Is there a worst job in plumbing than this?

Day in the life of a plumber
Join me as I hunt for a leak under a tiled floor.
As always, thanks for watching, all the support is greatly appreciated
#plumber #plumbing #apprentice #howto

[@twoandhalfbengals]

my day sucks, so I came here. Thank you for posting your struggles.

[@PlumbLikeTom]

Thanks for the support mate, hopefully you're day wasn't to bad

[@steve45678]

Such a shame for the customer, you did a great job resolving the leak. Have a good dry weekend Tom.

[@PlumbLikeTom]

I always feel bad for the customers on these ones, such a shame to go chopping up nice tiled floors, thanks for watching Steve, have a great weekend

[@remcovanvliet3018]

Tip for next time: If you use a Dremel with a diamond cut off wheel to grind out the grout around the tile, and you heat the tile up a bit with a propane torch and give it a couple gentle love taps with the handle end of a hammer, you can usually lift the tile free without breaking it.

[@PlumbLikeTom]

I will certainly give that a try, the worst that would happen it would only break the tile which would be broken anyway, thanks for watching 👍

[@uberwayz]

Nice one mate, thanks for that

[@42RHD]

@@Leamingtonian Plumbers don't have much time to make decisions. Water does a lot of damage, which is why we have the highest insurance premiums.

[@integr8er66]

Actually rather than a Dremel, use an oscillating tool with a diamond bit

[@stockandgamblinglife]

F that. Jack hammer

[@colinsaunders8723]

I spent a lot of time doing jobs like this. A good quality aquavac is your best friend, it clears out the water and muck quickly in one go.

[@PlumbLikeTom]

Thanks for the support Colin, I do have a titan one but running a lead is a pain, I need to invest in a battery one

[@dmac4097]

I second that get a makita wet vac it will change your life forever

[@KendalSmithy]

I feel your pain. It's not only the work involved but the disruption for the customer that makes these situations so difficult. Keep us updated.

[@PlumbLikeTom]

Thanks for the support mate, hopefully everything works out well for the customer on this one

[@tw7690]

What’s wild to me is that the tile is laid straight on the soil. Good job Tom

[@PlumbLikeTom]

Thanks for the support mate 👍

[@TheDudeway]

One thing I learned first was to create me some space to work. I swear making your diggings bigger will make life a bit easier.

[@griswald7156]

I would retire and work in a supermarket if i were confronted with this…

[@PlumbLikeTom]

I feel like it sometimes, I do love the job though

[@markcollins457]

HVAC guy here, i have worked on homes built in New Jersey that were built after WWII and everything including duct work was in the concrete slab. Iron pipes copper tubing and electrical conduit all installed cheaply during the housing boom. I do appreciate the years of work generated from this design, but I was said for the homeowners. You have done fine work with the this unfortunate installation . Always ask a good mechanic what they think before you hide your mechanicals. I will bet the customer is more concerned about finding the matching tile.

[@PlumbLikeTom]

Thanks for the support mate, pipes in concrete floors are always going to cause issues, like you say it does lead for plenty of work down the line. I hope they can get a good tile match

[@over-engineered]

30 years ago I had a similar issue, (central heating) ball valve continuously filling, damp climbing up the wall. My insurance company refused to cover! In the end I traced the leak to a cracked pass under in a 15mm copper radiator pipe under my newly vinyl tiled kitchen floor. I managed to get away with only lifting 2 tiles as I could feel the heat in the floor indicating the 2 junctions, and suspected them first. As I had spare tiles the whole job only cost £15 for a plumber to bend and fit a new pass under.

[@PlumbLikeTom]

Finding the leak is always the worst part, sometimes it can be a real pain. Thanks for watching mate

[@SteveHit1]

Impressive video showing the reality of sorting out a nightmare job! Well done getting the leak stopped on that mess. Not sure why the original plumbers thought it was a good idea to have the pipes in concrete like that! 😱

[@PlumbLikeTom]

Thanks for the support as always Steve, pipes in floor screeds are always asking for problems, like you say it does make you wonder what plumbers think will happen to them in the future

[@ZippedAuto]

Whoever thought putting copper pipes in the ground unprotected needs their heads checked 😂😂

[@dukwdriver2909]

The installer will have spent the money long before the copper pipes corrode through. So they just don't care. They will only do installation work so never get called back to remedy their mess.

