Page 557 - 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

l Wear the correct PPE: gutters are often full of sludge and plant life and,
occasionally, dead birds and small mammals. These can present a health
hazard. It is therefore important to use the correct PPE, including goggles,
face mask and rubber gloves.
l Check for hazardous materials: asbestos was used for both gutters and
rainwater pipes. This must not be touched and must be removed by specialist
asbestos removal contractors.
l Appropriate access equipment: gutters should be removed and installed
from a properly constructed and erected scaffold. Gutters should not be
installed or removed from a ladder.
l Removal of components: remember, some gutter components are heavy,
such as cast iron. Gutters and rainwater pipes should be removed with care.
l Dispose of materials appropriately: old gutter systems should be
disposed of responsibly at a recognised disposal point or recycling centre.
Alternatively, the hire of a mini-skip would prove useful.

5 PERFORM A SOUNDNESS TEST,

AND COMMISSION RAINWATER,

GUTTER SYSTEMS AND

COMPONENTS

Visual inspection

On completion of the gutter and rainwater pipe installation, a visual inspection
should be conducted. Check that:

l the gutters are clear of any debris that may hinder the free flow of water
l the gutters and rainwater pipes are adequately and correctly supported to
the manufacturer’s instructions
l the fall of the gutter complies with the manufacturer’s installation data.

Before testing takes place

Before undertaking testing procedures, notify the customer or the responsible
person of what you are about to do, and give a rough estimate of how long this
will take. Ask the customer to move any obstructions or property that may
hinder the testing process.

Testing the gutters and rainwater pipes

All gutter and rainwater pipes should be wet tested after completion. This can
be done either using a hosepipe or a bucket full of water. Do not discharge
the water directly into the gutter as this often causes spillage, which can be
mistaken for a leak. Instead, spread the water over the roof to simulate how
rainfall would enter the gutter naturally. While the gutters are full of water,
check for:

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