption of wholesome water resulting from the design of a cold and hot water system in litres per day per person?
If a high temperature heat pump has the capacity to heat water at 70oc, what is the highest setting on the heating flow you can achieve, as stipulated in Part L of the Building Regs?
What are the maximum litres per minute flow rate from a shower calculation method, fittings approach, according to G 2 guidance?
Q6
During the planning application for a new dwelling, water consumption might fall into the ‘optional requirement’ imposed, therefore what is the maximum litres per minute applied to a shower under these criteria?
A 2 Litres / minute
B 4 Litres / minute
C 6 Litres / minute
D 8 Litres / minute
Q7 What is the typical cost of energy running a solar thermal system to heat the hot water?
A Similar cost to electricity
B Similar cost to oil
C Slightly less expensive than gas
D Zero
Q8 State the two recommendations for the best orientation for a solar thermal collector.
A North
B North-East and North-West
C South-East and South-West
D West
Q9 What is the impact on a solar collector if the roof incline is 60 degrees and facing west? Ans.
A Less yield from the sun’s energy and less efficient
B Less yield from the sun’s energy but more efficient
C Far greater yield from the sun’s energy and fairly efficient
D Zero impact
Q10 Where does a water harvesting system typically get its supply of water from?
A Sceptic tank
B Soakaway
C The cold main
D Rainwater from a roof
Q11 How far away from the property boundary must a heat pump be installed?
A 1 metre in permitted development areas
B 2 metres in permitted development areas
C 3 metres in permitted development areas
D 5 metres in permitted development areas
Q12
To correctly size a low carbon heating/hot water system, you must do the following:
A Simply add up the radiator sizes and add 3kW for HW
B Simply add up the radiator sizes and add 3kW for HW
C You add up the heat loss
D You add up the heating costs
Q13 True or false. You need to be qualified to install air source heat pumps?
Go to hip-magazine.co.uk to download exercise answers for free.
EAL Level 2 Award
NVQ Diploma in Plumbing and Heating Advanced Diploma in Plumbing (VRQ)
Diploma in Plumbing and Heating (VRQ)
QUIZ: RENEWABLES
True or False? Read through the following statements and tick either true or false.
1 Around 1000 watts per m2 are produced by the sun on the surface of the UK on a sunny summer’s day.
2 One wind turbine can produce enough electricity to power up to 300 homes.
3 Air-to-air heat pumps can provide all the hot water needed for a family home.
4 Around 40 tonnes of woodchips would be needed each year to heat an average home using a wood-burning stove / boiler.
5 Solar photovoltaic panels can only generate electricity when the sun is shining.
6 The temperature of the earth, at around 2 metres deep, is around 5°C all year round. 7 Ground source heat pumps are ideal for use with underfloor heating. 8 CCHP stands for Combined Concentrated Heat and Power.
9 Albert Einstein won the Nobel Prize in Physics 1921 for his groundbreaking experiments with solar power and photovoltaics.
10 Biomass boilers run on pellets made from sawdust. These pellets have a higher calorific value than wood.
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GEAR UP FOR SAFETY
G etting hurt means time off work—and that means lost cash. Here's a rundown of the essential safety gear every plumber should have. 1 1
Plumbing jobs comes with their share of risks, so don't play around with your safety. Make sure you're wearing the right Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
“YOU ONLY GET ONE PAIR OF EYES, SO PROTECT THEM”
SAFETYFIRST
7 STEEL TOE CAPS
6 KNEE PADS
5 PROTECTIVE GLOVES
4 HI-VIZ VEST
“GETTING
HURT MEANS TIME OFF WORK — AND THAT MEANS LOST CASH”
Your feet are often around heavy tools and materials. Sturdy boots with steel toe caps are a must to prevent injuries and keep you on your feet.
You’ll find you often kneel to do your work. Knee pads protect against knee injuries and make working on hard surfaces much more comfortable.
Plumbing involves handling sharp edges and hot pipes. Protective gloves safeguard against cuts, abrasions, and burns, keeping your hands in top shape.
When you're working in dimly lit places or busy construction sites, a hi-vis vest ensures you're visible, reducing the risk of accidents.
DEFENDERS
Plumbing work can get loud. Ear defenders cut down on noise from power tools and heavy machinery, helping you avoid hearing damage.
GOGGLES OR SPECS Eye protection is crucial for plumbers. Safety goggles shield against flying debris, chemical splashes, and other hazards. You only get one pair of eyes.
