Plumbing Tools, Equipment and Materials
Domain focus
This domain tests selection, inspection, use and care of hand tools, power tools, test equipment and plumbing materials. Questions often ask why a tool or material is unsuitable for a given pipe, temperature or pressure.
Core rules
- Match the cutter to the material: wheel cutter for uPVC/PPR, hacksaw or roll cutter for copper, threading dies for galvanised iron (GI).
- Inspect before use: cracked handles, frayed cords, damaged discs, leaking pressure hoses and out-of-date calibration.
- Plastic joining needs the correct process: solvent cement for uPVC, fusion welding for PPR/HDPE, compression fittings only where rated.
- Know material limits: uPVC for cold water and drainage, CPVC/PPR for hot water, copper for hot and cold, GI for robust cold lines; check pressure and temperature ratings.
- Store pipes off the ground and shaded; keep solvent cement sealed and within shelf life; protect copper from contact with cement.
- Test equipment includes pressure gauge, manometer, flow cup, drain camera and level; confirm the gauge range suits the test.
Worked example
A hot-water line at 70 °C is specified. Selecting uPVC is wrong because its strength falls at elevated temperature. Choose a hot-water-rated material such as PPR or CPVC, with matching fittings and the correct fusion or solvent system. The reasoning is temperature derating, not just pipe diameter.
Traps
Using solvent cement on PPR; mixing GI and copper without a dielectric union; over-tightening plastic threads; using a pressure gauge above its range; storing cement in sunlight.