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UK diy (uk.d-i-y) For the discussion of all topics related to diy (do-it-yourself) in the UK. All levels of experience and proficency are welcome to join in to ask questions or offer solutions. |
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#1
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Push fit connectors for central heating?
Hi All,
Does anybody have any experience of using the push fit plastic connectors on central heating systems? How reliable and robust are they? I was thinking of adding antother radiator upstairs and just wondered how durable these fittings are. It would be a plastic section tee'ed into a copper run. A lot of places seem to sell it now (in Wickes at the weekend) and I like the idea of convenience. However am not sure about these fittings (but then I dont know how they work) in that they only seem to seat on an O ring. Presumably it must be reliable. The new build houses near us seem to have had plastic almost throughout, you could see it from the pavement during the build. As an aside, as I mentioned last week I have a leak under a concrete floor and was going to replace that section with new copper. Would plastic also be suitable here? Thanks for any advice, Matthew |
#2
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Push fit connectors for central heating?
Matthew wrote:
Does anybody have any experience of using the push fit plastic connectors on central heating systems? Yes, many people do. How reliable and robust are they? They're fine. I was thinking of adding antother radiator upstairs and just wondered how durable these fittings are. It would be a plastic section tee'ed into a copper run. That would be fine, as long as you have spare heating capacity. You may well need to re-balance. A lot of places seem to sell it now (in Wickes at the weekend) and I like the idea of convenience. However am not sure about these fittings (but then I dont know how they work) in that they only seem to seat on an O ring. Presumably it must be reliable. They're fine. As an aside, as I mentioned last week I have a leak under a concrete floor and was going to replace that section with new copper. Would plastic also be suitable here? If it's buried in concrete, plastic would be better. -- Grunff |
#3
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Push fit connectors for central heating?
"Grunff" wrote in message ... Matthew wrote: Does anybody have any experience of using the push fit plastic connectors on central heating systems? Yes, many people do. How reliable and robust are they? They're fine. You don't have much experience of them to come out with that. I was thinking of adding antother radiator upstairs and just wondered how durable these fittings are. It would be a plastic section tee'ed into a copper run. That would be fine, as long as you have spare heating capacity. You may well need to re-balance. A lot of places seem to sell it now (in Wickes at the weekend) and I like the idea of convenience. However am not sure about these fittings (but then I dont know how they work) in that they only seem to seat on an O ring. Presumably it must be reliable. They're fine. See my posts on pushfits. As an aside, as I mentioned last week I have a leak under a concrete floor and was going to replace that section with new copper. Would plastic also be suitable here? If it's buried in concrete, plastic would be better. As long as there are no joints and best joint the pipe using standard compression joints. |
#4
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Push fit connectors for central heating?
Does anybody have any experience of using the push fit plastic
connectors on central heating systems? They're fine. I tend to use compression fittings instead, though, as I'm a cheapskate and they're much cheaper. As an aside, as I mentioned last week I have a leak under a concrete floor and was going to replace that section with new copper. Would plastic also be suitable here? I wouldn't dream of burying copper in concrete these days. Plastic is far superior. These days, you should either be using pipe within a pipe in a concrete floor, or leaving the pipe channel intact and boarding over for access. Christian. |
#5
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Push fit connectors for central heating?
Matthew wrote: Hi All, Does anybody have any experience of using the push fit plastic connectors on central heating systems? How reliable and robust are they? I was thinking of adding antother radiator upstairs and just wondered how durable these fittings are. It would be a plastic section tee'ed into a copper run. A lot of places seem to sell it now (in Wickes at the weekend) and I like the idea of convenience. However am not sure about these fittings (but then I dont know how they work) in that they only seem to seat on an O ring. Presumably it must be reliable. The new build houses near us seem to have had plastic almost throughout, you could see it from the pavement during the build. As an aside, as I mentioned last week I have a leak under a concrete floor and was going to replace that section with new copper. Would plastic also be suitable here? Thanks for any advice, Matthew I've always used JG Speedfit fittings and haven't had any problems. Copper is fine with me but plastic pipe hidden away can save a lot of time with awkward runs. |
#6
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Push fit connectors for central heating?
How do the plastic fittings fair on mains pressure water, say 5 bar,
hot and cold? Thanks, Matthew |
#7
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Push fit connectors for central heating?
