The Copper Connection Podcast – Season 2, Episode 39.

Exams on the horizon? This episode could be your secret weapon. Host Chris Bailey breaks down Central Heating System Principles in a way that actually sticks—perfect for Level 2 plumbing students, apprentices, and anyone revising for technical assessments.

Discover the difference between gravity and pumped circulation, why one-pipe systems leave radiators progressively colder, and the critical role of open vent pipes, cold feed pipes, and the neutral point. Chris uses real-world stories—like the apprentice who spent hours trying to balance a system that couldn't be balanced—to show why understanding older heating systems matters both on-site and in your exams.

Whether you're struggling with theory, preparing for practical assessments, or just want to sound confident when you walk into an older property, this episode gives you the knowledge and clarity you need.

Follow The Copper Connection Podcast on Acast, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts for weekly plumbing revision, apprenticeship advice, and trade career tips. Watch video episodes on YouTube, get daily motivation on TikTok, and join the community on Instagram @TheCopperConnection for study resources, MCQ practice, and behind-the-scenes content.

New episodes every week. Subscribe now and never miss a lesson.

✅ The difference between gravity circulation and pumped central heating systems

✅ How one-pipe semi-gravity systems work—and why radiators get progressively colder

✅ The advantages and disadvantages of two-pipe semi-gravity systems

✅ Why open vent pipes must never have valves (and what happens if they do)

✅ The role of the feed and expansion (F&E) cistern in older heating systems

✅ What the "neutral point" is and why the 150mm rule matters

✅ How to recognize legacy systems on-site and diagnose common heating problems

✅ Why these older systems don't comply with Building Regulations Part L

✅ Real-world troubleshooting tips from experienced tradespeople

✅ Exam-focused revision points to help you ace Unit 216 assessments

🎧 Listen & Subscribe:

Stream full episodes on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Acast — search "The Copper Connection Podcast"

📺 Watch on YouTube:

Catch video versions, visual breakdowns, and bonus content at YouTube.com/TheCopperConnection

📱 Follow on Instagram:

Daily plumbing tips, revision hacks, MCQ practice, and motivational content — @TheCopperConnection

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Share this episode with your classmates, tag us in your revision posts, and let's build a network of skilled, confident tradespeople together.

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The Copper Connection Podcast – Season 2, Episode 38.

Exams are coming up—and if you're revising Building Technology, this episode is for you.

In this episode of The Copper Connection Podcast, host Chris Bailey takes you underground to explore substructure and foundations—the hidden backbone of every building. Whether you're a plumbing apprentice, construction student, or working towards your Level 2 or Level 3 qualification, understanding foundations isn't just exam knowledge—it's real-world trade intelligence.

Chris shares the story of Jake, a second-year apprentice who thought foundations "weren't his problem"—until a job went sideways and he realised how critical this knowledge really is. Through storytelling, clear explanations, and practical examples,

you'll learn:

✅ What substructure is and why it matters

✅ The difference between strip, raft, pad, and pile foundations

✅ How soil types affect foundation choice (and what to remember for exams)

✅ Site clearance, trench excavation, and trench support essentials

✅ Why concrete reinforcement is used in foundations

This episode breaks down complex Building Technology principles into simple, relatable content—perfect for revision, exam prep, or just levelling up your trade knowledge.

Follow The Copper Connection Podcast on:

📸 Instagram – @thecopperconnection

🎥 TikTok – @thecopperconnection

📺 YouTube – Watch video episodes and revision shorts

🎧 Spotify – Stream the full podcast archive

💬 Got a topic you want covered? DM us on Instagram or drop a comment on YouTube—we read every message.

🔔 Subscribe now on Acast, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts so you never miss an episode. New content drops every week to help you pass your exams, build your skills, and grow your trade career.

Let's get you exam-ready. Hit follow and let's go!

🎧 Listen & Follow:

Stream The Copper Connection Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Acast, or wherever you get your podcasts.

📸 Instagram: @thecopperconnection

Follow for plumbing revision tips, trade motivation, and behind-the-scenes content.

🎥 TikTok: @thecopperconnection

Get daily study hacks, exam tips, and quick trade knowledge in 60 seconds or less.

📺 YouTube: The Copper Connection

Watch full video episodes, revision shorts, and visual breakdowns of technical topics.

💬 Got Questions?

DM us on Instagram or comment on YouTube—Chris reads every message and your question could be featured in a future episode.

🔔 Don't Miss Out:

Hit follow and turn on notifications so you're first to hear new episodes every week. Let's build your trade career together—one episode at a time.

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The Copper Connection Podcast – Season 2, Episode 37.

With exams on the horizon, now's the time to get serious about your plumbing revision—and this episode is here to help.

In this essential episode of The Copper Connection Podcast, host Chris Bailey breaks down Hot Water Systems in a way that actually makes sense. Whether you're a Level 2 plumbing student, construction apprentice, or heating engineer in training, this episode gives you the knowledge, confidence, and real-world context you need to succeed.

From preventing scalding accidents to stopping deadly legionella bacteria, you'll discover the six critical reasons why controlling domestic hot water temperature could save lives, protect the environment, and make you a tradesperson customers trust.

What you'll learn:

✅ Why Building Regulations Part G matters for bath and shower safety

✅ How thermostatic mixing valves prevent burns and protect vulnerable people

✅ The six critical reasons for controlling domestic hot water temperature (scalding, boiling, legionella, economy, environment, limescale)

✅ How to prevent scalding accidents using thermostatic mixing valves and Building Regulations Part G

✅ Legionella bacteria control: the danger zone (20–46°C) and why stored water must be 60°C

✅ Building Regulations Part G and Part L requirements for hot water safety and energy efficiency

✅ Essential components: cylinder thermostats, boiler stats, temperature/pressure relief valves, immersion heaters

✅ Safe temperature ranges for baths (41–44°C), showers (38–43°C), kitchen sinks (44–48°C)

✅ How unvented systems prevent explosions using multiple safety devices

✅ Why limescale forms at 65°C and how to prevent system damage

✅ Insulation best practices to protect pipework and comply with Water Regulations Guide G4.2

This isn't just another boring theory lesson—it's practical, story-driven education that connects the classroom to the job site.

Follow The Copper Connection on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube for daily plumbing tips, apprentice motivation, and bite-sized revision content. Stream the full archive on Spotify.

Hit follow, share this episode with your classmates, and let's keep building your skills—one episode at a time.

FOLLOW THE COPPER CONNECTION:

📸 Instagram: @TheCopperConnectionPodcast – Daily plumbing revision tips & apprentice motivation

🎬 TikTok: @CopperConnectionPod – Quick plumbing hacks & exam tips

📺 YouTube: The Copper Connection Podcast – Full video episodes & visual guides

🎧 Spotify: Stream the complete archive—perfect for study sessions & site breaks

Share this episode with your classmates. Subscribe for weekly episodes. Let's keep making those connections. 👷🔧

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