To think I can do these plumbing jobs

[Blackjackontherocks]

We’ve been doing work on the house and it’s been a nightmare getting trades out to even quote for jobs, let alone do them. We now need some a plumber and cannot get one for love nor money. One plumber came out to quote, pencilled us in and then didn’t turn up and kept saying he’ll come ‘tomorrow first thing’ for several days. In the end we said we’ll make alternative arrangements.

But I’m starting to think I might just give some of it a go myself. I want to change some old radiators to column radiators and install a new toilet and sink in the en-suite (plus panel the walls in tongue and groove). The radiators are the same size as the existing ones so no changing piping which I’ve read is the real tricky but. There’s some other stuff that definitely needs a professional that I’m not going to mess with.

Full disclosure, I have no experience with plumbing, but lots of experience with watching instructional YouTube videos. Shall I give it a go??

Having watched DH fit new taps and a couple of new radiators in our last two houses I can say it’s more difficult than the YouTube videos make it look. I don’t know why he keeps attempting these things tbh.
This last time after fitting the rad he added the inhibitor & started refilling the system there was an issue. The system was drained and refilled 3 times before he sorted it, we are on a water meter too!
I live in fear of getting up and being ankle deep in water. Good luck!

Hmm, a flood doesn’t sound too good. Might have to continue my quest for a plumber.

I have done both those things. I hate plumbing but it’s completely possible! There is usually a lot of swearing but our radiator does not leak, and neither do the toilet and sink! The sink will be relatively straightforward compared to the rest but consider what order to things in - and do you have another bathroom you can use in the meantime?

I have put in new sinks and taps to existing pipes and done a replacement radiator too ages ago. You will likely need another pair of hands but why not go for it? I didn't do the toilet thoufh left that to someone else

We have another bathroom thank god!

I thought the sink would be the most difficult part, interesting that you say it’s relatively easy. Fuck it, I’m ordering 5 radiators right now.

The older I get, the less willing I get to pay for people to do non-dangerous stuff that is basically joining things together and fixing things.. would obviously never attempt proper electrics or gas work or anything liable to create carbon monoxide but all the things you have described are totally possible for DIY-ers. SO sick of flaky crappy tradesmen.

Definitely give it a go. I'm building an entire house on the premise you described. I'm googling my way through it and hiring no-one, saving me an absolute fortune. I'm getting pretty skilled too. 💪 Go for it

Hmm, a flood doesn’t sound too good.

Yeh, floods are definitely sub optimal.

I think with most of this stuff the difficulty as a diy-er comes from how physical and time consuming it is when it's something you're only dabbling in.

I'd be relatively happy with taps and sinks, that's pretty simple. Radiators less so but that's more because draining the system and refilling it and all that bollocks is tedious and time consuming/headache inducing. Plus radiators are heavier than I always expect them to be and re-attaching them to the wall is a pain. The actual pipework part is less daunting!

Before you tackle the sink and WC look to see if there are isolating valves on the water pipes. If there are it’s easier to turn these off, than the stop tap and draining the water system.

I’ve done all these things with varying degrees of success.

The radiators and the toilet were straight forward. Just make sure you use brass olives with the radiator fittings and use two pairs of water pump pliers. Also put a cloth round the fittings so you don’t mark the metalwork.

For the sink - attach the taps and flexi fittings first before putting the sink in place. If you don’t already have a valve on each pipe, now would be a great time to install them. Will also make it easier to isolate each taps water supply. Also install the plug hole first. Use plumbers mait to seal underneath.

The only issue I had with the sink was the waste disposal pipe work. It that was only due to the limited space in the sink unit.

I’m not an expert. I mainly use YouTube videos and read product reviews to find the best stuff to use. I’m sure you can do it!

DH tries all this stuff with no proper training or experience. He just fitted a new bath - bit of huffing and puffing but got there

Sink and toilet - absolutely. No doubts at all.
Radiators would worry me a little more, would prefer to be doing it in the summer so no time pressure. But if youtube looks reasonable then go for it.

Sinks are easier because they’re lighter and don’t involve emptying the toilet bowl (ew) or trying to drain the filthy water out of the radiators first! The toilet isn’t actually technically difficult but it’s a lot smellier. Put a plastic bag over the waste pipe for both toilet and sink and secure with an elastic band until you’re ready to reconnect the pipes to stop the room filling up with sewer fumes and smells!

My husband did the toilet and sink in our downstairs bathroom. He did a much better job than the plumbers who fitted the upstairs one. He did have my dad standing over him though who is also not a plumber but has done a lot of plumbing. Plumbers seem to be the worst to get in - if you are handy and sensible I would go for it. My husband also changed our kitchen tap last week as the one the plumbers fitted broke (because it hadn’t been fitted properly!)