Subcontractor For Plumbing And Sanitary Systems

[malcolminthemiddle]

Can any one recommend a subcontractor with design capabilities for the plumbing and sanitary systems within a new house. Able to produce P & IDs and Isometrics from a concept design and then supply, install, test and commision the systems? Thanks in advance.

[extexthai]

Unless you know an awful lot about it, yourself, and stand over them to oversee every little detail...then please do not expect it to be done not only properly, but within logic. That was one aspect of our house that I did not, was not going to leave to a Thai. Afterall....it is their normal practice to add it all after the house is built. Where I am from....ugly piping protruding through the walls and just lying on the ground soaking up harmful UV rays and deteriorating is not acceptable. Drains placed higher than the low spot in areas aren't acceptable, either. Half-assed work that leaks is not acceptable. Hiding half-assed work in concrete is not acceptable. I was fortunate in that I had years of prior construction experience and was able to do it all myself. I wish you luck if you have to depend on a Thai to do it for you. Perhaps if you are near a major metropolitan area, you might luck out and find an outfit capable of doing a correct job. Seeing as there are absolutely no building standards or codes in this country it is all probably just luck of the draw. There are other piping alternatives, even here in Thailand. PVC is easy to work with if done correctly, but here we go again. Best of luck to you on your project. ett

[doglover]

There are other piping alternatives, even here in Thailand. PVC is easy to work with if done correctly, but here we go again.

Curious George here...I am unsure of what type of piping you used for your plumbing extexthai. I am only familiar with PVC (and how the installers can't even get such a simple product right). Is there a more appropriate type of piping available? I don't have a clue about plumbing. Although I heard there are only 3 things one needs to know to be a plumber.... Shit flows downhill, payday is on Tuesday and don't lick your fingers.

[extexthai]

There are other piping alternatives, even here in Thailand. PVC is easy to work with if done correctly, but here we go again.

Curious George here...I am unsure of what type of piping you used for your plumbing extexthai. I am only familiar with PVC (and how the installers can't even get such a simple product right). Is there a more appropriate type of piping available? I don't have a clue about plumbing. Although I heard there are only 3 things one needs to know to be a plumber.... Shit flows downhill, payday is on Tuesday and don't lick your fingers.

Curious George....I did not find out about this until I was half way finished. But another farang near where I live, used it in his house. It is a plastic type hose with fittings that sort of wield in...chemically with heat, I think. I believe he got it in Chiang Mai. I am not for sure about this though. He did show me some of the extra fittings he had left over. I had never seen anything like it before. PVC works great if it is done correctly. There are three schedules for it here in Thailand. If you decide to go with PVC, get the highest number as it is a bit more thicker and durable. Also make sure you can get the Elephant brand glue...it does not sound like water sloshing when you shake it in the can. After I cut a piece, I take the sharp edge off all the way around with a rasp, so it would not scrape the glue out of the fitting you plan to marry it to. I also got some large cotton swabs to use as an applicator. They do not use primer here, like we do stateside. Another thing...hold the glued pieces for about 10 seconds...it will try and back out if you don't, especially larger diameter pipe and fittings. A capillary action type thing, I guess. Also, dry fit everything and mark fittings with a felt tip pen so you get them at the correct angles when you start to glue it back altogether. I had a heck of a time with taking a 4" sewer line from upstairs, snaking it down to the ground in as few bends as I could. Always use 45's to make 90 degree turns. Another thing I learned....if you are making up a matrix to be fitted into a wall, mark a G on every joint and fitting after you glue it together...that way you don't forget to glue something only to find out about it later. And the last of the three things you need to know about being a plumber the way I heard it is....don't bite your fingernails. Again, good luck to all. ett

[doglover]

Thanks for satisfying my curiousity extexthai. Great advice on installing PVC and a very nice job sir. The double 45's to create a 90 make alot of sense and I'll keep it mind for future. (obviously you didn't install the electrical conduits )

And I actually prefer your version of the third thing a plumber needs to know, "don't bite your fingernails".

EDIT - you probably are the only one with P traps in the area, lucky you.

Edited March 29, 2011 by doglover

[extexthai]

Thanks for satisfying my curiousity extexthai. Great advice on installing PVC and a very nice job sir. The double 45's to create a 90 make alot of sense and I'll keep it mind for future. (obviously you didn't install the electrical conduits )

And I actually prefer your version of the third thing a plumber needs to know, "don't bite your fingernails".

EDIT - you probably are the only one with P traps in the area, lucky you.

CG....P traps can be gotten here! I found some, already put together (sort of) at one of the supply stores here in Phayao. One part swiveled and I glued it so it would not leak and so far...knock on wood....they are holding well. I was amazed I found them. All 2" PVC, so everything fit together very nicely. Good luck.....ett