[@PlumbLikeTom]

It's just asking for trouble, like you say the original guy has long gone, it doesn't help the next guy, thanks for watching 👍

[@patrickwatters7555]

Cement will eat through copper pipe.

[@GoatzombieBubba]

@@patrickwatters7555There is no cement around the pipe it is all soil.

[@earlestes8649]

@@GoatzombieBubbathe copper pipe has to come thru the cement somewhere? I just used a Bosch hammer drill with the chisel to break out the concrete around a 3/4 copper pipe because of a hole in it right at floor level. For now we just used a rubber inner tube and hose clamp to stop the leak. Eventually will need to fix it better

[@treacheroustiger5571]

Fair play to you, Tom. This job looked absolutely grim. I hope you the client was grateful

[@PlumbLikeTom]

I hope they were, I think there may be further issues down the line with this pipework so they are looking at getting it re-routed, thanks for the support

[@ck7cu]

I've had jobs like this before.....1x i couldn't find the source of the leak and had to reroute the plumbing thru the attic and another job i was able to find the direct leak and just patched it up and let the customer back fill it and tiled up the hole.

[@paddyglenny]

I love those multi tools. In the old days, severing that pipe would have been waay more work.

[@PlumbLikeTom]

One of the best tools on the van, thanks for watching mate

[@derekcole2638]

A good, honest tradesmen is worth their weight in gold, well done sir

[@PlumbLikeTom]

Thanks for the support Derek

[@chrisholt2474]

Hi Tom, another tricky mission for you there, as you say, you can only do your best on a job like that. I’m sure you have done the best you could in that situation, the pipes need re running on that job. The problem will only happen again in the future with a repair, I’m looking forward to part two of this job. Have a great weekend and take care mate. 👍👍👍

[@PlumbLikeTom]

Thanks for the support as always Chris, you are right, the pipes really do need rerouting, thanks for watching and have a great weekend

[@BigDuke6ixx]

They were lucky to get some as professional as you to do it.

[@PlumbLikeTom]

Thanks for the support mate 👍

[@pb9926]

These kind of jobs are never easy to resolve but we plough on regardless. Great honest video Tom, you show the highs and the lows in our trade. I remember going to some offices that were over a restaurant. They'd had a major leak going into the restaurant and the first company out started drilling up the office floors, they hit more pipes so they drained the large storage tanks and the 2 heating systems and ran. It was a nightmare to sort out and probably the worst I'd been to....... But i survived and completed the mission 👍😎

[@PlumbLikeTom]

Some jobs are just sent to try us, it's a nightmare when you hit other services and end up causing more problems, we have all done it though I'm sure, thanks for the support as always PB, have a great weekend mate

[@olivergilcreest5941]

I'm 6 mins in and feel your pain. Even when you pin point this leak it will be a nightmare to repair. I always find the copper has blackened and is really pitted when installed in concrete. I'm gonna keep watching and hope you get it sorted.

[@olivergilcreest5941]

I always hoover out the holes with the wet vac. Makes it cleaner.

[@PlumbLikeTom]

I really need to do that, I want the Makita 18v wet vet, I probably should treat myself, thanks for watching mate

[@andrewallen9993]

@@olivergilcreest5941 That's because the previous plumber was a moron. Use the correct alloy and thickness of coated and wrapped copper pipe if it's going to come into contact with alkaline like damp concrete and make sure not to run it near steel rebar to avoid electrolytic corrosion. You can just tell I'm not a plumber can't you?

[@martinwarner1178]

There is always some one, doing something, somewhere, that will have to sorted by some other unfortunate soul. I give you copper buried in concrete. A nice looking bathroom having to be chopped about. Great video Tom. Keep your chin up Captain. Peace and goodwill.

[@PlumbLikeTom]

Thanks for the support as always Martin, you are right, pipes are still being buried when we all know what happens in the end

[@jamesfolan3702]

We all know the worst job in plumbing is renewing blocked Urinal waste pipework! Been at it today in a primary school!

[@PlumbLikeTom]

True, I can't argue with that fact, I've had my fair share of them over the years, hope you got it sorted, thanks for watching

[@BrodaPaul]

Well done mate. Job looked well tricky.

