Uponor Q+E

[Chalked]

Hi all
just finished first property using this product. So I thought I'd give my views on it.

New house build with 4 bathrooms, underfloor on the ground floor and rads on the first and second. Pressurised hot water etc.
fittings go together quite easily, especially 16mm. You have to get used to putting them together very quickly as the shrink action starts straight away.
The pipe is easy to cable through but is a bit less flexible than hep2o. As you expand the pipe and shrink collar, the internal size of the pipe and fitting are the same size so less flow restriction.
Cost per fitting comparable to poypipe etc but let's itself down a bit when you have to adapt to copper.
Pressure tested the whole house at 9 bar with no probs,

overall impressed and will continue to use on new build. (Out of sight mind you) copper on surface.

 

[Ermintrude]

Does it just contract because of the ring on outside? Looks less prone to failure than speed fit!

 

[SafeGasInstall]

what is Q+E ?

 

[Ermintrude]

Any one tried mlpf?

 

[Ermintrude]

what is Q+E ?

http://www.uponor-qe.com/technical/making-qe-connections-with-milwaukee-qe-expansion-tools/

 

[Jonchivers]

Been using the press uponor for approx 4 mts. Never had a problem or issue with it. Great product but agree with the changing to copper is not the best design. The new screw in tap connector is to good to be true but works great ( how I don't know as so simple it shouldn't work ).

 

[Chalked]

Been using the press uponor for approx 4 mts. Never had a problem or issue with it. Great product but agree with the changing to copper is not the best design. The new screw in tap connector is to good to be true but works great ( how I don't know as so simple it shouldn't work ).

i have been using the press fit for years with no problems except for cost and problems with flow rates. Press fit definitely looks better but I'm sure this works better and with the added protection that if the fitting is together its finished, no missed crimping or part insertion ( push fit).
habe now got a large stock of unipipe press fit and cordless press tool. Might just keep it for now.

 

[nysk2008]

ive used uponor in a large new build in waterloo about 2 years ago, seemed ok but my worry was if it did ever spring a leak who the hell carries those fittings

 

[Roger Welton]

ive used uponor in a large new build in waterloo about 2 years ago, seemed ok but my worry was if it did ever spring a leak who the hell carries those fittings

Definitely this! All very well having such array of different piping systems but in a few years time when some have been discontinued then it will be a total nightmare.

 

[Chalked]

This stuff is available at any plumb Center ( some you may have to order from feeder.)

 

[hammers4spanner]

Any one tried mlpf?

anyone tried copper???

 

[Chalked]

anyone tried copper???

copper is and always will be best. But on new build where price and speed are unfortunatly the order of the day. These products fit in well.

 

[nysk2008]

copper is and always will be best. But on new build where price and speed are unfortunatly the order of the day. These products fit in well.

don't agree its always quicker, we only had 2 crimpers between about 5 of us and the battery goes flat pretty quick - not for me im afraid but if you like it then fair play

 

[nysk2008]

copper is and always will be best. But on new build where price and speed are unfortunatly the order of the day. These products fit in well.

plus if I remember right it coils up like a mother and the dry liners had a great habit of firing nails through it.

 

[Killy Bing]

Just a little bump to see yours viws now guys having used it more?

 

[SimonG]

Wouldnt use uponor again if my life depended on it.

 

[Killy Bing]

Wouldnt use uponor again if my life depended on it.

why???

 

[SimonG]

Customer service.

Wil e coyote got better customer service from acme. Cant do enough for you until you pay your money. But then thats just my experience.

 

[Chalked]

I started the thread.
i still use the q&e e on new build as the flow rate is good and have had no probs at all with leaks.
but!
Getting stock is a pain in the arse, as take up by other plumbers is slow and nobody seems o stock enough.
i think it's a great product ( when you get used to it) but when the rep trys to sell you the kit, point him to this thread and he might start to realise some backup and product in stock at merchants would be good idea!

 

[Killy Bing]

I started the thread.
i still use the q&e e on new build as the flow rate is good and have had no probs at all with leaks.
but!
Getting stock is a pain in the arse, as take up by other plumbers is slow and nobody seems o stock enough.
i think it's a great product ( when you get used to it) but when the rep trys to sell you the kit, point him to this thread and he might start to realise some backup and product in stock at merchants would be good idea!

That was my thinking.

i dont like using plastic all that much

i like taking it from point a to point b
or from a manifold.

what i hate is leaky o rings!

i just picked up a new expander, 2 batts and charger (love that its milwaukee) 😉

off ebay for 110 quid.

i have more faith in the way this system works so im giving it a go 🙂

 

[TBServices]

Why buy the expander when it's free with the starter kit? Lol

 

[Chalked]

That was my thinking.

i dont like using plastic all that much

i like taking it from point a to point b
or from a manifold.

what i hate is leaky o rings!

i just picked up a new expander, 2 batts and charger (love that its milwaukee) 😉

off ebay for 110 quid.

i have more faith in the way this system works so im giving it a go 🙂

You will like it.
It takes a few goes to get used to how many expands you need for each size, don't bother with the backplate elbows, they are crap! .
pressure tested one job at 9 bar ( forgot glasses) .
They should also make a male adaptor to copper..

personally, copper is best but certain jobs are best suited to plastic. Having used just about every type. Eg push fit and crimp. This seems the best compromise, as to ease of installation and least impact on flow. (Inside of fitting is the same size as inside of pipe)

 

[Killy Bing]

Why buy the expander when it's free with the starter kit? Lol

quite an investmant to get it!
starter kit works out about 600 quid

i will do at some point, then i will flog the used set for what i paid 🙂


Chalked i had a bash at ISH in germany.

had me and some great big german dude on each end yanking it to get it off the coupler in the middle.

al that happend was me getting thrown around like a rag doll.

i quite like the idea of running hot + cold to a bathroom and then having it feed a manifold and each outlet individually

 

[sheff paul]

Does it just contract because of the ring on outside? Looks less prone to failure than speed fit!

