I need to cap off an old feed under the bath down into the kitchen since it's re-model. I can get my hand and a pipe cutter in there easily - but couldn't get a gas torch anywhere in there - so - these push-fit things - can I just deburr and push a push-fit stop end on?
In principle, yes. How old is the feed, and what size pipe is it? I'm not sure that you can get push-fit fittings for imperial pipe. If it's 15mm or
22mm copper, fine. Cut it with a proper pipe cutter which has a cutting wheel, and then clean up the end inch or so with wire wool. The cutter will have turned the end in slightly, so there's no need to de-burr. I would use copper push-fit in metal pipe.
In the unlikely event that it's a stainless steel pipe - fitted in the copper shortage in the 1960's or whenever - you won't be able to use pushfit - 'cos it won't grip properly.
In an awkward position it is perfectly possible to "tighten one up", but in fact it really isn't and the olive has not cramped onto the pipe properly. This is especially true if the pipe is old and has naturally hardened. Under pressure the fitting can pop off......
On 2 Apr 2006 18:16:34 GMT someone who may be mike wrote this:-
Some years ago I had just sat down to Christmas dinner with other members of the family (not in my house BTW) and the starter was just about to be put on the table.
There was a sudden sound of running water, which I thought was a pan being emptied in the kitchen. However, I was soon asked to help and in the main bathroom I was able to observe a waterfall coming down from the loft. Feeling a bit like a sumbmariner I climbed up the ladder as the water came down.
The cause of the waterfall was a failed joint which had been installed a day or two before. Because of the fashion for mains pressure water systems a lot of water had pissed out of this joint in a short period. The plumber had used a push-fit fitting, despite being paid to do the job properly.
The replacement compression fitting went on with the aid of much swearing about plumbers and is still working happily five years or so later.
I would say that's the fault of the plumber rather than the fitting. I'd say it's just as easy (or difficult!) to mess up a solder joint, compression joint, or push fit joint. All have their potential pitfalls. (I may come back here in a year or two and eat humble pie when all my speedfit fittings fall apart though... :-)
It's now dead pipe work, but until a few years ago that was the situation in my house and all the others in the terrace.
Originally: The iron pipe emerged from under the floor under the bath and then was chased into the wall around the side of the bath. It's purpose was to supply a large instantaneous gas water heater as an alternative to the solid fuel back-boiler and direct gravity heating of the HW tank (cf. cylinder).
Until about 5 years ago my neighbour still had the complete asbestos flue mounted outside.
Imperial copper tube is fairly rare IME. The 15mm push fits will go onto the 1/2" they are a little tight, you might not remove the fitting after unless it is the sort you unscrew.
Using wire wool on pipe for a pushfit fitting is asking for trouble This will lead to a leak as you are scoring the smooth surface of th pipe which is what the sealing ring seals against???
Well I suppose that I may be atypical - but I've had it in both houses which I've owned, and in my father-in-law's house - all built in the 1960's. So I suspect that there's still a lot of it about even if you don't personally encounter it very often.
HomeOwnersHub website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here.
All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.