Plumbing

R. D. Treloar, Roy D. Treloar

• Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell
• Year: 2011
• Print ISBN: 9781405189590
• eBook ISBN: 9781444398915
• Edition: 4
• Topic: Technology & Engineering
• Subtopic: Construction & Architectural Engineering
• Index: Technology & Engineering

The 4th edition of Plumbing continues to provide the definitive single volume text on plumbing, heating and gas installation work, ideal for students working towards their Diploma in plumbing or NVQ/SVQ at levels 2 and 3. Highly illustrated and easy to read and understand, it tackles plumbing topic by topic, in double page spreads with text, full colour illustrations, and clear photographs, enabling the reader to grasp the essentials quickly and easily. This approach ensures it also provides a concise reference for the trained plumber.

Special features include:

• concise text
• many clear, full colour illustrations
• around 140 photographs
• topics focussed on the needs of NVQ/SVQ levels 2 and 3
• additional topics beyond levels 2 and 3
• a self-assessment section
• a problem-solving section

This new edition has been thoroughly updated to take account of changes to the Building Regulations, including changes to the following approved documents: Part F: Ventilation; Part G: Sanitation, hot water safety and water efficiency; Part H: Drainage and waste disposal; Part L: Conservation of fuel and power and Part P: Electrical safety. A significant new section on energy conservation & sustainability has been added, and additional related material introduced where relevant. The extensive coverage with new, full colour illustrations to enhance legibility and understanding, and the emphasis on safety in the work place ensure this remains the definitive single volume for both student and trained plumbers.

Part 1: Key Principles, Safety and Common Plumbing Processes

The Plumbing Industry

The Role of the Plumber

In the eyes of many lay people, the plumber is simply someone who joins pipes together, running the water from one appliance to another. Few people appear to give much consideration to the depth of knowledge required to carry out the basic plumbing skills, or the trained professional’s need to have a full understanding of related activities – or their ability to design installations and identify likely problems before they occur.

Unfortunately, many students come to college and find it difficult to take on board skills associated with tasks which their own company does not undertake. They seem to think that skills they are not currently making use of are irrelevant. I would respond by saying that if you want to have greater freedom and be in high demand – and not only by your present employer – then, yes, these extra skills are very relevant indeed.

Trained plumbers are able to turn their hands to many, if not all, the following skills, although levels of knowledge will vary from one individual to another:

• The supply and distribution of cold and hot water for drinking purposes, sanitation, heating and fire fighting, etc., and the connection of associated equipment and controls.
• The removal of water from the building via a suitable system of drainage, to include foul water from soil and waste appliances and surface water from roofs and paved areas.
• Consider the installation of energy conservation systems, to include solar power and water recovery systems.
• The weathering of roof penetrations, etc., in metallic sheet materials.
• The supply and provision of fuels, including gas, oil, solid fuel and electricity, to various appliances and components, such as those for heating or cooking, and the provision of such ventilation as is necessary for combustion.
• The removal of the combustion products from appliances by way of a safe and effective flue system.
• Designing and estimating the cost of any of the above installations, in a domestic situation, giving efficient and effective usage.
• The knowledge to identify, rectify and service any of the said installations.

In addition, plumbers are well served by a number of skills normally associated with other operatives, such as carpenters and bricklayers – skills that might enable them, for example, to make good a hole or remove/replace a floorboard, as part of the job.

The impressions you create are very important; going to work in dirty clothes and trainers gives the same impression as submitting an estimate for a job on a piece of paper taken from a school notebook. Laying a dustsheet down, even for the smallest job, takes very little time, yet it gives a lasting effect. A positive image projected today is likely to bring you work for tomorrow.

Plumbing Organisations (Addresses Correct at Time of Going to Press)

There are many organisations which have connections with the plumbing industry. The following list identifies some of those representing the Mechanical Engineering Services, Plumbing sector:

Customer Relations and Communication Skills

Customer Relations

In order to gain the respect you deserve as a professional in the field of plumbing, you have to show respect for the views of others. Ear and body piercing, tattoos or outrageous clothes may reflect your personality; however, this image may not be in keeping with the views of those you are working for. In an ideal world, this should make no difference, providing that you are demonstrating good plumbing skills. However, in practice, first impressions count and it is the first impression that invariably leads to work. Dress like a tramp and expect to be treated as such; dress cleanly and respectably and it is surprising how you are accepted. Rubbish it may be, but it is a fact.

When arranging to meet someone, be there on time. The person you are to meet can soon become disheartened if you are late, as time is precious to everyone. Finally, when working on a property, remember that it belongs to someone. That person has possibly been working hard to maintain it, it is something which they are proud of and falls within their standards. Therefore, do not treat it as a tip; lay out dust sheets and clean up after your work. Give respect and you will be respected – and get recommended.

Communication

Communicating information to others is something which needs to be right first time if delays are to be avoided. Communication needs to be clear and precise. A recipient can only act upon the information they receive, which, if wrong, can result in (1) incorrect interpretation of data and (2) loss of respect and confidence in the person supplying the information. Looking at the two lists of materials shown opposite: which one indicates accurately to the supplier the items required?

Presentation of information can also give an impression of the knowledge, skill and time you have for a specific job. Look at the two estimates shown opposite: both say much the same thing, yet one indicates a much more desirable company – which do you think it is? The effort required to produce the printed version may look time consuming, but with this modern age of computers, it requires the least amount of effort – much of the data could be standard text and used in all estimates. Note also that this version was produced very promptly (the next day), which can often win the contract for small works and gives the customer confidence in your attention. Also, the customer knows what the final cost will be. The customer of the hand-written version on the other hand does not know whether VAT is included and what, if any, charges for materials there will be. Time spent promoting your company image is time well spent.

Communication skills

Functional Skills

Functional Skills is the name given to the basic communication and numeracy skills that you use in everyday life, at home and whilst at work. There is nothing new about functional skills; you are using them all the time. You have the opportunity to demonstrate your level of competence by completing a qualification to show how good you are. This can then be used by an employer to judge exactly what you can do.

There are three functional skills, which are:

1. English

2. Maths

3. Information and Communication Technology (ICT)

For each of these 3 skills there are several levels that may be achieved:

Entry Level: This basically is a lower-level equivalent to a GSCE

Level 1: Equivalent to GCSE grade D–F, foundation, or NVQ level 1

Level 2: Equivalent to GCSE grade A–C, intermediate, or NVQ level 2

Should you be undertaking an apprenticeship programme, it is a requirement that you complete as part of your course English and Maths at level 2 as a minimum.

Does Everyone Have to Do a Functional Skills Programme?

Trainees undertaking an apprenticeship will need to complete the functional skills elements, and they u...

Table of contents

• Cover
• Series page
• Title page
• Copyright page
• Introduction
• List of Abbreviations
• Acknowledgements
• A Qualification in Plumbing
• Workplace Evidence for NVQ Achievement
• Part 1: Key Principles, Safety and Common Plumbing Processes
• Part 2: Hot and Cold Water Supplies
• Part 3: Central Heating
• Part 4: Gas Supplies
• Part 5: Oil Supplies
• Part 6: Electrical Work
• Part 7: Sanitation
• Part 8: Drainage
• Part 9: Sheet Weathering
• Part 10: Energy Conservation & Sustainability
• Part 11: Assessing Your Knowledge
• Index