Electric shower plumbing problem

[genthon]

My husband is replacing a shower supposed to be like for like but the new shower has a plastic inlet pipe. Instructions say to use a compression unit. However the copper pipe has a flexible hose which connects it at present to the shower unit. How can we use a compression unit to attach the hose to the plastic inlet pipe?

[The Builder]

I'm afraid I can't see the problem, Gen. Does your flexible connect to the shower with a compression joint now? Or is it a "push-on"?

[Mosaic]

Is the flexible pipe from the existing pipework one of those flexible things - often silvery colour, sort of plaited outside?

This is a pretty clear explanation of copper to plastic: http://www.polypipe.c...n-other-materials.jsp

But you may need to think about how the flexi end finishes off - you might need to add a short length of copper that you can then attach to the plastic.

[genthon]

The old shower had a metal water inlet connection inside the shower to which we screwed the metal connection on the flexible tubing.

[Mosaic]

I think from your description there is a compression joint between the metal piping of the old shower and the existing pipework.
I think you look through the link gave you it covers all the eventualities - what I generally do is buy a range of compression joint options and see which one is best for the task as I find it hard to remember the details. hen I take back the ones I haven't used for a refund. Works with B&Q, anyway.
Seriously, you're going to have to read thriugh the guides and work out what you need as it's practically impossible this way. But I think it's the case that 'compression unit' means 'compression joint'.

[The Builder]

It sounds as though the old shower had a 1/2-inch spigot (just like a tap - where it connects to the pipework.) So, I guess your flexible is a braided flexible tap connector.
You can convert the end to a compression fitting, but it's not going to look too good sticking out of the shower unit. I would be inclined to replace your flexible with one that has a compression joint at both ends.

[genthon]

Thanks for all your help a compression joint seems to have done the trick!! Had to buy a new connector but it has worked.