The Copper Connection Podcast – Season 2, Episode 43.

Struggling with Unit 217? This deep-dive masterclass is designed to help Level 2 plumbing students and apprentices master Sanitation and Drainage for exam success.

In this episode of The Copper Connection, host and plumbing tutor Chris Bailey breaks down one of the most challenging units in the Level 2 qualification. We move beyond the textbook to explore the "why" behind the regulations, following the journey of water from the roof to the sewer and from the appliance to the atmosphere.

Whether you are a City & Guilds or EAL apprentice, this episode simplifies complex technical standards into practical, real-world knowledge. We strip away the jargon to focus on the high-yield topics that actually appear in your exams—from gutter fall calculations and expansion rates to the critical science of trap seal loss and soil stack ventilation.

Stop memorising and start understanding. This is your essential audio revision guide for mastering Unit 217 and taking the next step in your plumbing career.

• The Rainwater Journey: Understanding gutter profiles, rainfall intensity, and the "1 in 600" fall rule.

• Expansion Logic: How to calculate PVCu movement and why expansion marks are non-negotiable.

• Sanitary Appliances: Identifying WC types and preventing contamination in ascending spray bidets.

• Soil & Vent Science: The role of the primary ventilated stack and the importance of long radius bends.

• Trap Seal Loss: A breakdown of siphonage, compression, and capillary action (and how to fix them).

• Exam Readiness: Soundness vs. Performance testing and the 38mm/3-minute rule.

🎧 Listen & Follow: Don't miss an episode—hit follow on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favourite platform.

🛒 Gear Up: Support the show and look the part. Visit the official store: https://thecopperconnectionpodcast.store

📲 Stay Connected: Follow Chris Bailey on social media for daily tips and industry insights.

⭐ Support the Show: If this helped your revision, please leave a 5-star review!

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The Copper Connection Podcast is the UK’s leading audio resource for the next generation of tradespeople. Industry-led and student-focused, the show bridges the gap between the classroom and the site with practical, supportive, and exam-aligned content. Host Chris Bailey is a veteran plumbing tutor and industry mentor who brings years of real-world trade experience to every episode. His mission is to empower apprentices and learners with the technical clarity and motivation needed to excel in their qualifications and build a successful career in the trade.

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The Copper Connection Podcast – Season 2, Episode 41.

Stop stressing about your Unit 211 exam and start listening. Whether you’re a Level 2 plumbing student or a first-year apprentice, Health and Safety and Industry Practices is the foundation of your entire career and it’s a major part of your technical qualification.

In this episode of The Copper Connection, we strip away the academic jargon and give you the practical, exam-focused facts you actually need. We’re walking through a virtual site to cover everything from the Health and Safety at Work Act (HASAWA) and COSHH symbols to the technical calculations for ladder safety and the critical steps of the Safe Isolation Procedure.

We know that sitting in a classroom staring at regulations can be dry, so we’ve turned these revision notes into a high-impact masterclass. We’ll help you understand the "why" behind the rules, making the "what" much easier to remember when you’re sitting in that exam hall. From identifying different types of asbestos to knowing exactly which fire extinguisher to grab when soldering, this is your ultimate audio revision guide. Hit play, get your head in the game, and let’s get you one step closer to that Level 2 certificate.

🎓 What You’ll Learn

• The difference between Statutory and Non-Statutory legislation (and why it matters for the exam).
• How to master the 4-to-1 ladder calculation and the 75-degree rule.
• The 7-step Safe Isolation Procedure you must know for every electrical task.
• How to identify the three types of asbestos: Chrysotile, Amosite, and Crocidolite.
• The Fire Triangle and how to choose the right extinguisher for Class A, B, and C fires.
• Key acronyms for the site, including TILE for manual handling and RIDDOR for reporting.
• Real-world insights into the roles of the HSE and Building Control Officers.

