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https://www.askthetrades.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl DIY Forum >> Plumbing Questions >> Stopping hot water flow to fit bath and basin taps https://www.askthetrades.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl?num=1321971538 Message started by Neville on Nov 22^nd, 2011, 2:18pm

Title: Stopping hot water flow to fit bath and basin taps
Post by Neville on Nov 22^nd, 2011, 2:18pm

I need to stop the hot water flow to enable me to fit new bath and basin taps. Is there an easier way than flushing the entire system?...and are the pipe freezer kits reliable... and if they are, how long do they hold the flow for? Finally, when I've stopped the flow, is it advisable/possible to put an in-line tap before the sink taps to make washer replacement easier in due course? Or is it not a good idea? Many thanks.

Title: Re: Stopping hot water flow to fit bath and basin taps
Post by Lectrician on Nov 22^nd, 2011, 7:03pm

You shouldn't need to "flush" everything out.

You should be able to isolate the pipework at gate valves / stop valves, likely close to the hot water cylinder, water tank or (if a combi), the boiler.

Once water has stopped flowing at the tap, you can cut the pipe - there will be some water in the pipe, opening the kitchen taps (assuming they are downstairs and lower than the bathroom) will drain the pipes. You can then fit some isolation valves, or some flexi tap tails with isolation valves fitted.

Got any photos of your pipework / airing cupboard / boiler?

Isolation Valve:

Isolation Valve On Flexi Hose/Tail:

Title: Re: Stopping hot water flow to fit bath and basin taps
Post by thescruff on Nov 22^nd, 2011, 8:40pm

Note the arrow on the valve body it must point towards the tap.

Title: Re: Stopping hot water flow to fit bath and basin taps
Post by Neville on Nov 26^th, 2011, 10:16am

Lectrician. Thanks very much. There is an isolation valve next to the water tank and I have flexi connectors and isolation valves as you have shown. Before I need to bother you again, I will see if I can stop the flow (checking first by trying the kitchen taps as you have suggested) and take it from there.

When I do fit the taps (I'm doing a shower room upstairs and complete bathroom downstairs - it's a cranky old house!) is it OK to leave the isolation valves in-line for both hot and cold taps; bath and washbasin? Once again thanks very much. Neville

Title: Re: Stopping hot water flow to fit bath and basin taps
Post by Neville on Nov 26^th, 2011, 10:17am

Thanks too to TheScruff for the advice. Neville

Title: Re: Stopping hot water flow to fit bath and basin taps
Post by CWatters on Nov 26^th, 2011, 1:03pm

wrote on Nov 26^th, 2011, 10:16am:

When I do fit the taps (I'm doing a shower room upstairs and complete bathroom downstairs - it's a cranky old house!) is it OK to leave the isolation valves in-line for both hot and cold taps; bath and washbasin? Once again thanks very much. Neville

Ideally you would have isolation valves (typically 22mm) strategically positioned so you can switch off the flow to part of the house (eg if there is a bursts pipe or you need to redo a bathroom) and screwdriver operated isolation valves (typically 15mm) close to each tap/wc to make changing washers easy. I would look for "full bore" types that when open don't restrict the flow much. Screwfix sell them.

Title: Re: Stopping hot water flow to fit bath and basin taps
Post by Neville on Dec 17^th, 2011, 11:58am

Bath and basin taps vary so much in price, from very affordable to stunningly expensive. What is one paying for with the high-priced ones as they seem remarkably similar to the much cheaper ones? Thanks.

Title: Re: Stopping hot water flow to fit bath and basin taps
Post by thescruff on Dec 17^th, 2011, 3:48pm

Quality, material thickness, finish, and designer in the description.

Title: Re: Stopping hot water flow to fit bath and basin taps
Post by CWatters on Dec 17^th, 2011, 8:08pm

What he said. These days it's possible to chrome plate plastic not just brass or other metals.

Go to a DIY store and play with the taps on display. Then go find some expensive taps in a posh showroom and do the same. In the DIY stores the tap handles will probably be loose but sometimes it's not just the handle but the shaft bearing. Try pulling and pushing the handle sideways gently.

Aside: It amazes me that DIY store managers allow wobbly head taps on display but perhaps they can't see poor quality when it's staring them in the face.

Title: Re: Stopping hot water flow to fit bath and basin taps
Post by Neville on Dec 18^th, 2011, 12:41pm

Thanks for the advice; it's good to know that price and quality do have a direct relationship. I just didn't want to be an idiot by paying top price for a standard product.

A very Happy Christmas and Prosperous New Year to both The Scruff and CWatters and anyone else reading this.

Neville

Title: Re: Stopping hot water flow to fit bath and basin taps
Post by thescruff on Dec 18^th, 2011, 1:22pm

And a Merry Christmas to you as well.

For quality, avoid the shed where possible.

Title: Re: Stopping hot water flow to fit bath and basin taps
Post by Neville on Dec 19^th, 2011, 4:43pm

Thanks, your advice re sheds is noted. Is online safer? e.g Victorian Plumbing and similar ones or can't you/won't you say? (I'll understand if you'd prefer not to comment)

Cheers [smiley=drink.gif]