[@PlumbLikeTom]

Thanks for the support mate, it is greatly appreciated

[@ck7cu]

I just had a similar job....i had a leak test done and i found a faulty hot water pipe under the washing machine...had to dig under floor tiles and thru the concrete slab....had my plumber weld a patch voila......it was fixed....saved me a pretty penny.

[@PlumbLikeTom]

Glad you got it sorted, the hardest part is finding it normally, thanks for watching

[@Asadkhan-pe2je]

These are the character building jobs that's define a good plumber from a cowboy!!!!

[@PlumbLikeTom]

Thanks for the support mate 👍

[@neilwharton720]

I have to say Tom you really didn’t look like it was you’re best day, always do your best mate, looks like remodel job 👍😎

[@PlumbLikeTom]

Thanks for the support as always Neil, hope you have a great weekend 👍

[@robthesamplist]

Literally digging a hole for yourself knowing its probably somewhere else is the worst whilst the destruction repair is on your mind for the current mess.

[@PlumbLikeTom]

You know it Rob, thanks for watching

[@CASHSEC]

Plumbing is a nightmare when it goes like this. Never put pipes in the ground. Don't back fill with broken masonry.😊

[@PlumbLikeTom]

Thanks for the support mate, pipes in floors are always problems, I know it looks better but it's a ticking time bomb

[@Discretesignals]

Same happened to me. 43 year old hot water pipe leaked under the slab. Instead of trying to have the plumber rip up the tile and repair the pipe we decided to do a pex repipe of the whole house. Best decision in my opinion because you know there is going to be another leak in the future. What's ironic is my neighbor had the same issue a month after my repipe and they decided to do the same.

[@HERITAGEWV]

I feel like the investment of a thermal camera would pay for itself and be worth its weight in gold on projects like these.

[@PlumbLikeTom]

I do have one mate, I was working after a leak detection company had been in and was told the leak was under the first tile I lifted, thanks for watching

[@giogio4833]

Should see that house i was in last week..lead pipes leaks behind kitchen units .fitted a lead to copper fitting and a splashback on wall to cover broken tiles 😂

[@PlumbLikeTom]

Hope you got it all sorted mate, sometimes this trade can be areal pain, thanks for watching

[@GoatzombieBubba]

At least in the states the concrete subfloor is at least 4 inches thick...

[@PlumbLikeTom]

Some houses over here are shocking, new builds are better as pipes aren't buried like this anymore, thanks for watching

[@peterdawson5115]

What a pain of a job Tom, but you got it in the end, pipes in concrete, inevitable problems 👍🚽 take care

[@PlumbLikeTom]

I agree Peter, the pipes will eventually leak if they are in concrete, hope you have a great weekend 👍

[@tonymurff5234]

Good repair job Tom Not many lads call to them jobs anymore 😂 Have a good weekend 👍👍🤜

[@PlumbLikeTom]

Thanks for the support as Tony, hope you have a great weekend mate 👍

[@r1273m]

At least this was on the ground floor. I have a rental property on the second (top) floor of a block. I had a leak like this in the kitchen area which leaked into the flat below. I had to have the pipes re-routed in plastic above floor level, behind the kitchen units. Several other properties in the block have suffered a similar fate. Burying copper pipes in the concrete is never a good idea but this block was built in 1969 so I suppose it's done not too bad.

[@PlumbLikeTom]

Pipes in concrete will always leak eventually, thanks for watching mate

[@shakesc]

great work Tom, love the videos

[@PlumbLikeTom]

Thanks for the support mate, I'm so pleased you are enjoying the videos

[@stevenclark1973]

Well done there... this type of issue puts me off looking at being a plumber. I would have just ran out the house and jumped in the nearest canal.

[@PlumbLikeTom]

I feel like doing that most days, thanks for watching mate

[@luki7093]

Top plumbing work!

[@PlumbLikeTom]

Thanks for watching mate

[@rogeronslow1498]

Every plumbing job I have is like this!

