hello, I'm new to the forum, apologies if I sound stupid. I recently completed one of those fast track plumbing courses that I know you all hate so much but decided to do it because I was sick of sitting at my computer for the last 17 years doing the same, day in day out. I openly admit to having very little experience & haven't attempted any big plumbing jobs since completing the course a couple of months ago - just the odd outside tap & faulty tap washers etc. Trouble is someone from my work has now asked me if I could fit her an ensuite in her planned new extension, as well as add a couple of radiators. I'm not that confident but said I'd have a think about it for her. My question is whether amything I did for her would need building/water regulations notification? She wants a new toilet, basin & shower - at this point I have very little info (she's given me a copy of some basic plans, nothing else). I'd like to do it for her as I'd be cheap (!) plus it'd give me some good experience. If I'm out of my depth I'll tell her. Any comments appreciated (be gentle?), thanks

Hi again.

To be a good plumber you need an ability to use yours hands, eyes and brains. Nothing is ever text book, no two bathrooms are ever the same, so just go for it, but take your time and think about what you're doing two or three times before you doit.

_________________
If you feel you have benefited from the Free advice given on the Forum, Please consider making a donation to UHM's Nominated charity, read all about it and donate here :

donnas-dream-house-charity-t52110.html

Ditto.

Plan it out - in your mind + on paper if you have to

_________________
Sciatica is a pain in the Ar5e ............ and leg

Just make sure you get the drainage right first 'cos it only flows one way, all the other supplies are under pressure and you can do what you want with them.

You will have to accept that you will be slow and earn a crap hourly wage for this one the customer shouldn't have to pay extra for you to practise.

Make sure you agree in writing exactly what is and isn't included in the job.

Good luck, we're looking forward to lots of questions about shower tray bases etc

thanks for the replies folks - yeah not looking forward to the shower part - might have to leave that bit to a real plumber if I get stuck! I'm more interested in doing it/getting more experience for myself rather than making any money out of it so I'll be taking my time & giving it a lot of thought. I do have a good mate who's a central heating engineer so he's already said he'll guide me on the radiators bit. Just not sure about having to notify water authority of anything though??

Nice one mate - i started out a lone CC just like that!

1) Get advice when stuck
2) Tighten everything twice (or it will leak everywhere!)
3) DOnt tell the customer every move you are going to make
(out of insecurity/you aint good enough to know yet!)

Still your confidence will get a shot in the arm when you have done it.

I now work for offices, housing estate and use other tradesman for boiler and bathroom jobs.

Could be you too!

Hi SP!

You asked about notification to building control. As I understand things, this is not required for replacement/upgrades, but would be if for example a toilet was fitted as a new install...

rgds,

Tec

It's a classic example of why these courses are a bad way to get into the industry.

A time served Plumber will have years under his belt and know how to do things properly, a Course cowboy will be hitting a brick wall even with the basics.

I feel that you will be learning at the customers expense, therefore should turn the job down until you have gained the correct experience. I suggest working with someone who knows his onions before tackling this particular project.