Push-fit plumbing connections

baby-mechanic

Two questions about push-fit plumbing connections:

Who makes the best and easiest to use ?

Any tips or tricks to virtually guarantee that they work ?

amarg

John guest "speedfit" are the best.

See here-

http://www.ultimatehandyman.org/videos/171/plastic-pushfit-pipe

http://www.ultimatehandyman.org/videos/174/pushfit-joints-on-copper-pipe

peediedj

yes we sell speedfit,most popular available in 15,22+28ml

System

try screwfix for reasonable prices

mikey72

Don't like the inserts used on the plastic pipe in the video. I always use the type with a double o ring on the insert for the pusfit connectors, the ones without the o ring are for compression fittings. They work very well otherwise.

andrew-b

Another vote here for john guest speedfit. For supplier try BES. I bought alot of john guest speedfit fittings from them...big advantage being that you can order exactly what you need from them (worth getting a few spares though just in case) rather than having to buy a packet of ten 90degree elbows when you only want a couple! They also deliver 3m pipe lengths which i found quite useful. Very quick delivery - i ordered one evening, received first thing the next morning!

If you look in wickes their push-fit fittings are repackaged John Guest one's (small print on back of packaging confirms it and they have the JG logo imprinted on them) - not as cheap as BES but useful if you find your short of a part like i did. Homebase also sell them again repackaged.

I found JG speedfit Very easy to use but make sure when connecting plastic pipe that you use pipe inserts - use the superseal one's with o-ring on them. On copper pipe the inserts aren't needed. Ensure you push the pipe fully into the push-fit fittings, twist the collet lock and your done. If you put compression fittings onto plastic pipe use the standard inserts (without o-ring). I found the speedfit coils of pipe not to be as flexible as i'd like and tend to spring back into a coil but i suspect that would be the same with most types of plastic pipe. Use proper cutters suitable for plastic pipe rather than a hacksaw - JG one's are a bit pricey but make easy work of pipe cutting. Also get plenty of pipe clips for the plastic pipe as it requires clipping every 30 cm horizontally and 50 cm vertically.

Hep2O also get's good reviews from my research though requires a tool to release the fitting i believe ..whereas JG speefit doesn't which was why i chose to use that plus i knew i could get extras at wickes!

Andy

27col

I agree with the other stuff on here. Do not forget to twist the collett lock. I did forget on one fitting and it blew off.
I think that my pipe cutters came from Wickes. Quite cheap and extremely effective and quick.

moonrakerz

I used the Screw fix ones: just push on, no need to twist or lock. No leaks after 2 years !

EliteHeat

If I ever have to use push fit, I will always use HEP20 simply because they are not designed to be easily demountable and, to my mind, are less likely to come off unexpectedly. They also have a very positive insertion action which I think The JG fittings lack. I also prefer the actual piping.

Having said all of this, I am loath to use them except for some very specific occasions. I would also never use them on a mains water supply.

mikey72

I've used speedfit on mains water, central heating, the combi boiler, in 10, 15, and 22mm, with no problems at all. I've used the fittings on plastic and copper, and used the plastic pipe with compression fittings as well. I use the 25m coil, it settles down after it's been run through with hot water, of left clipped for a few days, otherwise it tends to curl back up.
The other point to note is not to use too close to the boiler, and not to solder near it. If you do solder, ensure all the flux is off the copper pipe, as it can damage the o rings in the speedfit connectors after a while.
The connectors are chunky as well, compared to normal fittings.
Yorkshire Tectite Sprint are a good non removal push fit, for copper pipe though, as they are a copper finish.

mebumu

Another good point about JG speedfit pipe are the marks at regular intervals indicating where to cut the pipe; note these are not shown on the video links posted by amarg. These are really useful when assembling the joints since, if the pipe has been cut correctly, you can be sure the pipe has been pushed fully home into the connector, giving you further piece of mind regarding the integrity of the joint.