The wtf plumbing thread

corkgsxr · 16-03-2014 12:01am

We have a washing machine valve.

A rad in a wall

And who needs tails only more to leak.

ServiceGuy · 16-03-2014 4:07pm

scudo2 wrote: »

Advise the customers in writeing and walk away till they sort it.

Were legaly responsible if were stupid enough to fix or service, and then leave a potentaly dangerous boiler working.

I give a receipt with the written warning and also get them to counter sign it for my own record.

I think questions need to be asked about the installers in them cases. Did you get a response of "the last guy never said anything was wrong".

JohnnieK · 16-03-2014 4:26pm

ServiceGuy wrote: »

I think questions need to be asked about the installers in them cases. Did you get a response of "the last guy never said anything was wrong".

Questions are always asked of bad installers but they still keep getting work because there is nothing there to stop them.

corkgsxr · 18-03-2014 12:45pm

Dub Werke wrote: »

Mother needs help with her dishwasher and she hasnt the money to get a plumber out!!

The water has stopped going into the machine completely? Anybody know whats wrong ?

Wrong thread. Open one in the forum.

Hitchens · 20-03-2014 12:33pm

Dub Werke wrote: »

Mother needs help with her dishwasher and she hasnt the money to get a plumber out!!

The water has stopped going into the machine completely? Anybody know whats wrong ?

Are you John Steed by any chance?

scudo2 · 08-04-2014 6:40pm

Years ago I got a phone call.

"Do you do gas converions" ? She asked.

"Yes we do" I answered

"Oh good" she says

"How much for an Audit 80"?

"WTF" said I

shane 007 · 08-04-2014 7:40pm

scudo2 wrote: »

Years ago I got a phone call.

"Do you do gas converions" ? She asked.

"Yes we do" I answered

"Oh good" she says

"How much for an Audit 80"?

"WTF" said I

Very popular a couple of decades ago.

Next big area for RGI's is the shortage of suitable persons to certify LAV's. A new requirement for their DOE cert so IS1949 will provide more avenues for work for RGI's that are willing to take on that field of expertise. A knowledge required for the new re-assessments.

corkgsxr · 08-04-2014 11:15pm

shane07 wrote: »

Very popular a couple of decades ago.

Next big area for RGI's is the shortage of suitable persons to certify LAV's. A new requirement for their DOE cert so IS1949 will provide more avenues for work for RGI's that are willing to take on that field of expertise. A knowledge required for the new re-assessments.

Sorry for my ignorance but are we talking about campers/caravans

shane 007 · 08-04-2014 11:18pm

corkgsxr wrote: »

Sorry for my ignorance but are we talking about campers/caravans

Just in response to Scudo's car related WTF. In other words, in won't be too long before RGI's will be working on gas related installations within the motor trade.

DGOBS · 08-04-2014 11:20pm

LAVs will continue to be tested and certified by the same guys who have been doing it all along, can't see it as a huge growth area.

The have workshops that service every aspect of them, and they are RGIs who are very competent with those vehicles.

shane 007 · 08-04-2014 11:25pm

DGOBS wrote: »

LAVs will continue to be tested and certified by the same guys who have been doing it all along, can't see it as a huge growth area.

The have workshops that service every aspect of them, and they are RGIs who are very competent with those vehicles.

Only a handful of them though. As it becomes compliance part of the DOE, will somebody down in Kerry bring it to one of those guys or to a local able RGI?

You'd be surprised about the number of LAV's here.

DGOBS · 08-04-2014 11:31pm

Wouldn't find many RGIs with much experience on them, gas fridges, Combi warm air and water units etc.

They are totally there own animal.

shane 007 · 08-04-2014 11:35pm

Training plus nothing on them too complicated, just a lot more considerations, such as movement, vibrations, exhaust pipes, etc.
Perhaps warrants a thread of it's own in Tech.

DGOBS · 08-04-2014 11:41pm

You may got to the UK appliance manufacturers for product training, as the appliances are not straight forward, you will need FGas also to work effectively on the fridges.

It's a little more than just a few grommets IS1949 is not a reflective document to judge this from.

