How to remove split pipe?

WhoisDannie

The pipe for my outside tap split so I have to replace it.

How do I get the pipe out and what type of pipe should I get to replace it?

stuart45

It looks like a Hep20 elbow to me, which needs the release tool to get the pipe out. You probably need a bit of 15mm plastic pipe and an insert, or a piece of 15mm copper pipe.

mexican_dave

Yes, the plastic water pipe is made the same external diameter as 15mm copper pipe, so they are interchangeable, so either you scrounge a short piece of either off a mate, or you have to buy a full length from the merchant. Not sure about the release tool, don't these elbows have a twist action to release? Having said that there maybe a spring washer griping the plastic pipe you might need to release from the pipe in order to reuse it, or buy a new elbow of the same brand, so you have everything required. Guessing this is frost damage? Better to install outside tap below where the pipe comes out of the wall (enables you to drain down) and fit an isolating valve on inside. Then turn off and drain down in frosty weather.

stuart45

mexican_dave said:

 Not sure about the release tool, don't these elbows have a twist action to release? 

It depends on the make. Speedfit  have a twist release, but Hep20 need a release tool.

Swasterix

It’s a hep2o elbow. You need the release tool to get the split bit of pipe out of the fitting. They’re about £3 from Screwfix. I’d personally just remove it and replace with a short length of copper. 

WhoisDannie

So I can just use 15mm copper pipe to replace it?

I have a length of that somewhere.

stuart45

Copper is fine. Make sure the cut end is smooth, so it won't damage the O ring inside the fitting. You just need to push it in

Swasterix

WhoisDannie said:

So I can just use 15mm copper pipe to replace it?

I have a length of that somewhere.

Yes. Copper pipe and a replacement olive for the compression fitting at the top. As above, make sure the end going into the push fitting has been deburred so it doesn’t damaged the o-ring inside.

Use the demounting tool to remove the damaged pipe. Push the replacement copper in, it’ll go in about 30mm or so. Give it a tug to make sure it’s seated correctly and won’t come out. Then re-make the compression fitting at the top with a new olive. 

WhoisDannie

Well that was easy, cost £1.27 for the demounting tool from Screwfix, I had a length of copper pipe and an olive lying around, job done.