On Thu, 04 Oct 2007 16:42:51 -0700, deano wrote:

I've heard mention, in the past, that Wickes use a sizing standard,
for their waste and drainage products, that differs from those used by
competing, and perhaps more established, manufacturers such as Anchor
Plastics, in order to secure future sales of their own products, when
installations using them need to be modified, repaired or extended!

Is there any truth in this or have my past problems, involving Wickes
waste products, been due to the simple fact that Wickes' push-fit and
compression fit systems use a smaller diameter pipe than other 1 1/2"
and 1 1/4" products, meant for solvent joins? And, if so, is Wickes
the only place where you can buy a coupling to join the differing
gauges? Plumbers merchants are always stymied when I describe the
problem, yet you'd think they must hear it often!

Adding to my confusion, neither of the 2 types of boss inserts/
adaptors I bought today would fit into the boss on the in-situ branch
T! Even though the merchant said it would definately be one of them,
they both had the same OD as that of the boss housing on the T! Is
this a Wickes oddity or am I missing the obvious?

I'd like to get this cleared up once and for all, as it always
presents me with a problem, each time I encounter it!


There are two BSs (5455 and 5454) covering this pipe and what's worse
quite a bit of non compliant stuff around.

The solvent weld is more popular with the more experienced. It's easy and
100% sound. It's only downside is that you do it right or you start again.

The push fit needs better support. Compression fits both standards.

It is strongly recommended that you obtain pipe and fittings from the same
supplier. There are some considerable size variations between
manufacturers even within the same standard. Leading me to believe that
not all of it is compliant.





--
Ed Sirett - Property maintainer and registered gas fitter.
The FAQ for uk.diy is at http://www.diyfaq.org.uk
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