Julian Cassell's DIY Blog

Dishwashers and washing machines are plumbed in using similar techniques. Some appliances only need a cold water feed so only one hose is required. As far as the waste hose is concerned, there are normally two options for where it can go – either into the trap (U-bend) below a sink, or directly into the waste pipe through an upstand section of pipe. Below is shown how to connect to a spigot adaptor on the trap. read more »

Before fitting a new sink and taps, water supplies must be isolated. If your supply pipes have isolation valves, simply turn these off before making connections. Also, waste pipes will require re-connecting when a new sink is plumbed in. Push-fit fittings and/or universal compression fittings should suffice. Fitting a new sink is normally part of a new kitchen installation project and this is what is shown below. read more »

Shown below is a technique that may be used for fitting laminated or wooden kitchen worktops, as well as how to join a worktop using a joining strip. The alternative of making a flush joint without a joining strip is really a job for the professionals as the best seamless joins require a router, cutting jig, worktop connecting bolts, and lots of practise! read more »

Cornice and pelmet are simply decorative options for finishing the top and bottom edges of kitchen wall units. If you are fitting under unit lighting, pelmet can be helpful in hiding the fittings and wiring. Similarly if you are fitting lighting inside the top of units (commonly done with glass fronted units), again the cornice can help to cover up any wiring, transformers and junction boxes. read more »

Fitting kitchen unit plinth is one of the final jobs when fitting a kitchen. Plinth prevents things rolling under units and provides a neat finish between the base of kitchen units and the floor. Manufacturers may have slightly different connection methods for the way the plinth is fixed in place, but generally, brackets are used that clip the plinth onto the legs of the units. read more »