What sort of pipe is it? (central heating)

VoucherMan

Despite searching on Google I can't find a definite answer so back to ask the experts.

All my radiators are connected using 10mm grey flexible plastic pipe. I'm replacing the bathroom radiator and would like to fit copper pipes to below the floor then connect to the plastic pipes.

I've found some 15mm-10mm reducers & will probably use compression fittings but can't work out the name of the type of the plastic pipe in order to find the right fittings.

I think the inside of the pipe is some sort of coiled metal, but it was a couple of year ago that I last saw it. Unfortunately I cant be certain until i drain the system.

Trying to work out which, if any, pipe inserts will be needed. Also which pipe cutters would be best as I may need to shorten it.

System

it could be barrier pipe - have a look at screwfix site.

VoucherMan

CHRISSYG wrote: »

it could be barrier pipe - have a look at screwfix site.

Barrier pipe was my first idea but does this have a layer of coiled metal?

From all the images I can see it's just plastic.

Canucklehead

Hi.

AFAIK there is no 10mm pipe as you describe.

Uponor produce an aluminium barrier pipe, but this is sandwiched between the inner and outer walls.

I would use push fit under the floor.

If you want to do more work on your system maybe invest in the tool for cutting pipe or just use a Stanley knife. Do not use a hacksaw unless you chamfer the end of the pipe very carefully.

Is there a name printed along the length of the pipe, or any other similar pipe you have in the house?


Note: Barrier pipe must always be used on central heating.

mikey72

Pipeplus do a grey barrier pipe,

http://www.pipeplus-uk.com/barrierpipe.html

there's also a grey plastic coated copper pipe around in 10mm.

VoucherMan

Well good news & bad news.

I can't read everything on the pipe as most of it's faded but managed HBP UK BS7291/2 1990 CLASS S

The tee joints also have HBP on them so I presume it's all Hepworth HEP20 ?

Small problem in that some idiot (me) when screwing a door stop to the floor about 4 years ago screwed straight into the pipe. Only realised earlier today when I started to unscrew it and heard water spraying. So now I've got the pipes to replace as well.

For another small setback there doesn't look to much room where the copper pipes will go under the floor, so instead of fitting a reducer straight to the copper pipe I think I'll have to fit an elbow just under the floor.


Would there be any problems (besides my DIY incompetence) replacing the T connectors (currently 15mm/15mm/10mm) where they branch from the main circuit with a 15mm T & using 15mm pipe instead of 10mm?

This would mean one joint less as there'd be no need for a reducing connector.

Also if going for this option would Speedfit connectors be just as good as Hepworth?

southcoastrgi

VoucherMan wrote: »

Would there be any problems (besides my DIY incompetence) replacing the T connectors (currently 15mm/15mm/10mm) where they branch from the main circuit with a 15mm T & using 15mm pipe instead of 10mm?

This would mean one joint less as there'd be no need for a reducing connector.

Also if going for this option would Speedfit connectors be just as good as Hepworth?

Nope & yep