[@PlumbLikeTom]

I feel sorry for you, I hate these ones, thanks for watching 👍

[@lewistempleman9752]

So sorry this has happened

[@PlumbLikeTom]

I always feel sorry for the customers, thanks for watching Lewis

[@scotsdunc]

i think u get all the jobs nobody else wants tom, customers are lucky to have u though

[@PlumbLikeTom]

Thanks for the support as always Scot

[@glasgowscorsese]

good job mate . You stuck with it when a lot wouldn't have fancied the hassle.

[@PlumbLikeTom]

We got there in the end, thanks for watching

[@stockandgamblinglife]

The curse of plumbing. Never enough room. Always in a terrible spot. 2 thinhs you can count on

[@PlumbLikeTom]

You are right there mate, thanks for watching

[@dr-mn7ld]

The other leak finding guy makes it look a lot easier!

[@PlumbLikeTom]

True, a leak detection company had already been to this job but wouldn't sort it, I was just working off the report so I started where I was told the leak was, thanks for watching

[@eddiestafford3313]

What a sod of a job Tom......but you sorted it buddy....well done.👍👍👍

[@PlumbLikeTom]

Thanks for the support as always mate, we got there in the end, hopefully a good result for the customer 👍

[@Heatking]

Horrendous job mate but made a great episode❤

[@PlumbLikeTom]

Thanks for the support as always Dan, I'm not sure why this one has got loads of views

[@Cablesmith]

How was the pool of water hot if the leak was on the cold? just curious, Electrician that knows nothing 😂

[@PlumbLikeTom]

Often when the heating is on, the cold water picks up temperature from these pipes, it's surprising how much heat can be transferred, thanks for watching

[@scottnever8732]

this is why I'm not a fan of buried pipework

[@PlumbLikeTom]

I agree, it will eventually leak, thanks for watching

[@DreDay300]

nice skills mate👍

[@PlumbLikeTom]

Thanks for watching mate

[@above7833]

Where is the follow up video for this job ? How did u fix it ?

[@glynstorer3269]

Them jobs you need a magic wand Tom

[@PlumbLikeTom]

You do Glyn, thanks for watching as always mate 👍

[@M.Godfrey]

Maybe the customer didn’t want to pay extra for the pipes to be replaced, know what they’re like 😂😂

[@PlumbLikeTom]

You could well be right, thanks for watching 👍

[@johnwaby4321]

It's always an unknown Tom .you can only do your best . That is where the problem was pin pointed so you have to start some where . Considering what you where up against you did good job with only two tiles taken up .. Not the best place for copper pipes under the concrete with no protection.

[@PlumbLikeTom]

Thanks for the support as always John, it's never ideal having pipes in concrete floors, I am pricing to put drops in and re-route all the old pipes, it's the only way to real guarantee no more issues

[@johnwaby4321]

Probably the best way .as there may be more problems to come .

[@robd9863]

If that was my own home I'd have been tempted to dig up the whole lot and replace the pipes in proper conduit. Get yourself some gloves!

[@PlumbLikeTom]

The pipes ideally need replacing, thanks for watching Rob

[@summergain]

Slab foundations are the dumbest idea ever.

[@PlumbLikeTom]

I agree when they run the pipes in them like this, thanks for watching

[@MyAussieHouse]

Plumbers only have themselves to blame. Pressured pipes under a house is a stupid idea. Always come from the roof down or the outside in 😊

[@PlumbLikeTom]

I agree, thanks for watching 👍

[@lainiwaku]

that why i hate recessed stuff electrical or plumbing, sure hidding stuff in wall and floor may be beautiful but a pain to repair

[@PlumbLikeTom]

Thanks for watching mate, like you say it looks nice until it goes wrong

[@kennethv5250]

well my plumber had to go under my house recently and unbeknownst to anyone a skunk had set up home in my basement. my plumber crawled around a corner and there was the skunks butt right in his face and we all know what happened next. ive never seen a man move so fast on his belly in my life, puking the entire way.