Matthew wrote:
How do the plastic fittings fair on mains pressure water, say 5 bar, hot and cold? They're fine. -- Grunff |
#8
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Push fit connectors for central heating?
'O' rings are just fine. In the oil industry they are used downhole at
15,000psi and at 175degC. Just make sure there are NO scratches in the mating area where the 'O' ring makes the seal. Also don't forget to lock them. Chris. |
#9
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Push fit connectors for central heating?
wrote in message oups.com... 'O' rings are just fine. In the oil industry they are used downhole at 15,000psi and at 175degC. Just make sure there are NO scratches in the mating area where the 'O' ring makes the seal. Also don't forget to lock them. Best forget the pushfits and use standard compression joints. |
#10
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Push fit connectors for central heating?
On 20 Feb 2006 03:15:23 -0800, "Matthew" wrote:
How do the plastic fittings fair on mains pressure water, say 5 bar, hot and cold? Thanks, Matthew They work very well. One general point is that using the proper cutting tool on the pipe, as specified by all the manufacturers is an instruction to be followed. They are not expensive. -- ..andy |
#11
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Push fit connectors for central heating?
"Andy Hall" wrote in message ... On 20 Feb 2006 03:15:23 -0800, "Matthew" wrote: How do the plastic fittings fair on mains pressure water, say 5 bar, hot and cold? Thanks, Matthew They work very well. One general point is that using the proper cutting tool on the pipe, as specified by all the manufacturers is an instruction to be followed. They are not expensive. Really? I found the proper tool didn't cut as well as a less expensive pair of secateurs. Andy. -- PLEASE remove spam_off to reply -- .andy |
#12
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Push fit connectors for central heating?
On Mon, 20 Feb 2006 20:45:34 -0000, "Andy Evans"
wrote: "Andy Hall" wrote in message .. . On 20 Feb 2006 03:15:23 -0800, "Matthew" wrote: How do the plastic fittings fair on mains pressure water, say 5 bar, hot and cold? Thanks, Matthew They work very well. One general point is that using the proper cutting tool on the pipe, as specified by all the manufacturers is an instruction to be followed. They are not expensive. Really? I found the proper tool didn't cut as well as a less expensive pair of secateurs. Andy. I don't know what you bought. Certainly the blade needs to be sharp so that the pipe is cleanly sliced rather than crushed. This Monument one is pretty good, having an anvil to steady the pipe square as well as a ratchet action http://www.tooled-up.com/Product.asp...ite&PID=129359 -- ..andy |
#13
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Push fit connectors for central heating?
"Andy Hall" wrote in message
... On 20 Feb 2006 03:15:23 -0800, "Matthew" wrote: How do the plastic fittings fair on mains pressure water, say 5 bar, hot and cold? Thanks, Matthew They work very well. Another with little exposure to pushfits. When using normal compression joints instead of pushfits, there is no need to buy an expensive plastic pipe cutter. Cutting with a hacksaw and removing swarf and burred edges is all that is needed. |
#14
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Push fit connectors for central heating?
On Tue, 21 Feb 2006 09:55:22 -0000, "Doctor Drivel"
wrote: "Andy Hall" wrote in message .. . On 20 Feb 2006 03:15:23 -0800, "Matthew" wrote: How do the plastic fittings fair on mains pressure water, say 5 bar, hot and cold? Thanks, Matthew They work very well. Another with little exposure to pushfits. When using normal compression joints instead of pushfits, there is no need to buy an expensive plastic pipe cutter. Cutting with a hacksaw and removing swarf and burred edges is all that is needed. Apart from mopping up afterwards..... -- ..andy |
#15
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Push fit connectors for central heating?
