Recent Job: Repair to leaking Shower Tray and Enclosure.

As seen from the accompanying photos, our customer had a bit of a problem. 

His tenants were seeing drips of water appearing on the living room ceiling everytime the shower was used.

Solution:- Remove shower enclosure doors and bottom rows of tiles to enable tray to be removed.

Further rows of wall tiles and part of the plasterboard wall had to be taken off to find a sound area of wall to restart from. 

The damaged wall had new marine plywood sections inserted to allow the  shower tray to be reinstated and properly sealed using undertile PVC trims bedded in silicone.  

 

The walls were retiled and grouted and the doors cleaned, refitted and sealed.

And voila no more drips!

Happy Tenants!

Happy Landlord!

Happy Plumbers!

Was it Lehman Brothers that caused this Recession possibly! But who is continuing it - ME and YOU!

.

I blame us on this continuing Recession!  As soon as we started bringing a lunchbox to work things went AWOL.

The local Deli that sold sandwiches had to close, meaning that the Baker supplying them had to make a person redundant. Because of (sand)which their family had to economise and put that new shower room they had planned back onto the wish list.

Juxtaposition less work for us PLUMBERS!

Moral of the story - Spread the Dosh it comes back to you!- lets stop hoarding for a rainy day - its teeming out there!

OUR wee ADVERT

It costs you nothing to have a reliable honest down to earth Electrician/Plumber/Boiler Engineer call to your door, equipped with loads of experience, honesty and a desire to help.

Free estimates, quick response.

James Davey Plumbing and Heating

Mob. 07531984173                See us on Twitter @fabplumber

Email: belfastplumber@gmail.com

Serving the Belfast, Glengormley, Newtownabbey, Lisburn, Carryduff, Holywood and Crumlin areas for over 20 years.

- Emergency Service with no call-out fee

- Boiler repairs, servicing & maintenance

- Fires

- Flue pipe installations and repairs, raincaps, terminals, storm collars, wall fixing brackets, renewals

- Bathroom installations

- Power showers

- Kitchen installations

- Tiling floor & wall also PVC cladding

- Electrical, spotlights, extractors, shower units, additional sockets, timeclocks, programmers, and motorised valves

- Blocked wastes and drains cleared promptly and at competitive rates

- Burst pipes and leaks

- Utility rooms plumbed & wired, Belfast sinks

- Washroom Maintenance – automatic and hide away cisterns – urinals unblocked renewed repaired

- Outside taps

- Heating problems, power flushing, loss of pressure, no hot water

- Storage tanks

- Hot water cylinder repairs vented & unvented, renewals, immersion heater problems solved

- Washing machines and tumble dryers installed

- American style fridges plumbed for ice, water filter cartridges

- Oil tank, filter, fire valve and pipe work leaks and renewals and installation

- Free plumbing & heating advice on all aspects of construction from loft conversions to conservatories

-Frost Thermostats to offer protection against burst pipes.

Past customer recommendations available

Belfast Online

FROST BURST BEDLAM!




Have you seen Jack Frost!

Jack in Action

Hope not - we were inundated over the Crisis!

The minus 13 degrees C that it reached in Belfast was beyond the protection of any form of pipe insulation and so we are retro-fitting Frost Thermostats to oil fired central heating systems.


When fitted this Frost stat overrides the action of the TimeClock / Programmer should the outside temperature fall below the Stat's preset level to start up your heating boiler.

Incorporating a Pipe Thermostat it brings the temperature of the system to a set safe level to protect your pipework and home before turning the heating off again to save on fuel costs.

Result: Peace of mind should you be away from your property or when a sudden cold snap occurs.


Highly recommended!!!

How to make Dough out of a Belfast Bap

Many many years ago my Dad told a story of buns versus Belfast Baps.

See in the black and white days of TV when the blue ball was behind the yellow as said on "Pot Black" plumbers had to contend with lead pipes.

It happened on a bright and sunny Saturday morning in beautiful Belfast. 
He related a story of a job at a Doctor's Surgery on the Springfield Road, him and his apprentice were tackling a burst lead pipe at its front entrance.