[@PlumbLikeTom]

Luckily we don't have skunk's over here, the worst we get is rats, it must be a nightmare for the plumbers over there dealing with that, thanks for watching

[@Thedar561]

Invest in a hoover for removing that silt around the pipes you’ll thank me for it

[@PlumbLikeTom]

I really need to get a battery wet vac, I do have a titan one from screwfix but running a lead on every job is a pain, thanks for watching mate

[@jerrygilliam7349]

My big question is why would someone build such a nightmare?🤔

[@PlumbLikeTom]

A lot of people don't care about the future, it's all about the quickest way to make money and get the job done, it's not them going back to it when it leaks, thanks for watching

[@pietjepuk9575]

Those are the moments you want to say , fu.k it i want to go home 😂😂👌👌

[@PlumbLikeTom]

I get a few of them, thanks for watching

[@ilovemyvfr]

Love watching your videos Tom, you certainly do tackle the more tricky jobs, keep up the great work 👍

[@PlumbLikeTom]

Thanks for the support mate, I'm so pleased you enjoy my videos

[@edoz3279]

Sometimes you gotta just put the nut and olive and slide on that compression cap when the threads dont wanna play ball 😂 The thing about being knowledgeable in our trade is that even if you mess up 99% of the time you can sort it

[@PlumbLikeTom]

You know it, everyone makes mistakes in our industry and experience helps you get over problems, thanks for the support, it is greatly appreciated

[@PleasePassthepotateosalad]

Ya hate ta see eht ,ya doo ,ya hate ta see eht -

[@PlumbLikeTom]

Thanks for the support mate 👍

[@Smellytunerbox]

You made a MEAL of that

[@PlumbLikeTom]

I can only apologise, thanks for watching anyway

[@youtubecontractor]

hard work broski

[@PlumbLikeTom]

Thanks for the support mate

[@effelldubbulyew]

Absolute nightmare job

[@PlumbLikeTom]

Thanks for watching mate

[@JacenHuggett-zx5up]

Why don’t you run the water pipes through the roof with quick fit fittings and by pass the bad piping and leak

[@darrenroberts6376]

Todays video has given me all the reasons why I don’t want to be a plumber 😫

[@PlumbLikeTom]

I love the job really, I know it looks bad but every day is different and when you are on a job the time goes really quick, I'm not sure that's a good thing though, thanks for watching 👍

[@SolisNotSolis]

Yes, blocked urinals..

[@PlumbLikeTom]

Agreed. I do my fair share of them, thanks for watching mate

[@schmuuth_dot_com3202]

Damn - you're a genius Tom - love the vids and the knowledge - please keep them coming (and yes - as someone with a tool-fetish, I felt sorry for your Wiha - surely you have some old Stanley or B&Q special for that!!!!!)

[@PlumbLikeTom]

Thanks for the support as always mate, I do tend to abuse my tools, I do have a Wira set I keep in a tool pouch as my best ones, all the rest are fair game to be hit, knocked and abused

[@Purebeltersteve]

As much as i hate plastic, its the only time i use it to put heating pipes in floor as i know its got a better chance 😂. Actually got a full reheat next week using copper, think il just use the plastic as those new polyplumb fittings look nice and slimline. Thank god the hot and colds will be upstairs to be on drops. 😂😂

[@PlumbLikeTom]

Plastic probably would have been better here, these pipes will likely all need replacing now, thanks for watching 👍

[@ahmetmutlu1983]

there is amplofied listenin devuces to listen th leakin sound of wate which works sometimes.. and thermal cameras works sometimes... but doesnt work as is .

[@jwhite7303]

Who burys pipework in the floor like that for a start ? 😮

[@PlumbLikeTom]

It's never a good idea, it is quick and cheap to do but when you get a leak you have serious problems, thanks for watching

[@scratch57]

No subfloor or foundation. How the heck is this place built legally?

[@PlumbLikeTom]

There is a foundation below the top screed, most houses in the Uk are built like this. Nowadays they insulate on top of the foundation with kingspan or similar and the pipes are clipped on that, the top screed then goes on top which is normally 50mm thick or 2", thanks for watching

[@stu60]

Pig of a job but cutting into the ‘wrong’ pipe leading to fixing the leak was a bit of a result!

[@PlumbLikeTom]

I did get a bit lucky there, thanks for watching as always, have a great weekend

[@ursusmaritimus7159]

Hi Tom. Another great one. A question - if WRAS says you can't put pipes in screed, where are you supposed to run them under a non-wooden floor? Cheers.