Then there is also the newer fuel cell systems to look into.

There is quiet a bit of specialized work for them, and access is a huge pain.
As I said, you'd really need a workshop.

DGOBS · 08-04-2014 11:45pm

I might also add, from the perspective of someone who's buddies child died in a caravan fire from a faulty gas heater, that they are far from simple.

shane 007 · 08-04-2014 11:55pm

DGOBS wrote: »

You may got to the UK appliance manufacturers for product training, as the appliances are not straight forward, you will need FGas also to work effectively on the fridges.

It's a little more than just a few grommets IS1949 is not a reflective document to judge this from.

Then there is also the newer fuel cell systems to look into.

There is quiet a bit of specialized work for them, and access is a huge pain.
As I said, you'd really need a workshop.

I would say that 99% of existing domestic kitchen appliance service people do not work on the fgas side of things & would not require this certification. So I would imagine LAV's would be much the same. They would only need the RGI side of things.
The real only difference would be DIY built LAV's would have serious concerns to comply. The other differences in the main would be that the appliances are 2 & 3 way & their automatic swap over functions when the vehicle is in motion.

I do agree about the access!

DGOBS · 09-04-2014 12:04am

Ok, your obviously experienced with them.
I have worked with several of the guys who do it for a living, and would not suggest going there.

Anyone into the caravan/camper vans will keep going to these guys for there needs, as they are a one stop shop with all the parts and components required for the specialized equipment to be found on these. (And they are F Gas too most of them, so no need for yet another specialist)

shane 007 · 09-04-2014 12:14am

DGOBS wrote: »

Ok, your obviously experienced with them.

Not at all but am I not allowed to have an opinion on them?

DGOBS wrote: »

Anyone into the caravan/camper vans will keep going to these guys for there needs, as they are a one stop shop with all the parts and components required for the specialized equipment to be found on these. (And they are F Gas too most of them, so no need for yet another specialist)

I absolutely agree that any specialist in this area would be the first port of call & you are correct, they will continue to be the main certifiers.
However, the powers that be have included this area of expertise in the lap of every RGI & requires them to be able to certify them.
So with correct training & knowledge, IMO it's an area that may lead to be included with RGI's across the country if they so wish to include this area in their scope.

09-04-2014 12:34am

shane 007 wrote: »

Not at all but am I not allowed to have an opinion on them?

I absolutely agree that any specialist in this area would be the first port of call & you are correct, they will continue to be the main certifiers.
However, the powers that be have included this area of expertise in the lap of every RGI & requires them to be able to certify them.
So with correct training & knowledge, IMO it's an area that may lead to be included with RGI's across the country if they so wish to include this area in their scope.

I'd rather see qualified mechanics getting their papers to work on gas vehicles and not left in the hands of messers, insurance companies if they had any sense will demand that only trained mechanics do this type of work.

DGOBS · 09-04-2014 7:57am

nothing on them too complicated

Everyones allowed opinion, but it's that one that scares me

the powers that be have included this area of expertise in the lap of every RGI & requires them to be able to certify them

Just because there is a training section on them in the DGA, and you learn how to soundness test one, is far from being able to certify them on anything more than soundness. There would be a lot more experience required in regard to the equipment.

Essentially putting gas appliances in a wooden box can have a lot of issues if incorrect.

shane 007 · 09-04-2014 8:22am

shane 007 wrote: »

Training plus nothing on them too complicated, just a lot more considerations, such as movement, vibrations, exhaust pipes, etc.
Perhaps warrants a thread of it's own in Tech.

I was referring to the appliances themselves when I said they are not complicated. I also said that there are a lot of other considerations to be taken into account.
Fridges are only a pilot with an additional safety device to swap over to 12v when the vehicle ignition is engaged.
The cookers are identical to domestic except they can be also run on 230v. So it is the main concern.
Gas fires are warm air so again the burner is controlled by a pilot with usual safety devices. Again, flue & ventilation is critical.

As I said, the critical components are flue arrangements, ventilation, appliance compartment seals & pipework amongst a few others.

