Plumbing is fitting pipes together to move liquid.

Water mains (from well or boiler) typically use ¾” pipe. Pipes to fixtures (link sinks, showers etc.) are ½” pipe.

Two important factors are:

  • Flow rate: Amount of water in litres per minute
  • Static pressure: Pressure as measured in the pipe coming in

Fittings

Fittings usually come in brass and copper. They can be compression fit, push fit (tectite) or soldered.

Number of fittingFitting type
310Straight coupling
315Elbow (right angle) bend
318T Junction coupling

Balancing Radiators

  1. Turn off boilers nearest the radiator
  2. Put the boiler on and wait for the furthest radiators away to get the hottest they can
  3. Slowly turn on radiators until you get back to the boiler

See alao: How to Balance Your Radiators | Save Money and Increase Heat

Filling Radiators with inhibitor

  1. Identify “highest” radiator
  2. Shut off fill (where TRV is) and return/lock valve on bottom of radiator
  3. Open the bleed valve and opposite valve at the top and keep both open
  4. Fill inhibitor from one side at top and look for water/air displacement from other side at the top
  5. Once inhibitor filled, close both top valves and open both bottom ones
  6. Run heating system for 30/40 minutes and check for air in radiators

See How to Add Inhibitor to a Central Heating System - Quick and Easy Method