Page 547 - 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 8 Rainwater systems

Preparatory work to be carried out on HEALTH AND SAFETY

building fabric All materials that are
removed should be
Before starting the installation, fascia boards must be checked to ensure that they disposed of safely and
are straight and level, and that they do not need replacing. Fascia boards that are responsibly.
not level or straight can give the gutter a crooked or wavy appearance, and rotted Occasionally, asbestos
fascias will not hold the gutters properly. Occasionally, it may be necessary for gutters may found. Where
fascia boards to be painted before the gutter is installed. The underfelt drip, which these are to be removed,
is a strip of felt positioned under the front row of tiles, should also be checked this should be carried out
to ensure that it has not ripped or rotted. The felt stops rainwater from leaking by specialist asbestos
behind the gutter and should be replaced if it is found to be defective. removal companies.
Existing rainwater systems should be removed with care, to avoid damage to the
outside wall surfaces and existing fascia boards.

On new-build properties, it is likely that the gutters will be installed before the
roof is laid.

Installing PVCu gutters

The hand and power tools that will be required when installing PVCu gutters
and rainwater pipes are listed in Table 8.7.
 Table 8.7 The hand and power tools required when installing PVCu gutters and rainwater pipes

Hand tools Power tools
Pozidriv screwdrivers 110 V SDS power drill
Hacksaw 24 V battery-powered cordless drill
Claw hammer
String/plumb line
Bradawl
File/rasp

When installing a rainwater system, a survey of the property must be carried
out, and there must be a discussion with the customer about their requirements
and choices. It could transpire that an existing installation may not be installed IMPROVE YOUR
correctly. Therefore, it is beneficial to ask the customer about how the system ENGLISH
has performed in the past. Remember: communication
skills are key. When
It is wise to establish the type of drainage for the premises, and plan your working on a new build
system around whether or not it will be combined, separate or partially or alteration, you need to
separate. If it is the latter, check that any soakaway is fit for purpose. understand the customer’s
needs and requirements.
Sometimes, a new building extension will require a rainwater system. This You could use visual aids,
could be connected to a functioning system already installed on the premises. such as manufacturers’
In this situation, a recalculation of the existing system may be required to brochures to show the
customer, so they can
estimate whether the gutter size and outlets are sufficient to accommodate the select an aesthetically
additional flow rates caused by the new extension. pleasing style. This can
also help a plumber
There are many documents that need to be consulted when designing or specify a suitable style as
installing rainwater systems. This is because there are a range of restrictions the discharge rates will be
in the legislation to ensure that the water is collected efficiently and safely provided.
discharged from a building.
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