Plumbing and Electrical
Complete guide to plumbing and electrical works in buildings. El-Eman Office provides comprehensive contracting services including MEP works.
Planning the networks before first-fix work
The quality of plumbing and electrical works depends on planning before the first-fix stage. The final layout of rooms and appliances should be approved before the walls are chased, because changes after first fix are costly and damaging to the building. The locations of heavy appliances such as water heaters, washing machines and air conditioners should be set early with their loads and connections, and easy access to shut-off valves and the distribution board should be considered.
Quality and safety tests
- Pressure-test the water network for a sufficient time before covering, to confirm there are no leaks.
- Test the flow of drainage in practice and check the correct slopes of horizontal pipes.
- Make sure the drainage system is vented and has suitable traps to prevent odours.
- Test the continuity and insulation of electrical cables before final installation.
- Confirm proper earthing and suitable protection devices, such as earth leakage breakers.
- Use wires with cross-sections suited to the loads, and do not economise on the size.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
Frequent plumbing mistakes include insufficient slope on drain lines, which causes blockages, poor fittings, and hot and cold water pipes running side by side without insulation. In electrical work they include loading one circuit with large loads, mixing wires of different sizes, unsafe connections inside boxes, and leaving junction boxes covered so they cannot be inspected.
To guard against these problems, document the routes of pipes and cables with photographs and drawings before covering, which later helps maintenance and avoids random drilling. It is also better to use qualified technicians under engineering supervision, and to buy materials that meet the specifications from reliable sources.
Choosing materials and fittings
The quality of plumbing and electrical materials varies greatly, and the effect shows only after covering and finishing. In plumbing, choose pipes and fittings of one type with suitable pressure and temperature ratings, and taps and mixers of acceptable quality with spare parts available. In electrical work, make sure wires, breakers and switches match the loads, and choose approved types that meet specifications. Do not rely on price alone: compare specifications, ease of maintenance and whether the supplier offers a warranty.
Decide the details of appliances and special points before first fix, such as charging points, internet, central air conditioning and solar water heaters, since adding them after finishing means breaking out and repairing again.
Frequently asked questions
Should pipework be inside the walls or exposed?
Inside the walls is common for appearance, but exposed runs can make maintenance easier in some cases. The design and the nature of the space decide.
When should I test the water network?
Before covering the pipes and before finishing work begins, and the network stays under pressure during the monitoring period.
Does an apartment need an electrical engineer?
A design that calculates loads and selects cable sizes and breakers is helpful, especially with large appliances, and it reduces the risk of overloading.
