Full Plumbing & Heating Package - 6-Storey Mixed-Use Building, Central London
Duration: Over 6 months
Scope: Full mechanical services - heating, hot/cold water, waste,
bathroom installations
Role: Independent plumbing & heating contractor (subcontracted)
This was a large-scale, long-term project in Central London - a full
mechanical installation across a six-storey building that included both
commercial office spaces and residential flats on the upper levels.
I was brought in as a specialist subcontractor to handle all aspects of
plumbing and heating: hot and cold mains, heating systems, waste
pipework, and complete bathroom fitouts. This project required not just
solid installation work, but also day-to-day problem-solving,
coordination with multiple trades, and adapting to significant
structural changes along the way.
The Building & Setup
The property was undergoing a major redevelopment. Structurally, it had
to be reinforced throughout - including steel beam installations and
wall strengthening, which directly affected how and where pipework could
run. Many of the original pipe routes planned at design stage had to be
revised due to clashes with newly added steels, fireproofing, or
electrical containment systems.
The building layout included:
The challenge was to make sure that every part of the building - from
the lower-basement to the top floor - had consistent pressure,
reliable hot water, balanced heating, and clean drainage, without
service issues or conflicts between zones.
On-Site Challenges & Solutions
One of the hardest parts of this job was the coordination. There were
multiple trades working at the same time - electricians, steelworkers,
dry liners, air conditioning teams - all needing access in tight
spaces.
I had to stay flexible and often rework or reroute pipe runs on the fly
to avoid clashes and maintain clean, serviceable installations. This
sometimes meant stripping back parts of the installation I'd already
completed to allow for improvements or updated structural designs.
Key responsibilities included:
Technical Approach:
This wasn't a job for ticking boxes - it needed real understanding of
how systems perform across large buildings, and a willingness to rethink
things as the site evolved.
Outcome:
This job stands out as an example of how I work not only in domestic
settings, but also on larger commercial or mixed-use projects, where
flexibility, clear communication and high-quality delivery are
essential.
Scope: Full mechanical services - heating, hot/cold water, waste,
bathroom installations
Role: Independent plumbing & heating contractor (subcontracted)
This was a large-scale, long-term project in Central London - a full
mechanical installation across a six-storey building that included both
commercial office spaces and residential flats on the upper levels.
I was brought in as a specialist subcontractor to handle all aspects of
plumbing and heating: hot and cold mains, heating systems, waste
pipework, and complete bathroom fitouts. This project required not just
solid installation work, but also day-to-day problem-solving,
coordination with multiple trades, and adapting to significant
structural changes along the way.
The Building & Setup
The property was undergoing a major redevelopment. Structurally, it had
to be reinforced throughout - including steel beam installations and
wall strengthening, which directly affected how and where pipework could
run. Many of the original pipe routes planned at design stage had to be
revised due to clashes with newly added steels, fireproofing, or
electrical containment systems.
The building layout included:
- Multiple office units across the lower floors;
- Several self-contained residential flats on the upper floors;
- A shared mechanical plant space for heating and hot water;
- A unified system for water supply and drainage across all levels;
The challenge was to make sure that every part of the building - from
the lower-basement to the top floor - had consistent pressure,
reliable hot water, balanced heating, and clean drainage, without
service issues or conflicts between zones.
On-Site Challenges & Solutions
One of the hardest parts of this job was the coordination. There were
multiple trades working at the same time - electricians, steelworkers,
dry liners, air conditioning teams - all needing access in tight
spaces.
I had to stay flexible and often rework or reroute pipe runs on the fly
to avoid clashes and maintain clean, serviceable installations. This
sometimes meant stripping back parts of the installation I'd already
completed to allow for improvements or updated structural designs.
Key responsibilities included:
- Running hot and cold water supplies throughout the building;
- Designing and installing zoned heating circuits for different floor levels;
- Installing and connecting multiple bathrooms, showers, and kitchens;
- Setting up waste and soil systems with proper fall and access across all floors;
- Working alongside the main contractor and other trades to ensure compliance and scheduling;
- All systems had to be pressure tested and checked for flow rates - particularly important in a building this size, where uneven pressure or poor drainage on one level could cause problems elsewhere.
Technical Approach:
- Installed a central boiler and hot water plant, supplying all floors;
- Used pressure-balanced pipework routes to ensure even distribution;
- Included expansion vessels, magnetic filters, isolation points, and full access for servicing;
- Balanced heating across zones using thermostatic valves and programmable controls;
- Ensured all waste systems had proper venting, fall, and rodding access;
- Worked to British Standards and building control requirements throughout;
This wasn't a job for ticking boxes - it needed real understanding of
how systems perform across large buildings, and a willingness to rethink
things as the site evolved.
Outcome:
- Full plumbing and heating systems installed from scratch;
- Multiple residential and commercial zones integrated into one system;
- System flushed, balanced, tested and handed over in working condition;
- Delivered within timeframes despite regular design changes;
- Final installation passed all inspections and was signed off by building control;
This job stands out as an example of how I work not only in domestic
settings, but also on larger commercial or mixed-use projects, where
flexibility, clear communication and high-quality delivery are
essential.
