Page 147 - The City and Guilds Textbook: Plumbing Book 1 for the Level 3 Apprenticeship (9189), Level 2 Technical Certificate (8202) and Level 2 Diploma (6035)

Chapter 2 Common processes and techniques

Positioning of pipework

The routes taken by surface-mounted pipework should be well planned to take
the shortest practicable route without being intrusive. There should be as little
marking out as possible so as not to deface the customer’s decorations. The area
must be well protected by dust sheets and coverings.

Select an appropriate pipe clip. Large, sturdy pipe clips in a domestic dwelling
would look too noticeable and plastic pipe clips used on large commercial/
industrial installations would not stand up to the knocks. If a number of pipes
are to be installed in one place, for example in an airing cupboard, they can be
arranged in banks, so that all the pipe clips are in a neat line.
The use of machine-made bends over elbows should be considered wherever
possible, as these not only provide a visually attractive installation but also aid
better flow rates. The finished pipework should be as aesthetically pleasing as
possible, with even spaces between the pipe clips and supports, and even gaps
between different lines. The tube should be installed plumb and level, or with
the correct fall where this is needed.
Finally, make sure that when the pipework is in position it is wiped down with a
damp cloth. This might seem a menial task but it will ensure that any flux that
has run down the pipe during soldering operations is removed. Where possible,
remove any setting-out marks and fingerprints from the wall with a damp,
soapy cloth.

Prefabrication of pipework

Prefabrication of pipework often takes place on large housing contracts where
many houses will be built of the same type and style. Pre-forming pipework
can often save time in this situation as the pipes can be bent beforehand to fit
a particular part of the job, saving time and installation costs, and can be of
benefit where hot working, i.e. the use of blowtorches, is forbidden. It can also
be used where making joints in the fitted position may be difficult.
Prefabrication of pipework involves precise marking, cutting and forming, with
measurements taken either on-site or from a drawing and then fabricated in
a workshop and delivered to site ready for use. In this way, many units can be
made at once and stored on-site ready for installation.

On-the-job working will also involve some prefabrication of pipework. Precise
measurements, cutting and bending are essential if the pipework is to look good.
Consider the drawing in Figure 2.58.

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