In an earlier contribution to this discussion,
Matthew wrote: Hi All, Does anybody have any experience of using the push fit plastic connectors on central heating systems? How reliable and robust are they? I was thinking of adding antother radiator upstairs and just wondered how durable these fittings are. It would be a plastic section tee'ed into a copper run. A lot of places seem to sell it now (in Wickes at the weekend) and I like the idea of convenience. However am not sure about these fittings (but then I dont know how they work) in that they only seem to seat on an O ring. Presumably it must be reliable. The new build houses near us seem to have had plastic almost throughout, you could see it from the pavement during the build. As an aside, as I mentioned last week I have a leak under a concrete floor and was going to replace that section with new copper. Would plastic also be suitable here? Thanks for any advice, Matthew Plastic pipe and push-fit fittings are fine for central heating systems - and for domestic hot and cold water distribution - with a couple of exceptions. You can't use plastic pipe within a metre or so of a boiler. Also, I wouldn't use it in situations where is needs to support something, such as a pump or zone valve. For central heating, you *must* use barrier pipe - which prevents oxygen molecules from permeating through the walls. AIUI, Hep2O is made in barrier and non-barrier versions, so you need the right type. I think JG Speedfit pipe is *all* barrier. You can mix and match copper and plastic pipe - and fittings. For example, you can use compression fitting on plastic pipe - provided you use pipe inserts in the ends - or you can use push-fit fittings on copper pipe. Push-fit fittings use a star-lock washer which digs into the pipe and grips it, and an O-ring to provide a seal. They are all good for pressures of up to 9 or 10 bar. Many types can be de-mounted. I like the variety of JG Speedfit fittings which have a bit which rotates to lock them, stopping them from being accidentally demounted. But they are a bit bulky. For neatness, where the fitting shows - particularly if using copper pipe - I use copper push-fit fittings which are much slimmer. -- Cheers, Roger ______ Please reply to newsgroup. Reply address IS valid, but is disposable in the event of excessive spam. |
#16
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Push fit connectors for central heating?
Thanks for all the info. It looks like certain 'little plumbing' jobs
that I have put off till later will be carried out sooner than I thought! Where is the cheapest place to buy the plastic fittings from? Thanks, Matthew |
#17
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Push fit connectors for central heating?
On 20 Feb 2006 03:48:45 -0800, "Matthew" wrote:
Thanks for all the info. It looks like certain 'little plumbing' jobs that I have put off till later will be carried out sooner than I thought! Where is the cheapest place to buy the plastic fittings from? Thanks, Matthew Any of the plumbing or heating merchants or on line if you prefer at www.bes.ltd.uk -- ..andy |
#18
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Push fit connectors for central heating?
In article .com,
Matthew wrote: Thanks for all the info. It looks like certain 'little plumbing' jobs that I have put off till later will be carried out sooner than I thought! Where is the cheapest place to buy the plastic fittings from? If cost is a factor copper with end feed solder fittings is even cheaper. ;-) -- *There's two theories to arguing with a woman. Neither one works * Dave Plowman London SW To e-mail, change noise into sound. |
#19
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Push fit connectors for central heating?
The cheapest are the usual crowd:
www.bes.ltd.uk www.screwfix.com plus, you can try eBay. Do a search on this term (speedfit, speed fit, johnguest, john guest) and you'll get a long list of items for sale. It's usually the cheapest way to get coils of pipe and bags of fittings, but not so good if you want a specific single fitting. I've used this route with some success. If you only want one or two things, it's better to go to B&Q Warehouse or Wickes, but the fittings are about 2x the other sources. You can also get pushfit radiator valves, if you want. BTW, for short runs (less than 3m), I'd suggest getting the straight lengths of pipe rather than coiled. The coiled speedfit pipe doesn't like being straightened (especially the 22mm stuff). Always remember to cut the pipe square and clean using the proper tool, and use the right insert for the plastic pipe and fitting (speedfit has two different inserts for pushfit and compression). -Antony |
#20
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Push fit connectors for central heating?
"Matthew" wrote in message oups.com... Thanks for all the info. It looks like certain 'little plumbing' jobs that I have put off till later will be carried out sooner than I thought! Where is the cheapest place to buy the plastic fittings from? Forget what the amateurs say, their exposure to these system is limited to say the least. Buy the pipe but forget the pushfits, either plastic or copper. Use standard compression joints on the plastic pipe. |
#21
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Push fit connectors for central heating?