1 HARD HAT
Your head's too valuable to risk. Hard hats protect you from falling debris and knocks, keeping you safe on-site.
TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE
JERRY WHITELEY, TECHNICAL MANAGER, Chartered Institute of Plumbing & Heating Engineering (CIPHE)CSANITATION
The sanitation module is your gateway to the exciting world of basins, baths and perfectly sized waste pipes! You’ll learn the art of correctly installing and maintaining all things sanitation.
heck out how much you already know about sanitation by having a go at the following multi-choice quiz. Answers can be found on our website!
If a wash hand basin has no overflow within the mould, what alternative method is applied to capture overflowing water if the plug is accidentally left in and the taps are running, according to Building Regulation Part H?
A A secondary overflow pipe
B A warning alarm system
C Drain at floor level
D An automatic shut-off valve
What is the recommended installation height range for a wash hand basin when there's no pedestal?
A 650mm to 750mm B 750mm to 850mm C 850mm to 950mm D 950mm to 1050mm
What is the correct method of fixing a WC to the floor when the floor is made of porcelain tiles?
Adhesive bonding
Clamping C Drilled and screwed
Weight anchoring
If a mixer tap is installed on a washbasin, which type of backflow prevention is installed on the supplies?
Double check valves B Air gap method C Vacuum breakers
D Single check valves
Many taps now come with flexi hose connectors for the H & C supplies. Identify the correct type of fitting to adapt back to copper pipe?
Compression fitting
Push-fit
Solder ring
Flat faced
What is the minimum internal height for an air admittance valve on a soil pipe adjacent to the WC? Ans.
A At the same level as the cistern
B 100mm above the cistern
C 150mm above the cistern
D 200mm above the cistern
Q7 Identify the best type of trap for a shower tray that connects to a macerator. Ans.
A Bottle trap B P-trap C S-trap D Self closing waste valve
Q8 Identify the water seal depth of a straight through trap. Ans.
A 50mm B 75mm C 100mm D 125mm
Q9 Identify the clipping distance for 40mm waste pipe running horizontally. Ans. A 0.3m B 0.4m C 0.5m D 0.6m
Q10
What is the maximum distance a thermostatic blending valve should be from the appliance?
0.5m
1m
1.5m
2m
At what pressure do you apply to the soundness check for above ground drainage pipework?
25mm
38mm
50mm
75mm Q12
State three correct PPE items you should wear when decommissioning old sanitary appliances, e.g. toilet.
A Mask, gloves, and hard hat
B Gloves, safety boots, and apron C Mask, gloves, and eye protection D Hard hat, eye protection, and ear plugs
PIPE DISCHARGE DIMENSIONS
Shown below are some of the most common pipe discharge dimensions that you will come across.
PIPE CLIP SPACINGS
Listed below are the recommended pipe clip spacings to use between internal fixings when using copper pipe, plastic pipe or low carbon steel pipe (LCS).
Source: Plumbing NVQ and Technical Certificate Level 2 by Heinemann
FLUID CATEGO RI ES OF
RISK
Fluid Categories (FC) are used to determine the level of risk posed to public health in the event of contamination by substances that could potentially backflow into the water supply.
THE REGULATIONS HAVE 5 CATEGORIES OF RISK.
It is important that every plumber knows the risk to the water supply that each fitting or appliance represents, so they can fit the correct backflow prevention device. Remember a double check valve does not protect against a Fluid Category 5 Risk.
If you are in any doubt, talk to your local water company as they will ultimately determine the risk category.
BELOW IS A BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF EACH CATEGORY
FLUID
CATEGORY 1:
WHOLESOME WATER
Drinking water as supplied by the local water company.
FLUID
CATEGORY 2: AESTHETIC CHANGE
Wholesome water that has had a change in its temperature, taste, odour or appearance, such as domestic hot water.
FLUID CATEGORY 3: SLIGHT HEALTH HAZARD
A fluid that contains minimal additives or common contaminants.
FLUID
CATEGORY 4: SIGNIFICANT HEALTH RISK
A fluid that contains toxic substances, industrial chemicals, inorganic or lead pesticides.
FLUID CATEGORY 5: SERIOUS OR FATAL HEALTH RISK
A fluid that contains pathogenic organisms, such as bacteria, animal or human waste, harvested rainwater or greywater recycling.
Fluid Category definitions and examples can be found in Schedule 1 of the regulations and byelaws.
