On Thu, 10 Feb 2005 21:19:32 +0000, Ed Sirett
wrote:

On Thu, 10 Feb 2005 11:25:16 +0000, Ricky C wrote:


How vital are inserts with pushfit plumbing with 22m acorn pipe?

I just did a very awkward plumbing job under my floorboards: I
installed two push-fit stopcocks in the main send and return of my
central heating system. After doing the job I realised I had forgotten
to use the stainless steel pipe inserts in the ends of the 22mm Acorn
pipes that went into the stopcocks.

The joints are not leaking at present, but are they likely to become
leaky in future? How vital is it that I take the floorboards up again
and redo the joints with inserts in the pipe-ends?

Thanks
Ricky C

My own view is that the inserts make the process of making a reliable
water tight joint easier and certain.

They are absolutely essential for use in compression fittings.

There _might_ be some longer term issues about the reliability of the
joints without inserts.

Opinions vary, manufacturers would say essential. It makes sense to use
them but if you forgot and it doesn't leak and the joint will be
accessible (albeit with some work) then leave as is.

Thanks to everyone for the replies. After reading them, I went ahead
and redid the job with inserts. The speedfit fittings came apart much
easier than I had feared.

RickyC