This is the book for anyone who wants a quick, easy-to-understand and affordable guide to mastering basic household plumbing and heating jobs. A straightforward guide to plumbing and central heating tasks Master Basic Plumbing and Central Heating is a straightforward guide to such easy, yet frequently mysterious, tasks as replacing a radiator or changing a tap; it also offers ample help for such crises as blocked toilets and frozen pipes. It will tell you all about the layout of a house and water system, then show you how to undertake basic emergency repairs; complete small and achievable projects; and even tackle bigger things like installing a bathroom suite or plumbing in a dishwasher. With plenty of illustrations, step-by-step guides, a full glossary and a whole chapter on how and when to call in expert help, this book is perfect for you if you dread the expense of call-out charges and labour. Master Basic Plumbing and Central Heating includes: Chapter 1: The plumbing in your home Incoming cold water supply Cold supply inside the dwelling The storage cistern The toilet flushing cistern Hard and soft water Water softeners and water conditioners The above-ground drainage system The below-ground drainage system Protective equipotential earth bond Chapter 2: Hot water in your home Gas installations Oil installations Flues and ventilation for gas- and oil-burning appliances Hot water supply Hot water storage systems Direct systems of hot water supply Indirect systems of hot water supply Instantaneous systems of domestic hot water supply Thermal storage systems of hot water supply Choice of domestic hot water supply Chapter 3: Domestic central heating Radiant heating Central heating systems using radiators Radiators and heat emitters The boiler Heating controls Protecting heating systems Chapter 4: Emergencies and contingency work 1 Turning off the water supply Draining water from the various systems A dripping tap Water leaking from the body of a tap Lack of water flow from a tap Toilet will not flush Toilet continuously discharging water into the pan Toilet or storage cistern overflowing Toilet leaks when it is flushed Chapter 5: Emergencies and contingency work 2 Burst pipes Noises from the pipework Hot water problems Blockages to the waste water pipework Smell of gas fumes Chapter 6: Plumbing processes Corrosion Pipework used for water supplies Copper pipework and fittings Bending copper tube Plastic pipework and fittings for hot and cold pipework Specialist plumbing tools Chapter 7: Ancillary works and maintenance Employing a qualified professional Gas or oil boiler maintenance Gas fire maintenance General plumbing maintenance Chapter 8: Undertaking small plumbing projects Installing a washing machine or dishwasher Installing a water softener Making a branch connection to the existing vertical soil pipe Installing an outside tap Removing a radiator to decorate behind it Repairing the incoming water supply main Replacing the supply main Installing a new storage cistern Faulty immersion heaters Insulating to prevent freezing and frost damage Installing new guttering and rainwater pipes Installing a new WC suite Installing a new sink, basin or bath taps Installing a new sink, basin or bath Installing a shower cubicle Replacing a shower booster pump Learn effortlessly with a new easy-to-read page design and interactive features: Not got much time? One, five and ten-minute introductions to key principles to get you started. Author insights Lots of instant help with common problems and quick tips for success, based on the author's many years of experience. Test yourself Tests in the book and online to keep track of your progress. Extend your knowledge Extra online articles to give you a richer understanding of the subject. Five things to remember Quick refreshers to help you remember the key facts. Try this Innovative exercises illustrate what you've learnt and how to use it.