Some plumbing related questions

Leif

I had a new combi boiler and pipes put in, and although it seems fine, I am wondering about some details, mainly to help when I next get trades in.

They replaced all of the pipes which were above ground, with ones in the concrete floor. The radiator lock shield valves were left wide open. Is it usual for the plumber to balance them or the home owner?

The old pipes went through walls. Where the holes were, they filled, but very roughly, so I went over with Easifill to make good. When questioned he said making good was not in the contract. Is this usual?

They put a TRV on the radiator next to the thermostat. Is that usual? I've read it is not a good idea, in which case should I remove it?

They weren't going to show me how to use the boiler, but when he was leaving for the last time, I asked if he would, as it is part of the installation according to Worcester Bosch. Is it usual to give some instruction, or just leave the manual?

Most of the pipes in the screed were plastic, but a few short length to the drain cocks were copper. These appear to have been buried in cement with no sheathing. Is this okay?

Part of the reason to ask is to find out if the plumbers are good, as the boiler will need servicing soon. If they were cutting corners, then I'll use someone recommended by my neighbour.

Mr_Ted

:rotfl:Sounds like its to late to do anything now anyway :rotfl: but most of what you say is not good practice, modern practice maybe, but not good!

Leif

Mr_Ted wrote: »

:rotfl:Sounds like its to late to do anything now anyway :rotfl: but most of what you say is not good practice, modern practice maybe, but not good!

Yes quite, so a good plumber would have done the extra stuff such as balancing? My neighbour said they should have balanced the radiators. Trades I've had by recommendation have been good. These were one of two lots from CheckATrade. I am about to take the others to court if they do not agree to compensation mediated by Trading Standards.

Maybe the plumbers here have not commented because they believed the crap about me being 'anti-trade' and other unpleasant character assassinations from the Mr Nasty plumber here.

gas4you

It is normal and part of the job to balance the radiators.

Any copper pipe in screed or concrete floors should be protected from the material. Even plastic pipe should be protected. I always put plastic pipe in plastic conduit.

Making good of the walls, is usually left 'as good as one can get in one go'. The customer can tidy to his standard afterwards when it has dried/hardened.

I always show the customer how to use the boiler and set the programmer and controls. I also allow for a 'free' return visit at a later date assuming they may forget how to do it, especially as most of my customers are elderly.

The radiator in the room with the room thermostat should not have a TRV fitted.

HTH

Leif

gas4you: Thank you very much. I won't be having them do the service then. The plastic pipes were wrapped in a coarse hairy brown sleeve, and bitumen placed at the bottom of the trenches where the torn damp proof membrane was.

unclebulgaria

Leif wrote: »

I had a new combi boiler and pipes put in, and although it seems fine, I am wondering about some details, mainly to help when I next get trades in.

They replaced all of the pipes which were above ground, with ones in the concrete floor. The radiator lock shield valves were left wide open. Is it usual for the plumber to balance them or the home owner?
The installing engineer should always balance the rads unless he's very confident that every radiator gets hot without any problems.

The old pipes went through walls. Where the holes were, they filled, but very roughly, so I went over with Easifill to make good. When questioned he said making good was not in the contract. Is this usual?
You've answered this one, is it in the estimate/quote? I think this guys being lazy not making good, sounds like he was rushing, it doesnt take long to do or it just rubs the customer up the wrong way

They put a TRV on the radiator next to the thermostat. Is that usual? I've read it is not a good idea, in which case should I remove it?
Nah, TRV's in the same room as the stat is a no no.

They weren't going to show me how to use the boiler, but when he was leaving for the last time, I asked if he would, as it is part of the installation according to Worcester Bosch. Is it usual to give some instruction, or just leave the manual?
Forget the instructions, this should be done out of curtesy anyway! Is this guy an a*se?

Most of the pipes in the screed were plastic, but a few short length to the drain cocks were copper. These appear to have been buried in cement with no sheathing. Is this okay?
Bit late like Ted said, but copper doesn't like cement based products, it rots when naked. It should be under 25mm of cement too or it'll crack if in a walk zone.

Part of the reason to ask is to find out if the plumbers are good, as the boiler will need servicing soon. If they were cutting corners, then I'll use someone recommended by my neighbour.

They sound lazy but you were there. You're not daft Leif, I think you know these guys aren't thinking of your future custom but more their profit and time now! Get someone else in and when they ask why tell them!

Mr Nasty Plumber?? That stung! Im a Plumbing and heating Mr Nasty. X

Leif

unclebulgaria wrote: »

That stung! Im a Plumbing and heating Mr Nasty. X

:rotfl:Thank you. Fortunately my neighbour's plumber is good.