Page 555 - 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

10 When the gutter has been clipped into the last fitting, testing the gutter
with a hosepipe can begin.
11 Check for leaks and clearance of the water from the gutter.

Problems with cast iron gutters

Cast iron gutters present very different problems to PVCu. Cast iron gutters,
if not regularly painted, rust from the back edge towards the front, causing
weakness of the metal. The rust also attacks the rafter brackets so they too
become weak. When this happens, the weight of the gutter will cause the gutter
to drop and become unstable.
The procedure is as follows. HEALTH AND SAFETY

1 Visually inspect the job and assess the risks. A risk assessment should be The correct PPE should
carried out. Removing sections of cast iron guttering is a two-man job if be worn when attempting
working from ladders. The guttering is very heavy and this task should not be this task. Eye protection is
handled alone. essential.
2 It may be beneficial to clean the gutter out beforehand as this often reduces
the weight.
3 Carefully cut through the gutter bolts above the nut with a junior hacksaw. INDUSTRY TIP
4 Using a nail punch, punch the cut bolts upwards from the cut end.
5 Once the bolts are removed, carefully break the joints at either end. Be Do not be tempted to punch
careful as cast iron gutter often has only one rafter bracket in the centre of downwards as gutter bolts
are either large dome-headed
the gutter length and the gutter may drop suddenly. or countersunk-style bolts
6 Carefully lift out the gutter by twisting towards you and upwards. and you risk breaking further
7 With the section of gutter removed, clean the socket and spigot of the lengths of gutter.
gutter either side of the removed length to remove the old jointing material,
and paint the inside of the socket and the outside of the spigot using black
bitumen paint.
INDUSTRY TIP
VALUES AND BEHAVIOURS Replacement of broken

or rusted cast iron gutter
Always try to maintain the customer’s property as it was – the original colour sections is often difficult
paint of the gutter can be used if the customer requests it. and time consuming, and
should be attempted only with

8 There should be no need to cut the gutter if it is a full length being replaced an experienced plumber to
as cast iron gutter is supplied in 6 ft (imperial) lengths to be compatible with supervise the activity.
existing systems. Should cutting be required, a hacksaw or angle grinder with
an appropriate metal-cutting blade can be used. Eye protection is essential.
9 Mark and re-drill the bolt hole (if required after cutting).
10 Paint the inside of the socket and outside of the spigot of the new length,
and place a 20 mm-thick bead of soft linseed oil putty in the socket.
11 Place another bead of putty in the existing gutter socket.
12 Carefully lift the new section of gutter to roof height and, ensuring spigot is
to socket, lift the new section of gutter into place by inserting the back edge
first, and twisting down and away from you.
13 Gently press the joints together and insert the gutter bolts at both joints.
Re-tighten the gutter bolts. Do not over-tighten as the gutter may crack.

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