Flexible pipe

[Bogart]

What would I do without you people. I need to run 2 x 15mm pipework to a tap. If I made up of copper would have around 5 fitting before it appears where I want it.
There would be 2 x90 deg and 3 x 45 deg to get it around existing pipework and through a wall. What are your thoughts on using flexible to get there. I have, as far as I see it, two options in going this route. One being the flexible copper type and then the braided type. I have heard varying opinions on the flexible copper! Are there any reasons to not use a long braided one? Using a couple of 1200mm ones would get me to exactly where I would put the isolation valves.

Thanks

 

[Knappers]

As a plumber I've probably got 2 elbows and 3 45s in the bottom of my pocket right now, so wouldn't be an issue.
I only use 300mm flexi for taps, and even then it feels like cheating!

 

[Bogart]

As a plumber I've probably got 2 elbows and 3 45s in the bottom of my pocket right now, so wouldn't be an issue.
I only use 300mm flexi for taps, and even then it feels like cheating!

LOL why should it feel like cheating if it gets the job done and is a sound solution.

 

[Knappers]

I'm just getting old
I'd avoid flexi pipe unless its needed, there may be a reg but I dont know it.

 

[steadyon]

1. I'm somewhat old school, so I'd use copper, preferably bent to avoid too many fittings. Reasons are:
1a. It's proven over many many years. Not affected by sunlight or by many chemicals.
1b. With the right equipment and experience its easy to bend and join, at least for 15 and 22 mm pipe.
1c. Soldered joints, once properly made, are not going to leak with expansion / contraction.
1d. It's bacteriologically safe. I understand there are possible issues around the rubber in flexible hoses, but don't know for sure.
1e. It's relatively rodent proof.
1f. If it does rot, it tends to go in pin holes, not with catastrophic failures.
2. Flexible hoses might get the job done, but I'd question whether they are are sound solution, given that they are essentially braid reinforced rubber hoses with crimped on ends.
3. I certainly wouldn't trust them in inaccessible places, nor to go through walls, unless the holes are suitably sleeved.

 

[Bogart]

Another thing I do not get with flexi pipes tap connector etc is the size of the bore. Have a couple of JG flexible tap connectors marked as 15mm x M10 Monobloc. At the M10 end the bore is about 7mm accept that as M10- but at the pipework end , ie the 15mm pushfit end, the bore is about 4mm. Any smaller and might as well block it off totally!

 

[Bogart]

1. I'm somewhat old school, so I'd use copper, preferably bent to avoid too many fittings. Reasons are:
1a. It's proven over many many years. Not affected by sunlight or by many chemicals.
1b. With the right equipment and experience its easy to bend and join, at least for 15 and 22 mm pipe.
1c. Soldered joints, once properly made, are not going to leak with expansion / contraction.
1d. It's bacteriologically safe. I understand there are possible issues around the rubber in flexible hoses, but don't know for sure.
1e. It's relatively rodent proof.
1f. If it does rot, it tends to go in pin holes, not with catastrophic failures.
2. Flexible hoses might get the job done, but I'd question whether they are are sound solution, given that they are essentially braid reinforced rubber hoses with crimped on ends.
3. I certainly wouldn't trust them in inaccessible places, nor to go through walls, unless the holes are suitably sleeved.

All valid points. The wall is only a single brick skin with access to both sides so that is not a problem.
If I was to bend the pipe I would need a dogleg (2 x 45 deg), then a 90 deg, then another 45 deg and then the final 90 deg, this does not even take into account the fact that iI cannot probably get the dog leg through the hole in the wall. So it would have to be some bending and some soldering, I just though flexible might make it sooo much easier lol.

 

[exedon2]

Would certainly try to avoid long flexibles if soldering is difficult maybe use tectite sprint fittings ? Very quick and easy.
I used to have 2 of my team permanently sub contacted to a specialist insurance contractor . Failed flexibles were a regular cause of insurance claims.

 

[Bogart]

Would certainly try to avoid long flexibles if soldering is difficult maybe use tectite sprint fittings ? Very quick and easy.
I used to have 2 of my team permanently sub contacted to a specialist insurance contractor . Failed flexibles were a regular cause of insurance claims.

Will probably end up a bit of a mixture will tell. Am going to have a go today. Only fleible will be the one supplied with the tap complete with its 5mm bore!