Speedfit

[Dagman]

I was given advice from Wickes (seemed experienced guy) after having a burst copper heating pipe. I fit the speedfit 22mm quick connector hose he gave me after a bit of a struggle only to find "not suitable for use on central heating" on the packet, this was after all repairs done and new carpet fitted. The hose is ok to 6bar and 65C. Anyone know if in their experience it should be ok? TIA... Dagman

[SlackAlice]

Are these the plastic push fit type? I had something similar to this fitted to a hot supply to a shower. With the expansion/contraction caused by cooling down and heating of the pipe, I found it would undo itself slightly causing a leak.
Had to re-do the pipework using compression joints, couldn't solder them because the fire risk was too high.

Never used a pushfit plastic joint or pipes since.

In a lot of cases the central heating pipework is used as bonding for earth cable in electricity. Interrupting this with plastic joints etc negates this.

[The Builder]

Well, that's a new one on me Daggers. I've been using plastic pushfit since it came out thirty years ago. Plumbers that I work with use it as well.
I've never got on with Speedfit. I've always used Hep2O or Polyplumb/Polypipe.

Although the connector you used is supposed to be big bore, I guess it's not the full 22mm. 22 is used for a reason.......... to get as much flow around the system as possible.... then "Tee" off for each rad in 15mm.

Use pushfit straight connectors with a small length of plastic 22mm pipe or copper.

That's one of the reasons I don't like Speedfit. What use is a 22mm connector if you can't fit it?

[Dagman]

Thanks for answers, I have fit the speedfit pushfit hose in where I had to cut out about 25cm of copper pipe, the hole was inside a joist so had no option to get a straight connector in. Ive had the heating on to the max and looked ok. In essence I've cut out 25cm of 22mm copper pipe and fit a hose with push fit plastic connectors in it's place. It'll take time to rip it all out again. Just wonder why it isn't suitable for heating. Pressure isn't an issue, so temperature? Probably go for compression type but it won't be easy getting it in. Doh!

[Dagman]

In case you were wondering I have now fit a flexible s/steel pipe with copper ends with compression fittings. Took a bit of effort but it won't be in the back of my mind anymore. I did incidentally contact Speedfit and their engineer said that flexible braided pipes are unsuitable due to 65c limit (central heating usually 80c) and he's unaware anyone else makes them higher rated. I could have used plastic pipe and fittings but went for metal to keep the earthing loop intact at the same time. Happy days...