[@PlumbLikeTom]

Pipes must be ran in ducts, you would still have to lift the tile but the pipes wouldn't be touching the concrete and would last much longer. If I'm doing a job like this from new I tend to run off a manifold system and use corrugated 22mm ducts for each service. With no joints under the floor you can pull the pipes back out if they ever failed, thanks for watching

[@imaginitivity7853]

Having just had to remove and replace a bathroom tile due to a leaky shower, i was wondering why i didn't think of using my sds hammer drill, as you did, instead of just whacking it into a million razor sharp shards with a hammer. Duh. Next time...

[@PlumbLikeTom]

Thanks for watching mate

[@futurewdt]

Typical mate.. As they say, improvise, adapt and overcome.. well done 👍🏽

[@PlumbLikeTom]

Thanks for the support mate, have a great weekend

[@jameswilson2899]

Nightmare that Tom, great content ad always mate.

[@PlumbLikeTom]

Thanks for the support as always James, hope you have a great weekend 👍

[@DSW-kt1fp]

You guys down there just build on the ground? no foundation?

[@PlumbLikeTom]

There will be a concrete slab, what you see in this video is the floor screed on top, modern houses would have rigid insulation below the screed but this is older, thanks for watching

[@mushmouth]

Im trying to understand why there are water lines in the dirt under the floors... Thats where drains go..

[@smashingpumpkin1986]

Absolute nightmare 😓

[@KG-ic1zf]

Anything in concrete is just a nightmare 😂… day ruined

[@PlumbLikeTom]

Indeed, you are asking for trouble at some point, thanks for watching, have a great weekend

[@v8motors.]

Ha-ha, you found Peckham Springs. Bottle it. £$$$$. This time next year you'll be a Millionaire.😉👍

[@PlumbLikeTom]

Probably my favourite episode that, thanks for watching, have a great weekend 👍

[@andyash5675]

Who in their right mind puts metal pipes into soil?

[@PlumbLikeTom]

I do question what people think, it's pretty obvious what will happen eventually, thanks for watching Andy

[@phillipgriffiths9624]

Why on earth did they put unprotected pipes in concrete?

[@heatpump8566]

Am feeling your pain on this one Tom. Aargggh

[@PlumbLikeTom]

They are tough jobs, thanks for watching as always mate 👍

[@marvasika2964]

Well done Tom. Invest in a wet vac!!!

[@PlumbLikeTom]

Thanks for watching

[@Cvbbj670]

They haven’t denzo taped the pipework aswell

[@PlumbLikeTom]

It's terrible really, thanks for watching 👍

[@williecosgrove]

7,08 copper pipe just fucked in without insulation or any proctecion from the cement

[@PlumbLikeTom]

You are right, thanks for watching mate

[@hewoguys2506]

jobs like this you need to over charge hoping really they say no lol but if they say yeah once u start u think why did i bother 😅

[@PlumbLikeTom]

Thanks for watching mate

[@johnmcc1977]

You can only do what you can you do ! No winners in those jobs !

[@PlumbLikeTom]

That's it John, thanks for watching as always mate 👍

[@I_am_BiG_Al]

Never see anyone listen to a screwdriver before 🤔

[@PlumbLikeTom]

It's surprising how much you can hear, thanks for watching

[@HenryMcgovern]

Nightmare of a job but u got there in the end these jobs a sent to try us..

[@PlumbLikeTom]

Thanks for the support mate, it is greatly appreciated 👍

[@bpenny4352]

Is there a worse job? Stripping down saniflos maybe

[@PlumbLikeTom]

True, I have done a few in my time, thanks for the support

[@danielharrison5618]

Anything to do with a Macerator is worse than that 😂

[@PlumbLikeTom]

True, thanks for watching mate 👍

[@billybobhouse9559]

Put some gloves on mate! Tiles will give you a nasty cut.

[@PlumbLikeTom]

I really should, I haven't really ever worn gloves for the last 15 years of doing this job so my fingers have gotten quite tough, thanks for watching

[@RogueSecret]

British homes belongs to the stone age... Insulation, what is that.

[@superdidly1]

Why no foundation ?. Its tiles on sand and rubble

[@sdfglkjhdfkjdhldskfj]

A shop vac would have made this much easier for you, sucking out the water and debris at the bottom of the craters you made.

[@beemerkon]

Pipes dug 2 inches in dirt covered with tiles what am i watching

[@PlumbLikeTom]

Last plumber hasn't done anyone any favours, thanks for watching