Laying plastic UG drainage

Have you tried lubricating them? You can buy a small tub of silicone grease for push-fit fittings and then they glide in and out with ease (actually, too easily -- make sure the joint friction isn't key to the pipework stability, because it will be pretty non-existant once you've greased it;-)

To handle this problem I lubricated the rings with washing up liquid.

The pipes are then removable for a while for fitting etc. but then the liquid gets washed away with water on both sides and they stay in place

.andy

To email, substitute .nospam with .gl

Thanks, I use washing up liquid and it's true, lubrication does ease the fit.

When I use this method, its ok for a once and for all fit but if there's any jiggerypokery needed then the fairy or grease picks up dirt and grit. That's why I'd like to do a dry fitting first, without the seals, so that mods can be made before the final lube and fit. It's just a question of the ease with which the seal can be pulled out and refitted. I thought I'd ask first rather than finding myself with an evenings work or a duff connector.

When putting the seals back I would wash the seats well and douse the seals liberally in silicone lubricant.

Yes, the seats, being recessed, are the problem area where dirt and grit are concerned. It wouldn't do to leave any in there and they're slightly awkward to get at. All in all though, I think it's the preferable method for my way of working.