QUIZ: FLUID CATEGO RI ES
OF RISK
Understanding different fluid categories within a domestic setting is essential for any plumber.
TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE WITH THIS QUIZ!
Examine the diagram below and identify the fluid categories of risk within a home's plumbing system. Assign the correct fluid category number to each circle provided (a-g). Good luck!
This Fluid Category article and fun quiz are featured in the HIP Handbook 2024.
To read the full HIP Handbook for free, please scan the QR code below. Content provided by Water Regs UK.
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FAST INSTALLATION
Hep2O is easy to install and doesn’t require soldering. This makes it the go-to choice for all types of plumbing systems.
WATER-TIGHT SEAL
You can create a water-tight seal on any pipes when you use push-fit waste connectors. This means no more worries about leaks.
MARKET LEADER
As a leading name in push-fit plumbing, Hep2O stands out with its unique features. It's recognised as the most technologically advanced fitting available.
PERFORMANCE BENEFITS
■ No scale build-up in plastic pipes.
■ No corrosion, and a reduced risk of burst pipes.
■ Quieter operation, cooler to the touch and minimised heat loss.
“THE 'LITTLE BUMPS' ON THE SLEEVE AND JOINT ENSURE A SECURE CONNECTION”
“HEP2O IS EASY TO INSTALL AND DOESN’T REQUIRE SOLDERING”
STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE
Discover how effortless the Hep2O push-fit system is with this easy guide.
STEP 1
Mark the pipe with a felt pen. QUICK TIP: The pipe's fitted full socket, which is especially helpful in dimly-lit areas.
STEP 2
Insert the smart sleeve into the pipe. QUICK TIP: The 'little bumps' on the sleeve and joint ensure a secure connection.
STEP 3
Connect the tee joint to the pipe. QUICK TIP: Turn it until you feel a ‘rumble’, which is an indication the connection is secured.
SCAN HERE
Prefer to watch a video? Head to YouTube to watch a variety of videos on Hep2O.
JERRYWHITELEY,
TECHNICAL MANAGER,
Chartered Institute of Plumbing & Heating Engineering (CIPHE)
DRAINAGE & SOIL PIPES
Let’s face it, nobody wants a clogged pipe situation, right? So, let’s get ready to deep dive into the nitty-gritty of drainage and soil pipes.
Let’s put your knowledge to the test with this multi-choice quiz. Good luck!
Q1 Identify two potential issues that arise from a soil waste discharge being too steep?
A It might leave solid sediment in the pipe causing a blockage
B The trap may be pulled, leading to the loss of the water seal
C Increased water pressure
D Improved drainage efficiency
Q2 What is the recommended gradient for a 110mm soil pipe branch?
A 5mm for every 4 metres
B 10mm for every 4 metres
C 15mm for every 4 metres
D 20mm for every 4 metres
Q3 Which fitting is installed at the base of a soil stack?
A P-trap
B Cleanout plug
C Access point
D Vent stack
50mm
I00mm
In parts of the UK, it is common that living spaces are being built below ground. What valve must be installed at the manhole chamber?
Pressure relief valve
Non-return valve
Gate valve
Ball valve
Under the Building Regulations, which ‘Approved Document’ relates to drainage and waste disposal?
A Approved Document A
B Approved Document F
C Approved Document G
D Approved Document H
Q7
State the purpose of the guidance of Building Regulations Approved Documents?
A They are made for aesthetic purposes
B They are primarily for the health, safety and welfare of people
C They provide guidelines for architectural designs
D They regulate building materials only Q11
Q8 When working on above ground drainage, e.g. soil pipes in voids or roof spaces, what safety classification procedure does this fall into?
A Working at heights
B Working with electricity
C Working in confined spaces
D Working with hazardous materials
Q9 Identify the appliances from the list below that carry ‘foul water’.
Under working and test conditions of waste and soil pipes, what is the minimum water seal depth of traps to be retained?
10mm
15mm
20mm
25mm or equivalent
True or false. Branch pipe should not discharge into hoppers.
True
False
Where would you find a Gully?
On rooftops
At ground level or a basement
In kitchens
Inside bathrooms
State which type of soil stack is used when appliances are at ground level only.
When designing sanitary pipework where flush volumes on WCs are as low as 4ltrs, which British Standard is applied for guidance?