🔗 Social & Spotify Promotion

• Instagram: Follow for daily plumbing revision clips & tips
• TikTok: Get your daily dose of trade motivation
• YouTube: Watch the video versions of our masterclasses
• Spotify: Stream the full Copper Connection archive

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The Copper Connection Podcast – Season 2, Episode 40.

Stop stressing about Cold water and start listening.

Are you struggling to keep your fluid categories straight or confused about the difference between a communication pipe and a service pipe? In this episode of The Copper Connection, we strip away the classroom waffle and deliver a high-impact, story-driven masterclass on Cold Water Systems.

We follow a single drop of water from the rainwater cycle, through the boundary meter, and into the heart of a domestic property. Along the way, we break down the "must-know" technical details that examiners love to test—from the 1.5x pressure rule for soundness testing to the critical differences between AUK1, 2, and 3 air gaps.

Whether you’re an apprentice on the tools or a student prepping for your Level 2 Technical Certificate, this episode is your ultimate revision companion. We don't just give you the facts; we explain the "why" behind the regulations so you can walk into your exam hall with total confidence.

Hit play to turn your commute into a high-value revision session. Let’s get you one step closer to that qualification.

• The Rainwater Cycle: Understanding evaporation, condensation, and treatment.
• Fluid Categories 1-5: How to identify slight, significant, and severe health risks.
• Boundary Layouts: The difference between communication and service pipes.
• Installation Depths: Why 750mm–1350mm is the "Goldilocks zone" for frost protection.
• Direct vs. Indirect: The pros, cons, and "reserve" benefits of each system.
• Backflow Prevention: Mastering mechanical check valves and non-mechanical air gaps.
• Soundness Testing: How to calculate the 1.5x working pressure rule for copper.
• Commissioning: The final steps to ensure a safe, wholesome water supply.

Join the Connection:

• 📸 Instagram: Follow for daily plumbing revision tips & diagrams
• 📱 TikTok: Get quick-fire exam hacks and motivation
• 📺 YouTube: Watch the video versions of our masterclasses
• 🎧 Spotify: Stream the full archive and never miss an episode

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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

🎬 Join us on TikTok:

Quick study tips, trade life insights, and behind-the-scenes moments — @TheCopperConnection

💬 Join the Community:

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

👉 New episodes every week — follow now so you never miss out!

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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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The Copper Connection Podcast – Season 2, Episode 36.

One wrong number. One missed detail. One data error—and your entire construction project grinds to a halt.

In this episode of The Copper Connection Podcast, host Chris Bailey reveals the data principles every plumbing and construction apprentice needs to master. Whether you're studying for Level 2/3 qualifications or working on-site, this episode breaks down complex tech into simple, actionable insights.

What’s inside:

• The critical difference between data and information.
• Why accuracy is your biggest asset on a project.
• How BIM (Building Information Modelling) is transforming trade careers.
• Real-world examples of data failures and how to avoid them.
• The digital tools—from drones to 3D cameras—making you more employable.

This isn't dry theory; it's honest talk about the digital skills that will boost your career and your paycheck. If you're serious about becoming a top-tier tradesperson, this is a must-listen.

Follow The Copper Connection Podcast for weekly episodes packed with advice, motivation, and industry insights for UK apprentices.

• Data vs. Information: How to turn raw numbers into project success.
• The Cost of Inaccuracy: Why double-checking specs is non-negotiable.
• BIM Basics: Understanding the 4 stages: Plan, Design, Build, Operate.
• Tech on Site: How to use ICT, robotic stations, and 3D scanners.
• Employability: Why digital literacy is the "secret weapon" for modern apprentices.

• Instagram: @TheCopperConnectionPodcast — Daily revision tips & motivation.
• TikTok: @CopperConnectionPod — Quick trade hacks & career advice.
• YouTube: The Copper Connection — Watch video versions of every episode.
• Spotify: The Copper Connection Podcast — Stream the full archive.

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