Product Information

[73 year old]

I’d like some plumbing "product advice". During the recent very severe cold spell I had the misfortune to experience a ruptured copper cold water pipe in the loft even though it was very well insulated. I decided to mend it myself and cut out the offending length. I tested the ends of the cut pipe and found that it was slightly bigger than 15mm. The pipe wouldn’t fit into a 15mm compression joint, the compression nut wouldn’t go over the pipe and neither would the copper olive. The same happened when I tried to use the slightly larger ½" old Imperial size compression joints. I was in a quandary and had no option other than to call out a plumber. He mended the pipe. He used simple plastic push-on couplings and pipe. He said that the ice, which ruptured the pipe when it formed, must also have expanded the pipe – sounds a bit like a fairytale but I can’t think of a different reason for the pipe to be bigger than 15mm in external diameter. Anyway the couplings which he used simply pushed onto the two ends of the existing copper pipe so they must have a bigger external diameter tolerance than compression fittings. He cut a length of plastic pipe longer than the gap, pushed a metal insert into one end of this and simply pushed this into the free end of the first coupling. He then cut the other end of the pipe long enough to fit into the second coupling, pushed another metal insert into the cut end, flexed the plastic pipe until it could be offered to the coupling and then simply pushed it home. As they say "job’s a good ‘un" but - it took him only about 20mins in total and it cost me £90 – Ouch!! It was so simple that I’ve decided to get some of this stuff myself and hold it in reserve for any future problems. Both the pipe and the couplings were white in colour and the pipe, viewed under a magnifying glass, was double walled. He brought two lengths of pipe with him although he used only about half a metre, and they each seemed to be about 5m in length. The only tools he used were a sort of special pair of scissors like "secatuers" to cut the plastic pipe and a pipe cutter for the copper pipe.
What I’d like to know is – what is this stuff ? Does it have a trade name or are there numerous manufacturers. Is it PEX pipe or Barrier pipe or something else? Also where would I get some ? I’ve got a Toolstation handy and also a Screwfix or do I need a specialist Plumber’s Merchants? Many thanks for any help.

 

[turnpin]

Howdy 73 year old and welcome I agree with the" ouch" seems a little expensive for a pensioner as stated there are quite a few brands about Hep20 and speedfit among the most common available at toolstation screwfix and local merchants as for the freeze up expanding your copper pipe it was most the probable cause I think you must have been a boy scout because you have learned it pays to be prepared🙂regards turnpin

 

[mikegas]

You can cut the pipe further back from the burst and then your compression fitting will fit, thats if you have more available pipe to cut

 

[73 year old]

Many thanks Turnpin. Everything moves on and I have only ever used compression couplings and Yorkshire type joints. The way he did it was so easy and quick with these modern materials. Many thanks again.

 

[73 year old]

Hi Mikegas. Many thanks for the info. I didn't really have enough pipe to cut further back but thanks for the suggestion anyway.