Here at Able Skills we are now providing basic tutorial videos for our students and generally for people interested in learning new skills. In this tutorial our expert Plumbing instructor Jim goes over how to correctly join pipework together using compression joints. Compression fittings are used to join copper piping together for water and […]
Thermostatic valves are fitted to the valve on the side of the radiator. Here’s our handy guide on how to remove the radiator and fit the new thermo valve. This will give you more control over the temperature in your room. It’s fairly straightforward but there are a few tricky connections to negotiate and you’ll […]
TA thermostatic valve will let you control the temperature in your room by turning the radiators on and off at certain temperatures. They sit on top of the valve at the side of the radiator and monitor the ambient temperature of the room. When this hits a certain point, the thermostatic valve shuts off the […]
It’s necessary to remove radiators for a number of reasons, including bleeding and to paint or wallpaper behind them. Here’s our handy guide on how to remove, clean, replace and refill radiators for a more efficient heating system. Step 1. Remove radiator Once the radiator is empty, there will still be sludge in the bottom. […]
Radiator systems can have trapped air or the water may need changing every now and then. So, it’s a useful skill to be able to bleed them. Here’s our guide on how to do it, isolating the radiator from the system for maximum safety. Step 1. Use your radiator bleed key Always use your radiator […]
Once your radiator and pipe clips are in place, it’s time to fit your radiator pipes. Here’s our quick and easy guide on how to fit them securely and evenly for effective and neat pipework. Step 1. Find your centre line Using a small off-cut of pipe, fit it to your radiator valve so that […]
After you’ve fitted your radiator, you need to fit the pipes to feed and drain them. These should run in a straight and even line along the wall under the radiator. Here’s our easy-to-use guide on how to measure out and fit pipe clips of different sizes. Step 1. Mark the centre of the flow […]
When you buy new radiators, they need to be fitted to the wall and hung on brackets. Here’s our easy guide on how to fit your brackets straight and even, so that your radiator hangs in the correct position. Step 1. Remember the pipes More often then not, the pipes for the radiator will be […]
A guide on how to fit radiator valves, bleed valves and stoppers. This includes knowing which side to fit the valves in order to have easy access to the radiator. We’ll also tell you how to make sure they are waterproof, and how to mount them using your brackets at the correct height. Step 1. […]
When you buy new radiators, they will come with some parts already included. Other parts you will have to buy in order to fit and fix to the wall in working condition. Here’s a quick guide to help you understand radiators. Step 1. Identify parts When you buy a radiator, all the clips are already […]
Here’s our straightforward guide to plastic compression fitting, including what’s available, how to use them and why they’re a great choice for kitchen and bathroom plumbing jobs. Step 1. Styles of compression fitting Compression fittings come in various shapes and sizes. The one pictured is a standard straight 1 ½ to 1 ¼ inch reducer […]
Bath tubs, plus the water they hold, and the person taking a bath can be extremely heavy. That’s why you need to spread the weight evenly across the floor and the walls. Here’s a guide for what you need to know and how to safely fit your new tub. Step 1. Turn off the water […]