The plan was a quick "diggy uppey", find the burst, isolate it at the street valve, wipe a new lead joint, in this case a "Sailor's Hat", restore the supply and off to enjoy the rest of the day.

The plan went astray when the valve failed to completely turn the water off and no chance of a helpful DOE Water Commissioner calling out to shut down the entire street.

Resourcefulness is the bedlinen of a good plumber and he snuggled up in the knowledge of an old trick. By making a dough plug out of the insides of a Belfast Bap and ramming it tight into the offending pipe the water could be stanched for just enough time for solder to be heated and applied to make the joint. His apprentice John was thus dispatched across the street to were a wee old lady was just entering her home laden with a couple of bags of groceries.

He tells that it took his apprentice John 20 minutes to return carrying a tray laden with buns, cups and a pot of tea with the wee old lady in tow. They sat then on the garden wall exchanging pleasantries until the Good Samaritan was satisfied that her philantropic deed had been rewarded with empty cups and crumbs left on her best china.

The explanation followed from John "Sorry boss, I just knocked her door and asked could she spare a piece of bread for the plumbers working across the street, I think she thought we were half starved.!"

"John, away down the street to that shop and buy a Belfast Bap and don't let that wee woman catch you  carrying it back and thinking we're still hungry, she'll be back over with more buns!"

Lessons in Plumbing:- Chapter 1

Module 1: Plumbing Tools, Terms & their Recognition!

BT Ewes

BTUs British Thermal Units

Plumbers Mate

 

Crows Foot

Crows Foot Wrench

Kids Slide

Plumbers Slide (ok guide!)

Leek

Leak

Flux

Footprints

Footprints

Arbor in Belfast

Harbour in Belfast

And there you have it - easy peasey!

The next Lesson: Module 1.1 is entitled "The London Olympic Village and the use of Male and Female Plumbing Connections!"

Antidote against the Recession/Depression!

RECIPE FOR PLUMBERS BROTH - 

LEEK Soup!

With the combo of the awful weather for July and the recession/depression here's a liquid solution that will at least temporarily kiss your woes away!

This takes about 45 mins for prep and to cook. All amounts are in plumber's terms.

Ingredients:

Small lump of butter

Spuds (Comber are nice) by 2lbs

Small handful chopped chives

Even smaller handful of parsley (fresh please)

Chicken stock aboutapint.com

Leeks x couple of bursts! wash and slice green and white bits (without the elastic bands)

Onion

Couple of Bay leaves

1/2pint of Milk

Salt and black pepper to suit

Into a large pot add the butter, onion and leeks and saute for 5-10mins stirring often. Then add the chicken stock, half of the milk, spuds, parsley and bay leaves bring to boil and simmer for half an hour. Remove bay leaves let the potion cool and then blend in a food processor to a puree. To serve asap just add the rest of the milk heat up and stir. Serve and springle with chives delish.com

FAQ's - Frequently Asked Questions (Chapter 1 Part 1)

Q: Do you know the way to San José?

A: No but try itunes.

Q: Do you bite?

A: Me no, but the Bro - only on Tuesdays under a full moon.

Q: Do you know next week's winning Lottery numbers?

A: Yes - so you need to phone this week as next week (Volcano permitting) we are in Switzerland consulting a Banker.

Q: What temperature should i set my oven at to bake a plumb pudding er tart i think?

A: 180C / Gas mark 4 - but please check the spelling you entered in your search.

Q: If i keep eating ginger nut biscuits will my hair turn ginger?

A: dooh!!!

Q: My boiler is broken - how much would you charge to call out and look at it?

A: If you were able to bring your boiler to us (which is impossible) there would be no charge usually we call out at no charge diagnose whats wrong and give you a price for the repair but would need a bit more info via the phone. Also we don't like to use an hourly rate as we view loitering as a crime!

Q: When I put my heating on it seems that some of my radiators are not heating as well as others, can you suggest a remedy?

A: Would need a bit more info just give us a bell.

Q: There seems to be a problem with my cistern especially at night if its flushed there's a terrible rattling noise from the pipes, you would think they are about to explode can you help me?