A BS EN 12056
B BS 6700
C BS 7671
D BS 5839
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HOW TO AVOID CROSSFLOW
Working with multiple waste pipes in tight spaces can be a challenge. Here, Jerry Whiteley, Technical Manager from the CIPHE, explains how to use fittings correctly to avoid crossflow.
FIGURE 1: FOR A BRANCH PIPE >65MM
In Figure 1, you’ll see an image of a 110mm soil pipe and a no-connection zone of 200mm when a branch exceeds 65mm. This zone helps to prevent crossflow regardless of the stack’s diameter.
FIGURE 4: HEIGHT OF LOWEST CONNECTION
A branch pipe should not discharge into a stack at less than 450mm above the invert level, at the foot of the rest bend (Figure 4). This level is found at the base of the soil stack on single dwellings no more than three storeys high. For taller buildings, the distance should be more than 450mm.
FIGURE 2: FOR A BRANCH PIPE <65MM
For a branch pipe smaller than 65mm (Figure 2), the no-connection zone is 110mm deep on a 100mm soil pipe. If the soil pipe is 150mm diameter, then the noconnection zone should be 250mm deep, as shown in the image.
FIGURE 3: DOUBLEBRANCH CONNECTIONS
Another area to avoid when back-to-back connections might be required, is a double branch connection as illustrated in Figure 3. If used horizontally, one toilet could flow into another. You should also avoid adding connections in the in 200mm zone; use the cut-out boss instead.
IN CONCLUSION
Always refer to Building Regulation Part H, your guide to proper waste and soil pipe connections, especially when cross connections are involved in the design and installation of your system.
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MIX & MATCH
Match the following definitions with their correct terms. Write the term in the space provided. Good luck!
A
Named after its shape, it prevents foul air returning from drainage with a water seal as the water stops flowing through.
D
Used to fix guttering to a fascia board.
B
Provides cleaning or inspection access in drainage systems.
C
A vertical pipe that acts as a transfer for wastewater and foul air from the home to the sewerage system.
E
A separated drainage system designed to control surface water, usually rain.
G
A shortened version of SVP which is usually used in addition to vent a drainage system at the head of a drain or an internal long run of soil pipe.
H
The branches (horizontal pipes) connect to the main vertical stack and are ventilated, typically found in high rise buildings.
F
Specially designed gully 'water trap' to stop foul smells leaving below ground drainage systems or floor areas where water runs away. I
Can stop flooding and rodents re-entering a property.
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PRACTICAL TIPS FROM JUDGE JERRY
After finally finding his glasses, HIP Head Judge Jerry, carefully scrutinised some of this year’s competitors' work, discovering some key areas for improvement.
Soldering must be done without drips or overloading the joint. Bending the solder at the end of the rolled-out spool at a right angle, ensuring you have enough to apply to a joint, is a simple way to prevent this.
Pipework should be level both horizontally and vertically. To achieve this, always mark out the pipework location and place clips to one side of any joints. Proper clipping ensures the pipes don't sag or shift, especially when supporting joints. Clips should generally be 150mm from joints to avoid heat transfer that could melt the plastic.
When bending a pipe across another, aim for a 15mm air gap. You can use a short offcut of 15mm copper as a guide to ensure this. The 15mm air gap is to stop heat transfer from one pipe to another.
When soldering brass fittings, apply extra heat since brass takes longer to reach soldering temperature. Be sure to remove internal rubber washers to prevent melting.
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For crossovers, ensure the centre is aligned with what it is crossing over, with a minimum 15mm gap. On site, this gap may be larger depending on the application.
Always use a heat mat or suitable material to protect the area behind the joints you are soldering. Damage to a wall or surface is always going to show a lack of care and raise eye brows.
Marking the fitting depth of any joint helps you spot if it has slipped out before you press-fit or push-fit a joint. Pipes not fully inserted into the fitting are at risk of blowing off and leaking.
When bending pipes, make sure the backstop is firmly located. If it slips, the tube could be crushed, weakening the pipe wall and causing potential surface damage.
BROWN SOIL PIPE WAS CHEAPER , WHAT'S THE PROBS?
While many plumbers do a great job, beware of the havoc-wreaking cowboys! We’ve teamed up with Plumberparts to bring you our regular rogues' gallery.
SOIL STACK USED AS A BOILER FLUE. PERFECT!
INTERESTING WAY OF PIPING UP A RADIATOR
IN ASSOCIATION WITH PLUMBERPARTS
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FEATURES:
OFTEC - HIP-24_HIPP 18/04/2024 09:49 Page 1
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