Viva? McAlpine? Thoughts?

William Norman · Dec 9, 2017

Normally when doing my plumbing jobs I have always used McAlpine traps and fittings which have always worked a treat, be recently i have heard more about and seen more in trade stop Viva wastes and traps. Has anyone used them? Any thoughts?

They seem to be a good bit cheaper, for example the bath trays vs q10 trap is a good £1.50 cheaper and the pan connectors are considerably cheaper

https://www.NoLinkingToThis/p/mcalpine-wc-f26r-flexible-wc-pan-connector-white-97-107mm/71219
£19.75

Viva Mini Flexible Toilet Pan Connector (200 - 350mm) - PP0002/C
£8.00

any thoughts?

Old Account · Dec 9, 2017

Hi there and welcome.

Yes, have used them betore but ile stick to mcalpine. I know what i get when I pay more money for good materials. But that's just me

Ric2013 · Dec 9, 2017

Made in China. I also discovered that a spare diaphragm for their fill valves was hard to come by and expensive and I wouldn't be impressed if a plumber fitted me a valve (s)he couldn't service easily.
So, having fitted one Viva siphon and one Viva fill valve, I'm Vivad out.

William Norman · Dec 9, 2017

to be fair you'll be hard pushed to find anything thats plastic thats not made in china these days. might be assembled in another country but the plastic and rubber prob tools and made in china.

I not looked at the fill valves and flush valves for toilets, normal just fit what comes in the toilet, not replaced one in a long time.

NeilPlumb · Dec 9, 2017

I’ve used a lot of Viva and McAlpine products, McAlpine are head and shoulders above Viva. I’ve come across Viva trap seals leaking and cross threading from new, I’d rather pay more ££ and have no issues!!

As for the cistern parts the float valves are ok, quite small to avoid obstructing the handle but the float rises quickly unlike a fluidmaster and can cause water hammer, the syphons again are ok for domestic use but in a commercial premises where they get used more frequently the clip that adjusts the height will snap rendering it useless. The syphon tail washer is very good in my opinion though!