A: Its what we call a "water hammer". The reason it occurs more frequently at night is that with less people using water in the area the water pressure increases. I could bambuzzle you with the scienctific cause being related to frequency & resonance but put simply a new equilibrium type ballvalve fitted to your storage tank will in most cases cure the problem but give us a bell.

Mob. 07531984173 Email: jd-plumber@hotmail.co.uk

Q: I work most days could you call after 5pm or at weekends?

A: Yep no prob we would make an appointment and would text/call to say we were enroute and give our ETA.

Q: My boilers working ok although its been a while since its been serviced why should i get it serviced now?

A: Ok lets not even mention the really important things like safety and efficiency lets just go back to basics from an Engineers point of view - Bolts, Screws, Wingnuts, etc under the working conditions of the boiler namely heat moisture condensation and weathering will rust seize break - this results in your Engineer having to spend time drilling them out to get access to the boiler innards and then renewing them later an expense in time and parts that he may have to ask you for.

Q: How quickly can you respond to an Emergency?

A: I remember a job were we arrived at the same time as the Ambulance! The Lady's Husband had suffered a stroke, fell  and pulled the bathroom radiator off the wall. He ended up ok but we wondered afterwards who she had phoned first.

In a nutshell if we are able to attend we will if not we will tell you this and advise you on what can be done to help.

Q: Why should i pick you instead of another company?

A: There are many good plumbers out there but I only know the work of me and the Bro and so I can only vouch for the quality of us.

Q: What are your "Terms and Conditions"?

A: Please see small print.

Q: Your "Small Print" is that small I can't see it what does it say?

A: We don't have any "Small Print" - but just want to be treated as we treat others with honesty, integrity and respect - fundamentally we are helpers not takers.

Q: What did you say those lottery numbers were again?

A: 07- 5- 31- 9- 8- 41 - 73 @£$! sorry thats our phone number i think its Coffee and Swiss Roll time.

Q: Why are there no more questions?

A: Because I can't think of anymore.

LandlordZONE

Toil is Noble

Seen a lot of (after the snow disappeared - and it gets a wee bit warmer) New Year Resolutions being fulfiled today by girls and boys jogging - toil is noble!

As in if you asked your employee;
"Here big lad need you to move that pile of boxes, if you need a hand give us a shout."
And off you trounce to another job.
Meanwhile back at the ranch it turns out to be an all day job for your employee to move those boxes.
"Boss thats them moved had to stay a wee bit late to do it but its sorted no sweat!"

"Thanks for that - any plans tonight?"
"Not really just meeting the mates at the gym to lift a few weights - see ya in the morning."
And you pay him to lift weights and he pays the Gym to lift weights!

Father Dougal Maguire and the Boiling Kettle!

If my memory serves: -

Scene 1 - Caravan Park in the West of Ireland - Temperature 12 degrees Centigrade - circa 5pm - date unknown;

Father Ted: "Dougal did you bring the Scrabble?"
Father Dougal Maguire: "Ted, not only did I bring the Scrabble, but I brought the Travel Scrabble as well!"
Father Ted: "You forgot did'nt ya!"
Father Dougal: Yes Ted I did sorry."
Father Dougal: "Ted can I boil the kettle?"
Father Ted: "Suppose so, a cup of tea would be nice."
Father Ted: "Dougal that's ten times you'ved boiled that kettle I know we're bored but God Almighty!"
Father Dougal: "Ted what do you think would happen if I kept the button pressed in?"
Father Ted: "You would end up picking hot bits of metal out of your face!"
Father Dougal: "Oh Rightso!"

Scene 2 - My front door - Temperature minus 6 Centigrade - circa 8pm - Saturday 9th January 2010;

Caller: "Hello, I wonder could you help me I've a problem with my oil boiler?"
Me: "Sorry mate am just going in my front door with a takeaway chinese its been a long day could you phone me in the morning?"
Caller: "Understand mate no probs its just I've young kids in the house and need the heating fixed."
Me: "If you phone back in 20 minutes I might be able to give you a bit of advice about it."
Caller: "Yep thanks thats great will phone back then."

