Treacodactyl
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Plastic pipe fittingsLooks like I'm going to have to use plastic pipe and plastic fittings for our hot and cold water. I'd rather use end feed copper but due to acidity have been recommended to avoid it.
So, anyone used the push-fit type plastic fittings? A bit of research suggests that if fitted properly they just as reliable as solder joints etc. Anyone have any particular recommendation for a brand to use or avoid? Any views on HEP20 or JG Speedfit?
Cost isn't a concern although it seems some brands have been discontinued which has caused problems, so a well known and sold brand would seem the way to go.
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Nick
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Is this on mains pressure?
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vegplot
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The push type fittings are good but you do need to make very clean scratch free connections to ensure their long term integrity. If you do use them it's advisable to be able to have good easy access wherever the joins are just in case of failure.
I wouldn't use plastic inside a house if the join is difficult to get at. A good copper fitting will give much longer problem free service than a plastic one assuming you don't have problems like you suggest e.g. acidic water.
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sean
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We've got quite a few of them about the place and (touch wood) they've been fine. I'll ask our plumber which make he used.
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Rob R
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Only problem joints we've had in 5 years are metal fittings on plastic pipe, plastic joints have all been fine. Will look up the make in a bit.
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Dee J
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Mostly Speedfit here, odd bits of HEP and some copper... It all works. Plastic is very good for retro fit in old houses because it can be threaded through holes where rigid copper needs joists notched. Only real issue is the amount of thermal expansion in plastic pipes on hot services. It will move a lot. So don't clamp plastic too solidly and don't use plastic for exposed long runs where a nice neat straight pipe is needed. Temporary radiator install during refurbishment had about 20' of pipe clipped along a skirting. Straight when cold, but transformed into sid snake when hot!
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dpack
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what they said
all i can add is what you gain on flexibility you lose on the extra clips etc to stop sagging etc
we have some in the central heating that i didnt fit but they seem ok on a pressurized system.
the few times i have had to use them clean and tidy pipe ends and tight but not too tight on the fittings if they are the turn sort seems to have worked fine
they are easier than copper end feed or compression but i still prefer copper which is probably an undeserved prejudice against plastic 
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perlogalism
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I've used a variety and found the Hep2O to be easiest to use and adjust. None of it has been in any longer than 6 years so ' can't really comment on longevity 
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Nick
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Conversely, mine are at least 15 years old, and trouble free, on hot and cold.
But, I cannot tell you the make. And they're pumped, not on mains pressure.
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sean
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I've looked ours up. They're Speedfit. Up to eleven years old so far.
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Rob R
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Mostly speedfit here too, athough a couple of cheaper fittings here & there.
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vegplot
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We have them mainly on the pumped hot water circuit and cold mains for the bathroom which is a relatively recent fit (in the last 5 years or so).
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Cathryn
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We use both and thank goodness have replaced all our copper pipes they developed tiny pinholes everywhere.
We also use the bigger blue pipe for long runs of cold water. It works just as well and is cheaper.
If it's very acidic you might need a filter - a big tank filled with something similar to limestone that gets changed every two years here.
(Copper pipes, acidic water and highlighted hair = green hair.)
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RichardW
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Top tip,
Dont be tight buy the proper cutter.
I know you have a hack saw that could do the job for free but you then either get joints that leak or have to spend time trying to clean up the cut for a joint that will still leak.
The only time I have had problems is when I could not be bothered to go get the cutter & used the saw instead.
Oh & use the inserts if the brand you are using needs them.
Also use the dismantleable type (HEP2O used not to be, not sure if they are now).
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dpack
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seconded on the proper pipe cutter ,it makes them easier to push into place as well as giving a dry job .
vertical runs of hot water between upstairs and loft or downstairs need plenty of clips as they seem to get extra baggy ,i think i did ours to 200mm centers cos the 800 that had been done looked very wobbly when things warmed up.if between joists the same applies but 350 centres seems ok
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Treacodactyl
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Thanks for the replies. I'd certainly use the correct tools and follow the instructions.
I don't plan on using them on mains water pressure pipes, but might have a pump in the system.
I assume I could still use copper on the radiator/boiler system and the inhibitor should prevent acid damage?
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dpack
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tis always a good idea to use the anti oxidant /anti acid /anti lime additives as appropriate in ch systems and copper is fine for most water types and purposes
ps fernox is a decent make of additives but iirc screwfix "own brand" stuff is ok as well
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Nick
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B&Q own brand work fine on all our pumps. Put in extra flow valves because the pumps die often enough for it to be a pain otherwise.
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earthyvirgo
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The push type fittings are good but you do need to make very clean scratch free connections to ensure their long term integrity. If you do use them it's advisable to be able to have good easy access wherever the joins are just in case of failure.
I wouldn't use plastic inside a house if the join is difficult to get at. A good copper fitting will give much longer problem free service than a plastic one assuming you don't have problems like you suggest e.g. acidic water. |
