Self-Cutting Taps For Cold Water Feed

[MichaelZZ]

A question for The Builder - or indeed anyone else who might know.

I am finally having to replace my trusty old twin-tub washing machine with an automatic. I therefore need to put a tap on the existing cold water pipe. I feel that I am a reasonably capable diy-er but I would just like to know if the self-cutting taps really do work. I can see that the fitting of them seems very straightforward but is there any danger of leakage?

[The Builder]

Michael... I don't think I've ever used one, but I would be entirely confident with one such as this................

http://www.screwfix.com/p/self-cutting-tap-15mm-x/21250

Read the reviews and I think it should convince you that they are fine. I can't imagine there's any risk of leakage.

[MichaelZZ]

Thanks very much for your reply. Those reviews certainly sound pretty convincing. I'll be down at Screwfix tomorrow!

[Togo]

As far as I can work out Michael there is a danger of either the portion of pipe that is cut back into the supply, either restricting the subsequent flow, or breaking away and causing a blockage in the machine inlet hose when the main is switched back on.

[alavahalf]

With any connection there is a chance of leakage.. I would not use one of these myself, I would rather fit a tee connector in the main pipe, then a drop down a short length of copper or plastic before fitting a 3/4" appliance tap.
PeopleI know have said these self cutting taps cut such a small hole that they reduce the flow to the appliance dramatically and may well fir up over time.
Who knows .. I will stick to fitting these.. http://www.builderdepot.co.uk/15mm-x-3-4-straight-washing-machine-valve-chrome.html?gclid=COrm4LmNzs0CFbYV0wodD5AFDA