Bathroom Renovation & Heating

LaurenHeath123

Hi All,

I am renovating my house but the next task is first fix plumbing and heating. Plumber/heating engineer is coming around tomorrow to go through everything with me but I wanted a 'heads up' as to what to expect. I am completely clueless!

What does first fix mean? I know he'll be putting the pipework down and fixing the boiler to the wall but what else does this entail? I have seen pictures of peoples bathrooms where there is wood framing on the walls (stud work?), is this something I should expect? I want to hide the pipework but presumed I could do this through plaster?

I am having complete new bathroom - freestanding bath, shower, high level toilet and sink.

Doozergirl

A plumber won't be putting in studwork. Forst fix is all the pipework that allows things like plastering and tiling happen around the house before the visible plumbing fittings go in.

You will need to be clear about his remit though. Is he plumbing & heating only or is he a bonafide bathroom fitter as well? Plumbers do plumbing. They might do a bit of chasing but they probably won't be creating the spaces for all pipes to be hidden etc. or plastering over damage, boarding ready for tiling.

LaurenHeath123

Thanks for getting back to me Doozergirl.
Plumber and heating engineer so will only be doing the plumbing and heating. I have asked that things are chased in walls but I have asked the builder to come around tomorrow as well so they can work out the best course of action. Far better than it just being me there as I haven't really got a clue when it comes to what can happen and what can't.

I was worried that we would have to have the stud work done before he arrived but I'm guessing thats not the case because it may not be needed. I just want to make sure that everything is ready for him to do the first fix so there aren't any unnecessary delays.

FreeBear

LaurenHeath123 wrote: »

I have asked that things are chased in walls but I have asked the builder to come around tomorrow as well so they can work out the best course of action. Far better than it just being me there as I haven't really got a clue when it comes to what can happen and what can't.

Some will advise against burying pipes in walls as it means the plaster has to be wrecked if there is ever a leak. However, good quality pipe shouldn't leak and will last a lifetime if precautions are taken.

Sleeve all copper pipe in plastic conduit, never put a joint in the pipework that is embedded, and put a steel plate over the top of the chase. The plastic will protect the copper pipe from corrosion caused by the plaster, and the steel plate will stop nails being casually hammered in - Use stainless steel if you can, or galvanised mild steel - It only needs to be 1-1.6mm thick.

LaurenHeath123

The plumber had warned me of this but mentioned using plastic pipe rather than copper? Will this make a difference?

Le_Kirk

No, use copper pipes but put a plastic sleeve over it.