Checking over a couple of butane heaters the other week I found the pipe on one was perishing, going more than a bit powdery on the outside. Years old. So decided to change both pipes. BSEN559 + BS3212/2, 8mm ID.
Went to our local builders merchants, who sell heaters and gas, and asked for a couple metres of LPG pipe. Awkward silence, then I get: 'We don't do it any more, the heaters come with it on, including the regulator.'
Me: 'Well, what happens when it wants replacing?'
Them: 'We find that the pipe will last a good 5 or 6 years, and after that it's time to trade your heater in for a new one.'
Me: 'Trade 'em in? what'll you give on old heaters?'
Them: 'Well, not exactly a trade in. We will take your old one and dispose of it if you buy a new one.'
Me: ' Look, I only want a couple of metres of gas pipe. Me heaters are alright. I've got a monoxide detector. If you don't sell it who does?'
Them: 'XYZ stock it, I think, but they only like to sell it to certified gas fitters.'
Me: 'You're having a joke! It's only putting a bit of pipe on, and two clips?'
Them: 'I agree it's ridiculous, but that's the way things are. We're not covered to sell pipe. Give XYZ a ring.'
Me: 'I'll do that. I'll look out me pilot's licence while I'm at it.'
Back home, within minutes I had ordered my BSEN559 + BS3212/2 pipe from a reputable firm on the Internet, at considerably less than I'd have paid locally, including postage. No questions asked. You can understand why people use online shopping if we are going to get this sort of nonsense every time we shop local for a bit of kit. What's next, production of a C&G ticket when picking up a reel of welding wire?
Anyone else had anything like this? What's to blame, Insurance or EC Regs?
Went to our local builders merchants, who sell heaters and gas, and asked for a couple metres of LPG pipe. Awkward silence, then I get: 'We don't do it any more, the heaters come with it on, including the regulator.'
Me: 'Well, what happens when it wants replacing?'
Them: 'We find that the pipe will last a good 5 or 6 years, and after that it's time to trade your heater in for a new one.'
Me: 'Trade 'em in? what'll you give on old heaters?'
Them: 'Well, not exactly a trade in. We will take your old one and dispose of it if you buy a new one.'
Me: ' Look, I only want a couple of metres of gas pipe. Me heaters are alright. I've got a monoxide detector. If you don't sell it who does?'
Them: 'XYZ stock it, I think, but they only like to sell it to certified gas fitters.'
Me: 'You're having a joke! It's only putting a bit of pipe on, and two clips?'
Them: 'I agree it's ridiculous, but that's the way things are. We're not covered to sell pipe. Give XYZ a ring.'
Me: 'I'll do that. I'll look out me pilot's licence while I'm at it.'
Back home, within minutes I had ordered my BSEN559 + BS3212/2 pipe from a reputable firm on the Internet, at considerably less than I'd have paid locally, including postage. No questions asked. You can understand why people use online shopping if we are going to get this sort of nonsense every time we shop local for a bit of kit. What's next, production of a C&G ticket when picking up a reel of welding wire?
Anyone else had anything like this? What's to blame, Insurance or EC Regs?