I find speedfit cheap and nasty,done fast fit contract work with poly fit had less leaks than using copper

 

[Ermintrude]

Less leaks than copper so none?
Was looking at buying starter kit for the expander and jacket. Some of the accessories look nice. Be horrible to turn up on job and have no way of fixing it.

 

[IDCHAPPY]

We first used this on a set of flats 11 years ago, it wasn't bad, but it was pricey and nothing special 🙂

 

[Ch4 plumbing]

We first used this on a set of flats 11 years ago, it wasn't bad, but it was pricey and nothing special 🙂

Have you had any call backs since, regards to leaks?

 

[IDCHAPPY]

Have you had any call backs since, regards to leaks?

Dunno, i left that firm 3 years ago :lol:
There was a couple of wee things but nothing major

 

[gassafe]

I don't lik these systems.... They all require specalist tools & fixings that are not held in stock!

Imagine lifting the floorboards & cutting through pipe to find its some weird 16mm uponour that you then have no fittings for or the equipment!! You would be up s@@t creak without a paddle!!

 

[Killy Bing]

I don't lik these systems.... They all require specalist tools & fixings that are not held in stock!

Imagine lifting the floorboards & cutting through pipe to find its some weird 16mm uponour that you then have no fittings for or the equipment!! You would be up s@@t creak without a paddle!!

will serve them right for using someone other than me 😉


i only plan to use it from a to b.

maybe as a manifold system for a full ch.

i wont be patching up pipework with it

 

[Unregistered]

Can anyone recommend pipe sizing for a property refurbishment, 15mm incoming mains with combi boiler. Can I use 16mm pipe everywhere on the hot and cold water or will I need some 20mm pipe as a distribution network (I'm using 25mm on the flow/return)???????
Thanks

 

[noggin78]

I find the 16mm equivilent to 10mm by the time you get fittings/adapters on. 20mm to about 15mm and 25mm to 22mm.
May be more or less depending on frictional resistance but better safe than sorry for me.

 

[Geyser]

I just use 16mm and 25mm. Never used 20mm. Done lots the way you've said and it works
brilliantly. I allways fit flow regs before taps to keep flow down.

 

[ShaunCorbs]

any update guys, got a few new build to price and im not using push fit and copper will send the price over (wont get the work)

 

[quality]

I re-piped a job recently where this stuff was thrown in that bad it was enough to put me of it for life. I think you shaun identified me a connector

 

[Chalked]

Hi Shaun
I use it on every new build. In fact just picked up 600m and fittings for a new build starting on Monday.
I still as yet have had not one problem with it. ( make sure you use the brass backplanes)

 

[ShaunCorbs]

thnx guys but least its the devil you know

chalked how do you do rads?

thats the only part i cant get my head round

 

[ShaunCorbs]

I re-piped a job recently where this stuff was thrown in that bad it was enough to put me of it for life. I think you shaun identified me a connector

wasnt that mclp? (crimped) cant remember tbh

but that can be the same with any install even copper 😀

 

[ShaunCorbs]

thnx guys but least its the devil you know

chalked how do you do rads?

thats the only part i cant get my head round

hmmmmmmmmmm think someones playing around

 

[Chalked]

thnx guys but least its the devil you know

chalked how do you do rads?

Anything above floor in copper. They do adaptors in male and female. For towel rails I use chrome bend Fittings.

 

[ShaunCorbs]

thnx guys but least its the devil you know

chalked how do you do rads?

Anything above floor in copper. They do adaptors in male and female. For towel rails I use chrome bend Fittings.

So you have like a female iron in the wall (downstairs) as upstairs is easy 🙂

 

[Chalked]

So you have like a female iron in the wall (downstairs) as upstairs is easy 🙂

What I mean by male and female adaptors is, q&e-15mm copper. You can get internal or external 15 mm solder connections, or fit a male into a compression fitting.

 

[Geyser]

Im still using it and not had a problem. Ive used the chrome elbows upstairs for rads or sometimes copper. Done a lot of jobs with the blue terminal boxes and conduit in screed with there 1/2" copper tails up to rad.
Anyone used the Uponor points yet? I must have loads saved

 

[Chalked]

Im still using it and not had a problem. Ive used the chrome elbows upstairs for rads or sometimes copper. Done a lot of jobs with the blue terminal boxes and conduit in screed with there 1/2" copper tails up to rad.
Anyone used the Uponor points yet? I must have loads saved

I have loads of points. Last Time ilooked, I had just enough for a crappy Stanley knife!
They are not worth saving.

 

[ShaunCorbs]

What I mean by male and female adaptors is, q&e-15mm copper. You can get internal or external 15 mm solder connections, or fit a male into a compression fitting.

think i get you

drops down and poke out of wall using back box etc
then convert to copper via joint behind the rad
run the rest in copper?