I personally would prefer to see an decent RGI over a mechanic working on the gas side of things, especially where the critical factors are concerned, however, if said mechanic has been working on LAV's for years already, then he/she would be my first choice. If the mechanic never has, then I would pick the RGI with no LAV experience over a mechanic with no LAV experience all day everyday.

The only experience I have with LAV's is I used to own a coach built LAV for about 5 years but it was long before I was working on gas. So my experience was only on the user end & looking at Dominic's one. A few changes over the years but not enormously.

DGOBS · 09-04-2014 9:04am

Not altogether simple appliances

DGOBS · 09-04-2014 9:12am

Essentially, in the past I would have had a similar attitude, but after spending some time with the guy who have these workshops (and they were more than just mechanics, rarely have I come into contact with such well trained and well informed individuals in the industry) I soon found these systems were anything but simple, and required a lot of knowledge and experience to work on them correctly.

Gas fridges in the past incorrectly set etc (especially on Butane) have been known to completely soot up and produce huge CO for just a pilot (gas fridge burner pot)

Cookers essentially the same, but with demountable/stow away units, fixed crowns etc. have some features also that are different.

Combi warm air / water units, underbed units, closed flue units, ducted units, etc, etc, there is lots to learn.

And that hasn't included the flueing arrangements, pipework arrangements, power changeovers, crash sensors, cylinder bays, ventilation requirements for cabins and appliances, specific LLD terminals, underfloor terminals...on and on...

shane 007 · 09-04-2014 9:14am

DGOBS wrote: »

Not altogether simple appliances

Doesn't look that bad... What is it?

In all honesty, all unfamiliar appliances look alien at first. Equipped with training, experience & a MI, they are not not bad. Access is main hassle but if you can slide out the unit such as that Cascade water heater, I'm sure life becomes a bit easier.

DGOBS · 09-04-2014 9:20am

They don't slide out, contortion it usually required.

As I said, you would require manufacturers training, as these can be reasonably complicated units to work on, an as under someones bed, the suck it an see method doesn't work that well.

Billy Bunting · 09-04-2014 9:25am

Just so happens i'm working at a Truma e4000 (last pic)at the moment having to source parts from Germany because auto ignition unit seems obsolete locally, easy enough worked on though heat exchanger looks trouble to split, thankfully not having to go there.

shane 007 · 09-04-2014 9:27am

DGOBS wrote: »

the suck it an see method doesn't work that well.

No mentioned suck it & see.

shane 007 wrote: »

Equipped with training, experience & a MI, they are not not bad.

DGOBS · 09-04-2014 9:38am

Just so happens i'm working at a Truma e4000 (last pic)at the moment having to source parts from Germany because auto ignition unit seems obsolete locally, easy enough worked on though heat exchanger looks trouble to split, thankfully not having to go there.

I believe your an old hand at the caravan/campers Billy, you told me in the past you've been doing them a long time.

Shane, I didn't mean you 'suck it an see', just meant that RGIs intending to work on them will need manufacturer training (as nowhere else your going to get it at the minute, unless Billy would like some visitors!)

shane 007 · 09-04-2014 9:48am

DGOBS wrote: »

I believe your an old hand at the caravan/campers Billy, you told me in the past you've been doing them a long time.

Shane, I didn't mean you 'suck it an see', just meant that RGIs intending to work on them will need manufacturer training (as nowhere else your going to get it at the minute, unless Billy would like some visitors!)

I think a bus could be arranged. Beautiful part of the country. Plenty of beer.
Hmmm.... I feel an outing coming on.

richieburke01 · 16-04-2014 12:03am

Just found how to post pictures with this f##king phone
Mad stuff

corkgsxr · 16-04-2014 11:20am

Not even mind regulations some is just pure anyway anyhow.

wilser · 16-04-2014 11:21am

richieburke01 wrote: »

Just found how to post pictures with this f##king phone
Mad stuff

I'm still trying to figure out how to post pictures on my phone

scudo2 · 16-04-2014 2:09pm

wilser wrote: »

I'm still trying to figure out how to post pictures on my phone

+1 Same here.

"Samsung galaxy mini"
+ can't get them on to PC anymore so now I carry a spare camera.

