DIY vs Pro replies in this Sub

[DiyNutJob]

That's true, where can I buy one of these sticks?

Not being a plumber, I can only guess a length of small diameter copper pipe would be suitable. I have a very vague impression a gas pipe is small. Other options could be a coat hanger wire. If made sharp, this could be very pokey. For a more pro set up, the stuff from the loose metals bucket at B&Q could work - a rod of aluminium, mild steel, hard steel all should be available. If the pipe to be unblock is large enough, segmented 15mm plumbing pipe could be used for poking and aided with a hammer. But preparation has to be made to allow the segments to be extracted afterwards.

 

[BlueLoo]

Eh?

Eh? exactly.

I knew one of you guys would not understand it.

"Doing the same thing twice and expecting a different result is the definition of insanity"

 

[DiyNutJob]

By the law of averages a professional, who has been fully trained and spends all day, every day gaining experience is rather more likely to provide the correct advice.

that’s how it is

Evidence suggests otherwise. I know a professional of 40 years standing who doesn't know the effect of 2x 90 degree turns on water flow compared to no turns.

 

[ianmcd]

Agreed.

The training bit, not so much.

A day out with a free lunch and a slide show isn't much training....

Fair point a lot of manu training is simply this and you are an accredited installer, a big difference to being an accreditted installer to being able to fault find, hou dont learn that on a day course

 

[BlueLoo]

Evidence suggests otherwise. I know a professional of 40 years standing who doesn't know the effect of 2x 90 degree turns on water flow compared to no turns.

The difference between knowing something and understanding it, is lost on most people...

 

[denso13]

Eh? exactly.

Yes, exactly. Can you explain what you meant?

 

[BlueLoo]

Fair point a lot of manu training is simply this and you are an accredited installer, a big difference to being an accreditted installer to being able to fault find, hou dont learn that on a day course

Critical thinking is not being taught in school and college is it?

I find this constantly frustrating with the younger generation. They have no concept of looking through a problem.

 

[denso13]

Other options could be a coat hanger wire.

Great, I've got one of those and just tried poking a leaking fitting but it's still dripping. Am I doing it wrong, or do I need a different stick for leaks? Hope not, a bag of different sticks could cost a small fortune!!

 

[BlueLoo]

Yes, exactly. Can you explain what you meant?

It's a vital point and is a good example of the difference of opinion between both sides.

The pro thinks only of the immediate solution. "Cut it out and put it back as it was originally".

The DIYer thinks of the future.
"Fix it and make it serviceable"

Because just looking at the problem directly isn't enough.

What caused it? Can that be rectified? How can it be prevented? How can it be repaired to allow future maintenance?

So, use compression fittings on the section. This will allow for future dismantling and repair by the owner.

Of course, you have also missed the obvious conclusion that cutting this out must mean that cleaning chemicals, or powerflushing must be a snake oil con because you'd surely do this first before cutting the system.

Or you don't know about it sufficiently to use it correctly.

It says to me you have tunnel vision.

 

[DiyNutJob]

Great, I've got one of those and just tried poking a leaking fitting but it's still dripping. Am I doing it wrong, or do I need a different stick for leaks? Hope not, a bag of different sticks could cost a small fortune!!

If business is down and you are a bit hard up, a straight-ish branch in your customer's garden could do the trick and should be free. Another option is the plastic sticks they use for straitening plant growth. Life is full of options, only if you would ask. Many internet DIYers will help you with a smile. They would not look at you beady eyed and tell you your arm or leg needs to come off if you want a simple solution.

 

[denso13]

So, use compression fittings on the section. This will allow for future dismantling and repair by the owner.

No problem with that. In fact, if the OP has any DIY skills at all there are many on here who would happily talk him through how to do it himself.

or powerflushing must be a snake oil con because you'd surely do this first before cutting the system.

No it isn't but I wouldn't do it as a first step.

 

[BlueLoo]

No problem with that. In fact, if the OP has any DIY skills at all there are many on here who would happily talk him through how to do it himself.



No it isn't but I wouldn't do it as a first step.

So what will you do about the rest of the system?

 

[denso13]

They would not look at you beady eyed and tell you your arm or leg needs to come off if you want a simple solution.

You are quite right. Next time I have a sore arm or leg I'll poke it with a stick.

 

[denso13]

So what will you do about the rest of the system?

I'd look at that once I had sorted the obvious problem. I certainly wouldn't push an expensive powerflush just for the sake of it.

 

[BlueLoo]

I'd look at that once I had sorted the obvious problem

Which is utterly the wrong approach and the direct cause of the OPs problem and many of the problems posters face when they have had a "engineer" look at the system.