Working with trades: Plumbers

This month, Tim Doherty looks at how to ensure you hire the right people to get your water supply and heating systems right

Plumbers and heating engineers are highly skilled professionals who need to know their stuff; and they’ll play a crucial role in making your project a success.

Traditionally, plumbers were involved in anything to do with metalwork on site – which is why skilled trades may still be found on a roof completing flashings or flat coverings in lead. Similarly, their remit used to include the guttering, back when it was all installed in cast iron. These days, a lot of this work is taken on by roofers and carpenters, but some plumbers still offer this service.

Another area where you might typically see crossover between trades is where the above-ground drainage (waste pipes etc within the structural envelope of your property) meets the underground pipework. Installation of the latter is usually completed by the groundworker. It’s worth knowing that underground drainage is typically supplied in a brown colour, whilst internal waste pipes are either grey or white plastic.

With that in mind, from a building control perspective plumbing and heating tradespeople must be experienced with and capable of delivering compliant installations under the following brackets:

• Approved Document F – Ventilation for all matters to do with mechanical extraction, heat recovery, passive stack ventilation, warm air etc.

• Approved Document G –Sanitation, hot water safety & water efficiency covering hot and cold water supplies, bathrooms and kitchens.

• Approved Document H – Drainage & waste disposal with regards to internal waste pipes, and soil and vent stacks.