The main reason is that I keep a photo of bad, shoddy work and I note it in a comment section on my reciept, I also note on it that photo has been taken & get customer to counter sign it.

I had a outdoor boiler placed over the bore hole well pipe. Boiler hydraulic ram leaked. Photo saved me.

ps. Thanks Richie for previous photos.

wilser · 16-04-2014 2:48pm

Think I figured it out now, was using the mobile site instead of the touch site.
Got called out to offices to balance the heating system , a builder had just finished moving some internal stud walls and left 6 rads like this

deandean · 16-04-2014 4:58pm

That reminds me, here's one from my phone. This is of an oil tank in the beer garden of a well-known pub in oyster-land. Reminds me of a yoga pose I tried once.

richieburke01 · 27-04-2014 12:18am

Customer trying to get all of the oil and dirt into the burner

richieburke01 · 27-04-2014 12:21am

Another customer
we service the boiler every year

JohnnieK · 27-04-2014 8:31am

richieburke01 wrote: »

Another customer
we service the boiler every year

That old chestnut.

JohnnieK · 27-04-2014 8:32am

richieburke01 wrote: »

Customer trying to get all of the oil and dirt into the burner

I'm really impressed with how well the oil line is protected :-)

roy rodgers · 27-04-2014 12:37pm

Just hope she does nt over flow any time soon.

roy rodgers · 27-04-2014 12:49pm

Just hope she does nt over flow any time soon.

Dtp1979 · 27-04-2014 12:58pm

roy rodgers wrote: »

Just hope she does nt over flow any time soon.

I'd be more worried about the compression nut and ring on a plastic toilet cistern ballcock in an attic!

corkgsxr · 27-04-2014 8:22pm

Dtp1979 wrote: »

I'd be more worried about the compression nut and ring on a plastic toilet cistern ballcock in an attic!

Id be more worried about that they used the worst designed ballcock out there. They snap off at the adjuster very often. I hate when I see them

Dtp1979 · 27-04-2014 8:29pm

corkgsxr wrote: »

Id be more worried about that they used the worst designed ballcock out there. They snap off at the adjuster very often. I hate when I see them

I also hate that overflow pipe. It's not capable of taking the mains on if it's a strong mains. I nearly always use 1" pipe

K.Flyer · 28-04-2014 2:54am

Dtp1979 wrote: »

I also hate that overflow pipe. It's not capable of taking the mains on if it's a strong mains. I nearly always use 1" pipe

And there is no support plate used to stop the side wall of the tank flexing as the ball rises, in turn putting more strain on the pipe connection.... amateur hour that one.

jca · 28-04-2014 4:39am

Wearb wrote: »

I know a man that used to work with a tarmacadam layer. Used to get a watering can and almost fill it with water and then a little milk; told the customer it was special everlasting weed-killer and to keep cats and dogs in for 10 hours :rolleyes:

Another one they used was Andrews Liver Salts with dire warnings to keep children and pets indoors for "at least 4 hours"

scudo2 · 28-04-2014 11:17am

Eh GUYS.
Focus in, or magnefy on the overflow.
There's two !!

gifted · 28-04-2014 1:05pm

scudo2 wrote: »

Eh GUYS.
Focus in, or magnefy on the overflow.
There's two !!

Good man Mick :cool:

corkgsxr · 03-05-2014 9:57pm

Fan stopped in a riello. Polish fella who rents it got his friend to look at it. Declared it fecked.

New pump and away it went. And a new nossle.

It dont look that bad all dried out but it looked like someone used hock white putting on the nossle. Nothing would go through it

jca · 04-05-2014 4:59am

corkgsxr wrote: »

Fan stopped in a riello. Polish fella who rents it got his friend to look at it. Declared it fecked.

New pump and away it went. And a new nossle.

It dont look that bad all dried out but it looked like someone used hock white putting on the nossle. Nothing would go through it

I'll probably get a smart answer but what do the letters EH mean? I understand the degrees are for different fuels and different spray patterns. Which degree/letter combination are correct for a bog standard heatpac 90 with a Riello burner using Kerosene.

**The wtf plumbing thread**

Comments

The wtf plumbing thread