Do-it-yourself at heart? You'll be pleased to know that doing your own plumbing isn't as complicated as it sounds. For those days when you need to carry out urgent repairs, or just to avoid the costs that plumbing services can incur, it's worth knowing how to tackle your plumbing work at home. Find out all our tips and tricks in this guide!
What is plumbing work?
Plumbing refers to all the work involved in installing and maintaining water and gas pipes and sanitary equipment. Professionals in this trade have at least a CAP in plumbing or heating installation. They are therefore better qualified to carry out major plumbing work in your home, such as major renovations.
However, if you want to be more independent, you can learn to manage less delicate jobs:
- zinc work ;
- central heating ;
- sanitary plumbing.
The first is a branch of plumbing that deals with everything to do with the drainage or infiltration of water. A zinc worker installs and maintains gutters.
Central heating in plumbing involves work relating to the management of your heating system. With a little practice, you can maintain or replace heating system components.
Finally, sanitary plumbing is the job you'll have the most opportunity to practise. It covers work on household appliances, taps, toilets and wastewater disposal systems.
What tools do I need to do my own plumbing?
Even if you're not a plumbing professional, you're going to need the right equipment to carry out plumbing work in your own home. And come on, you'll look a lot more like a pro, so let's get started. As basic tools, you'll need :
- Pliers: pipe cutters, socket cutters, crimping pliers, sliding pliers, ... ;
- Screwdriver: lots of screwdrivers, in fact ;
- Knives ;
- Emery cloth ;
- Gloves;
- Unblockers ;
- Chopsticks ;
- Keys: several types as well.
This is just a non-exhaustive list of all the tools you'll need to install, maintain and repair plumbing in your home. You can add to your toolbox as you go along.
What do I need to know about plumbing pipes and fittings?
As an apprentice plumber, there are two things you'll be handling a lot: pipes and fittings.
The pipes
In plumbing, pipes differ in diameter, size, shape and material. Each type of pipe must be used for a specific job.
Copper pipes are very strong and more resistant to heat, while PVC pipes are lighter and easier to install, as they do not require soldering.
High-density cross-linked polyethylene (PER) pipes have the advantage of being more resistant to scale. What's more, multi-layer pipes, including aluminium pipes, are UV-resistant.
Finally, flexible hoses are characterised by their flexibility. They are also very easy to install and do not require welding.
Fittings
Pipes mean fittings. These are the connecting elements that ensure your pipes remain watertight and in good condition. Like pipes, there are many different types of fitting. They can take several forms: sleeve, plug, cap, elbow, reducer, plug, etc. Each type of fitting is specific to a given use.
As far as materials are concerned, it's the same principle as for piping. There are :
- Copper fittings : for pipes in the same material ;
- Brass fittings : nannies, bicones, olives, ...
- PE (Polyethylene) fittings : often used for water supply;
- PER fittings : slip-on, compression and crimp, also available in multi-layer ;
- PVC fittings : no longer used to glue pipes together...
Knowing which fitting to use and when to use it can sometimes be a dilemma. However, with a little research and perseverance, you're sure to get the hang of it.
In the meantime, don't hesitate to ask for a free estimate on our site for your plumbing work!
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