Page 554 - The City and Guilds Textbook: Plumbing Book 1 for the Level 3 Apprenticeship (9189), Level 2 Technical Certificate (8202) and Level 2 Diploma (6035)

The City & Guilds Textbook: Plumbing Book 1

however, as movement of the gutter can break further joints down the gutter
run. Again, silicone sealant is not a satisfactory jointing medium in this situation
and the joint must be dry before jointing is attempted.

Replacement of defective gutters and

fittings
Perhaps the most obvious of all gutter defects are cracked and broken gutters
and rainwater pipes.

PVCu gutters and rainwater pipes are at constant risk from ultraviolet (UV)
rays from sunlight. This can often lead to gutters becoming brittle, causing
them to shatter or crack. Placing ladders directly against PVCu gutters, when
undertaking maintenance and cleaning, can also damage them further.
Look back at Chapter 2, Common processes and techniques, for more
information on the effects of UV light on plastics.
The main problem here, especially where replacement is necessary, is
compatibility. Most manufacturers now use generic gutter and rainwater pipe
sizes, but older guttering systems are often smaller in size with no adapters
available. In this case, replacement of the entire system is the only option.
Where the gutter is compatible with other systems, the replacement of gutter is
a fairly simple process, as described below.
1 Visually inspect the job and assess the risks. A risk assessment should be
carried out. Guttering is a two-man job if working from a ladder.
2 The correct PPE should be worn when attempting this task. Eye protection is
essential.
3 If it is possible to remove the cracked section between two fittings, this will
be the simpler option. It is advisable to replace the fittings either side as well
as the length of gutter as the rubber seals may not create a seal when the
new gutter is installed.
4 Unclip the gutter from the fittings and begin to remove the gutter from the
fascia brackets by pulling the gutter and bracket towards you and down.
Unclip the gutter by lifting the front edge of the fascia bracket and clicking it
over the gutter. Be careful here. The brackets may be as brittle as the gutter
itself.
5 Once all the brackets and fittings have been unclipped, carefully lift out
the gutter by twisting the front face of the gutter upwards and out of the
brackets.
6 Replace the fittings (gutter unions, angles, etc.) as necessary, taking care not
to alter the fall of the gutter.
HEALTH AND SAFETY 7 Measure the distance between the expansion marks of the fittings, and cut

Take care when working and de-burr the new length of gutter.
in the same space as 8 Install the new gutter by inserting the back edge first, and twisting down and
cast iron gutters as, away from you.
occasionally, the gutter
may fall without warning. 9 Carefully re-clip the gutter into the first fitting and, working towards the
second fitting, re-clip the gutter into the fascia brackets.

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