"Roger Mills (aka Set Square)" wrote in message ... In an earlier contribution to this discussion, Matthew wrote: Hi All, Does anybody have any experience of using the push fit plastic connectors on central heating systems? How reliable and robust are they? I was thinking of adding antother radiator upstairs and just wondered how durable these fittings are. It would be a plastic section tee'ed into a copper run. A lot of places seem to sell it now (in Wickes at the weekend) and I like the idea of convenience. However am not sure about these fittings (but then I dont know how they work) in that they only seem to seat on an O ring. Presumably it must be reliable. The new build houses near us seem to have had plastic almost throughout, you could see it from the pavement during the build. As an aside, as I mentioned last week I have a leak under a concrete floor and was going to replace that section with new copper. Would plastic also be suitable here? Thanks for any advice, Matthew Plastic pipe and push-fit fittings are fine for central heating systems - and for domestic hot and cold water distribution - with a couple of exceptions. You can't use plastic pipe within a metre or so of a boiler. Depends on the boiler Also, I wouldn't use it in situations where is needs to support something, such as a pump or zone valve. For central heating, you *must* use barrier pipe - which prevents oxygen molecules from permeating through the walls. AIUI, Hep2O is made in barrier and non-barrier versions, so you need the right type. I think JG Speedfit pipe is *all* barrier. You can mix and match copper and plastic pipe - and fittings. For example, you can use compression fitting on plastic pipe - provided you use pipe inserts in the ends The best and avoid the pushfits. |
#22
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Push fit connectors for central heating?
"Matthew" wrote in message oups.com... Hi All, Does anybody have any experience of using the push fit plastic connectors See this link. http://www.screwfix.com/talk/thread.jspa?threadID=31314&start=0&tstart=0 Mainly professionals talking about pushfits. Far too many failures and a generally unfavourable view. |
#23
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Push fit connectors for central heating?
On Tue, 21 Feb 2006 11:51:20 -0000, "Doctor Drivel"
wrote: "Matthew" wrote in message roups.com... Hi All, Does anybody have any experience of using the push fit plastic connectors See this link. http://www.screwfix.com/talk/thread.jspa?threadID=31314&start=0&tstart=0 Mainly professionals talking about pushfits. Far too many failures and a generally unfavourable view. Are these the guys that you find hanging around at your counter bemoaning condensing boilers? -- ..andy |
#24
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Push fit connectors for central heating?
"Andy Hall" aka Matt wrote in message ... On Tue, 21 Feb 2006 11:51:20 -0000, "Doctor Drivel" wrote: "Matthew" wrote in message groups.com... Hi All, Does anybody have any experience of using the push fit plastic connectors See this link. http://www.screwfix.com/talk/thread.jspa?threadID=31314&start=0&tstart=0 Mainly professionals talking about pushfits. Far too many failures and a generally unfavourable view. Are these the guys that you find hanging around at your counter bemoaning condensing boilers? Matt, what counter woudl this be? Push does not come out of it well, and neither does Hep2O. Sad but true. So, Matt rip out all that plastic in your house ASAP. |
#25
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Push fit connectors for central heating?
Doctor Drivel wrote: "Matthew" wrote in message oups.com... Hi All, Does anybody have any experience of using the push fit plastic connectors See this link. http://www.screwfix.com/talk/thread.jspa?threadID=31314&start=0&tstart=0 Mainly professionals talking about pushfits. Far too many failures and a generally unfavourable view. I wouldn't say far too many failures, there seems to be about 2 discussed on there and one was found by another plumber so there is no clue to what the original installer did or failed to do. Plus it was with Hep stuff, I prefer JG. |
#26
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Push fit connectors for central heating?
wrote in message ups.com... Doctor Drivel wrote: "Matthew" wrote in message oups.com... Hi All, Does anybody have any experience of using the push fit plastic connectors See this link. http://www.screwfix.com/talk/thread.jspa?threadID=31314&start=0&tstart=0 Mainly professionals talking about pushfits. Far too many failures and a generally unfavourable view. I wouldn't say far too many failures, there seems to be about 2 discussed on there and one was found by another plumber so there is no clue to what the original installer did or failed to do. Plus it was with Hep stuff, I prefer JG. The archives of that forum is full of plastic push fit disasters reported by pros. They tend to be catastrophic, like the fitting shooting off the pipe and a full bore pouring out water under the floors. One thread had one plumber attending a pushfit leak and the customer got him to price up removing them all for compression. The most problematic fittings are pushfit a marathon. |
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