Many homeowners feel that they do not have skill or understanding to remedy small plumbing problems in the home. From time to time all homes have small leaks and worn seals in water fittings that may need replacing. It is often possible to fix these small problems yourself, and it may be necessary to explain what is wrong when purchasing components. Here is a guide to the main types of plumbing components found in homes across the UK.
Copper Water Pipes
Copper water pipes are normally found in 15mm and 22mm supplying clean hot and cold water around the house. 8mm, 10mm and 12mm pipes may also be in a house but are more likely to belong to a heating system.
There are two main types of fitting used to connect the pipes together; solder fittings and Compression fittings. A solder fitting is soldered onto the pipe, and may be supplied with a ring of solder already inside the fitting. These take a little bit of skill to get right but when installed provide a watertight seal which cannot be taken apart easily. A compression fitting has an end nut that unscrews, allowing the end of the pipe to slip inside. A ring is used inside the end of the nut and once tightened the fitting will be under compression and will form a watertight seal. These fittings are more easily taken apart and altered.
Hep20 and Speedfit Plastic
These plastic pipe systems are a more modern alternative to using copper pipes. The fittings work like compression fittings but are made from plastic and are a bit more chunky in size and shape. The pipes are available in the same sizes as copper pipes. Speedfit pipes are white and Hep20 pipes are grey. Both manufacturers now supply white fittings, although Hep20 used to be grey. Each of these systems relies upon an insert placed in the end of the pipe before tightening a fitting on to it. It is wise to remember that the two manufacturers of these systems may make further adjustments to their range as time goes by, and the systems are not designed to ne interchangeable.
110mm Plastic Drainage/Sewerage Pipe
These pipes are normally found at the back of a toilet or as an exterior soil stack, and carry waste to the main drainage system outside of a property. The pipes are available in a number of colours; orange/brown pipes are designed to be laid underground and their plastic will become affected by sunlight over time. Grey or Black pipe is used aboveground and, although a little more expensive, it is designed to withstand UV light. These pipes are joined together with fittings that are available with plain ends or socket ends. They are pushed together and the sockets have a rubber ring inside which forma a watertight seal. A plain end fits into a socket - most important to keep in mind when buying any pipes and fittings.
32mm and 40mm Plastic Waste Pipes
Often found in white, grey or black plastic, these pipes carry waste water away from sinks, baths, showers and appliances such as dishwashers and washing machines. There are two types of fittings available; push fit and solvent weld. As the name suggests, push fittings simply push together and rely upon a rubber ring inside the fitting to create a seal. Solvent weld fittings need to be glued together with solvent glue to make a watertight seal.
And Most Importantly... The Stop Tap
Usually stop taps are brass but may be plastic. If you don't know where your stop tap is and what it looks like then you need to find out! Water can cause a lot of damage to a home in a short space of time. If all else fails you can turn off the main water supply to your home and call a plumber.
To take a look at some of the different components discussed above visit our DIY Materials Blog
Copper Water Pipes
Copper water pipes are normally found in 15mm and 22mm supplying clean hot and cold water around the house. 8mm, 10mm and 12mm pipes may also be in a house but are more likely to belong to a heating system.
There are two main types of fitting used to connect the pipes together; solder fittings and Compression fittings. A solder fitting is soldered onto the pipe, and may be supplied with a ring of solder already inside the fitting. These take a little bit of skill to get right but when installed provide a watertight seal which cannot be taken apart easily. A compression fitting has an end nut that unscrews, allowing the end of the pipe to slip inside. A ring is used inside the end of the nut and once tightened the fitting will be under compression and will form a watertight seal. These fittings are more easily taken apart and altered.
Hep20 and Speedfit Plastic
These plastic pipe systems are a more modern alternative to using copper pipes. The fittings work like compression fittings but are made from plastic and are a bit more chunky in size and shape. The pipes are available in the same sizes as copper pipes. Speedfit pipes are white and Hep20 pipes are grey. Both manufacturers now supply white fittings, although Hep20 used to be grey. Each of these systems relies upon an insert placed in the end of the pipe before tightening a fitting on to it. It is wise to remember that the two manufacturers of these systems may make further adjustments to their range as time goes by, and the systems are not designed to ne interchangeable.
110mm Plastic Drainage/Sewerage Pipe
These pipes are normally found at the back of a toilet or as an exterior soil stack, and carry waste to the main drainage system outside of a property. The pipes are available in a number of colours; orange/brown pipes are designed to be laid underground and their plastic will become affected by sunlight over time. Grey or Black pipe is used aboveground and, although a little more expensive, it is designed to withstand UV light. These pipes are joined together with fittings that are available with plain ends or socket ends. They are pushed together and the sockets have a rubber ring inside which forma a watertight seal. A plain end fits into a socket - most important to keep in mind when buying any pipes and fittings.
32mm and 40mm Plastic Waste Pipes
Often found in white, grey or black plastic, these pipes carry waste water away from sinks, baths, showers and appliances such as dishwashers and washing machines. There are two types of fittings available; push fit and solvent weld. As the name suggests, push fittings simply push together and rely upon a rubber ring inside the fitting to create a seal. Solvent weld fittings need to be glued together with solvent glue to make a watertight seal.
And Most Importantly... The Stop Tap
Usually stop taps are brass but may be plastic. If you don't know where your stop tap is and what it looks like then you need to find out! Water can cause a lot of damage to a home in a short space of time. If all else fails you can turn off the main water supply to your home and call a plumber.
To take a look at some of the different components discussed above visit our DIY Materials Blog
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