30 Minutes later;

Caller: "Hi, we spoke earlier, my oil boilers packed in."
Me: "Yep no prob, is it outside in a boilerhouse?"
Caller: "Its in my garage but what's happened is I got my neighbour to help and he's got it working again could I put you on to him?"
Me: "Is your neighbour a plumber?"
Caller: "No he's a Handyman, here he is."
Handyman: "Hello mate how's it going, listen where can I buy one of them boiler thermostats in the morning know the one at the top of the boiler with the wee temperature dial?"
Me: "Why, do you need one?"
Handyman: "Well this one was'nt working it would'nt bring the boiler on so I opened it up and looped a wire across it and got it going again."

{Noise of Boiler in the Background}

Me: "Could you do me a favour please and turn the boiler off now!"
Handyman: "Ok but why?"
Me: "Put your hand on the heating pipes coming from the boiler are they hot?"
Handyman: "No they're cold."
Me: "The heating pipes are frozen!"
Handyman: "They're frozen!"
Handyman: "Right the heating pipes are frozen!; so what do you think would happen if I kept that wire loop in the thermostat?"
Me: "You would end up picking hot bits of metal out of your face!"
Handyman: "Oh rightso!" (or words to that affect as me and him are from Norn Iron)

Email: jd-plumber@hotmail.co.uk

Romans, Gradients, and my car's petrol gauge

The first plumber's in the Universe were the Roman's (lets just say its so!) who following the invasion of Britain circa 55BC (Before Cisterns - sorry!) employed Gradients (and you thought they used slaves) to build numerous BathHouses throughout their domain. Their engineering knowledge allowed water to be moved and utilised for sanitary purposes.

And to the present day Gradients are still employed (unlike 15% of the workforce) to provide water for our all important needs. Technology has been harnessed to facilitate this movement and we ourselves have also moved on as we no longer use lumps of sponge dipped in vinegar to clean our nether regions, instead we use cute puppy dogs wrapped in tissue.

Gradients have another essential role to play although the High Way(man's) Code would disagree!

Driving up the Hannastown Hill from the foothills of the Black Mountain to the Upper Springfield Road allows a car (not my car by the way) to be put in neutral and glide effortlessly for miles to the Monagh Bypass, a saving to the environment and the wallet. Then if traversing in the opposite direction, the user is not only afFORDed a magical view of the Mournes but the flashing warning light indicating petrol tank empty mysteriously disappears and the needle creeps to the tank quarter full mark. To petrol cap it all a noiseless descent down the Hannahstown hill allows the car window to be opened and God's majesty to be revealed - As the Roman Plumber would say about his cistern: "Apparere Quanrantis Cumulatus" - (It appears quarter full) - precious!

IEDs (Improvised Eccentric Devices) and their ilk!

Where's Osama Bin? Helmand not likely, Belfast possibly; going by the IEDs (Improvised Eccentric devices) we have come across. Shell shocked sometimes with OMG moments and at times OMGG gasps, your mind takes a mental step backwards even though bodily rooted to the spot. Assessment and a route to correct the IED is thought out and talked through. Next step is usually the most difficult - telling the customer. He only called you to get that dripping tap fixed not to be told that his cherished abode is in danger unless x y and the rest of the alphabet are purchased and installed to correct said IED.

So self preservation sets in. You repair the faulty tap get paid for a good job well done and then with apologies and sympathy you explain and show the IED. Initial reactions are forever the same, open mouth, blank stare and furrowed brow. Remedies are explained. costs given and ill received. You ask has Osama Bin been back since and the reply is invariably negative with related tales of mobile phones switched off, can't get him anywhere, he gave a years guarantee!

Your business card is offered and accepted but a dismal atmosphere pervades. Instead of leaving with thanks a profusion of best wishes and "will tell all my relatives to use you" ringing in your ears you feel like the last visitor departing a wake.

Its called DOC or specifically Duty Of Care we try to live by it.

Email: jd-plumber@hotmail.co.uk

Free Website Link Listing Directory - Submit Your Site Free