Kevin Brady wrote:
I'm preparing to carry out extensions to domestic hot & cold water pipes
for a new kitchen & utility.
(A proper plumber is doing anything to do with Gas and central heating
pipes).

This is just a short message to guage support for the various types of
copper pipe fitting available to me.

e.g. Compression, Push Fit (plastic), Push Fit copper (cuprofit), (End Feed
& Capillary - see below) - any others?

Assume all pipework will be hidden i.e behind/beneath kitchen cupboards,
this does not need to win any beauty contests.

I'm a fairly capable DIYer (and always spend twice as long as I need for
peace of mind), but the thought of solder joints does seem quite daunting.

I have generally bought through screwfix, but happy dealing with plumb
centre, jewsons etc in order to get the lowest cost.

Let the arguments (sorry - debates) begin!!!


I felt exactly the same as you with regard to being a little wary of
soldered joints. I had a mate show me the basics though, (clean pipe &
fittings with wire wool, fine emery paper etc) and i used solder ring
fittings. Easy! The advice about using a heatproof mat is good, i was
soldering radiator pipework underneath floor level so i dampened down
the area first, then put down the mat. Overkill probably but i dont like
house fires!

Give it a go on some test bits first to get the idea and you will be fine!