Bathroom, kitchen and pipework project guides
Good plumbing work starts before fittings arrive or surfaces are closed. Use these guides to define the layout, the scope of first and second fix, access arrangements and the handover needed for your project.
30 guides
Articles and fault guides
Replacing bath waste and overflow fittings: access matters
Plan bath waste and overflow replacement with access to the trap and hidden connections, compatible fittings and checks before the panel is closed.
Read thisBathroom plumbing checklist: layout, fittings and access
Use this bathroom plumbing checklist before ordering fittings. Review shower supply, toilet and waste positions, concealed access and finishing stages.
Read thisCommercial dishwasher replacement: plumbing checks before delivery
Replacing a commercial dishwasher needs model-specific supply and drainage checks. Plan water treatment, access and commissioning before delivery day.
Read thisRepairing a concealed cistern through its service opening
Plan concealed cistern repairs using the model, designed service opening and compatible parts, with clear limits where wider access is necessary.
Read thisReplacing a concealed shower valve: access and finishes
Plan concealed shower repairs around model identification, designed service access, compatible parts and any opening or waterproofing work required.
Read thisCopper or plastic pipework: choosing for the installation
Compare copper and plastic pipework by application, route, joints and access. Plan a compatible installation instead of choosing on material price alone.
Read thisCracked shower tray: repair or replacement?
A cracked shower tray needs its material, support and water damage assessed. Compare specialist repair with replacement and plan access before using it.
Read thisHow to check a plumber before you let them in
Check a plumber before booking: verify relevant credentials, identify the business, compare clear repair scopes and agree access, parts and payment.
Read thisMoving a kitchen sink: the plumbing checks before ordering units
Plan a kitchen sink move around waste routes, water supplies, cabinet access and appliance connections before committing to units, worktops or an island.
Read thisInsulating water pipes in unheated parts of a home
Assess exposed water pipes in lofts, garages and voids. Understand insulation limits, maintenance access and when rerouting or other protection is needed.
Read thisWhy pipework is tested before floors and walls are closed
Plan professional pipework checks before finishes hide the installation. Agree test scope, access, records and responsibility for changes after the test.
Read thisPlanning pipework through fire-resisting walls and floors
Coordinate pipework through fire-resisting walls and floors. Agree the penetration design, responsible trades, inspection evidence and completion records.
Read thisA practical plumbing refurbishment checklist
Plan a plumbing refurbishment before floors and walls are closed. Check supply, pipe routes, access, installation stages and the scope of each quote.
Read thisWhere to plan plumbing access panels before finishing a room
Plan plumbing access before boxing, tiling or fitting cabinetry. Identify serviceable valves, traps and controls, and agree usable maintenance openings.
Read thisA plumbing first-fix checklist before walls and floors close
Check pipe routes, fitting positions, access and test records before first-fix plumbing is covered, so the next stage of your project can proceed clearly.
Read thisA plumbing quote checklist for repairs and projects
Compare plumbing quotes using a clear checklist of scope, materials, access, exclusions and completion. Ask useful questions before approving the work.
Read thisQuarter-turn or traditional taps: choosing a replacement
Compare quarter-turn and traditional taps for everyday use, repair parts, supply suitability and replacement access before choosing a new fitting.
Read thisReplacing an old water supply pipe: survey, route and handover
Plan an old water supply pipe replacement, from ownership and route checks to connection work, surface reinstatement and the records to keep afterwards.
Read thisMixer or electric shower: installation requirements
Compare mixer and electric showers by water supply, hot-water demand, electrical capacity and replacement access before choosing a bathroom upgrade.
Read thisWould a shower pump suit the existing water system?
Assess shower-pump suitability using the actual supply, stored-water capacity, outlet height and manufacturer requirements before planning an installation.
Read thisReplace the tap cartridge or the whole tap?
Compare a tap cartridge repair with full replacement using the exact model, body condition, parts availability and access beneath the basin or sink.
Read thisChoosing a tap for the available water pressure
Choose a tap using measured supply performance and the manufacturer’s pressure and flow data, especially where hot water is gravity-fed or shared.
Read thisWhy a thermostatic shower changes temperature
Investigate a thermostatic shower that runs hot and cold by separating mixer faults, supply changes and wider hot-water problems before choosing repair.
Read thisA toilet keeps refilling: what needs repair?
Understand repeated toilet refilling by separating flush-seal leakage, inlet-valve faults and control problems, with access and repair options explained.
Read thisChoosing a toilet that fits the soil connection
Plan toilet replacement around outlet direction, soil-pipe position, pan dimensions, cistern supply and floor condition before ordering the new suite.
Read thisPlanning washing machine and dishwasher plumbing connections
Plan washing machine and dishwasher connections with suitable water supplies, waste routes and accessible valves, including changes during a kitchen refit.
Read thisBanging pipes after a new tap or valve: what needs checking?
Trace banging that began after a tap or valve replacement. Compare closure behaviour, pipe support and pressure evidence before choosing a suitable repair.
Read thisLow water pressure: finding where the problem starts
Low water pressure at a tap, shower or throughout the property? Compare the symptoms safely and understand when to contact your supplier or a plumber.
Read thisStopcock leaking: safe checks and repair planning
A leaking stopcock can affect your ability to shut off water. Learn what to report, why forcing it can make things worse and how repair is arranged.
Read thisToilet leaking at the base: find the source first
Water around a toilet base can come from several places. Learn what to observe safely, when to stop using it and what a proper repair should address.
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