Page 614 - 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

New-build installations
INDUSTRY TIP
On new-build installations, the choice of bathroom suite is often not as varied
The hot and cold will have as it is for a private customer, especially on housing contracts where there are
been hydraulically pressure only two or three house styles being constructed. The work can become very
tested previously. repetitive, with the same suite types being installed time and again, and always
in the same positions. The appliance positions are set by the architect and it
is often difficult to deviate from these plans. It is usual for the first fix to have
KEY TERM
been installed beforehand, with hot, cold and waste pipework tails visible.
Deviate: change; do
differently from the original Installing the bath, step by step
plan. Although there are no set rules for the order that appliances are installed,
it is common practice to install the bath first as this is the largest of all the
INDUSTRY TIP appliances and is much easier to manoeuvre into position in an empty bathroom.
1 The bath should be placed into position and the feet adjusted until it is level
It may be a good idea to fix
timber to the floor where on all sides at the correct height to suit the bath panel (if one is being fitted).
the bath feet will sit as this 2 When you are sure that it is ready to be fixed to the wall, mark the brackets
helps to spread the weight of that hold the bath to the wall. Remove the bath temporarily, and drill the
the bath, the water and the fixing holes. The type of fixings you use will depend on the type of wall it is:
person using it. ● for masonry, concrete block and thermalite block walls, wall plugs and
brass screws may be used
● plasterboard studded walls will require plasterboard fixings unless
wooden noggins have been placed in the wall previously.
3 Fix the bath in its permanent position and, after checking once more to
ensure correct level and height, screw the feet to the floor. Make sure that
all the feet are screwed down as this is often missed and can cause bath
movement later if not done correctly.
4 Once the bath has been fixed into place, it can be connected to the hot
p Figure 9.103 A bath being and cold pipework. How this is done will depend on the first-fix pipework
levelled
material:
● polybutylene is by far the easiest material to work with
INDUSTRY TIP ● copper adds rigidity to the installation.
5 Make sure that both tap connectors are fully tightened. The waste pipe to
It is a good idea to install the bath can also be installed at this stage while all other appliances are
service valves to both taps, out of position. It is often difficult to work under a bath, especially if the
as this will facilitate easier washbasin pedestal or WC pan is in the way. Ensure that the service valves
maintenance in the future.
are in the off position prior to commissioning.
6 Once the bath is fixed, it is normal practice for the bathroom to be tiled and
grouted before any further appliances are installed.

Installing the washbasin, step by step
The washbasin often comes next. This can be a tricky installation.

1 The centre line of the basin should be marked lightly in pencil on the tiles.
This is usually the centre between the hot and cold pipework. Also, mark the
centre on the washbasin itself. This will allow both centre lines to be lined
up, ensuring that the basin is in the correct position for the pipework and the
drawing specification.

602

9781510416482.indb 602 29/03/19 9:08 PM