Proper method for instaling push-fits

[Spriteguy]

Is their a magic technique for fitting push-fit bath tap tails to coper so that they don't come off 3 days later!

They look like you just push them on, but other than ensuring the copper pipe is clean and unmarked, is there anything else I should do to make sure that they don't pop off after I have left the job.

 

[WaterTight]

I thought it was because chrome was too slippery. But don't ask me, generally speaking, I really know not what I talk of.

 

[SimonG]

I thought it was because chrome was too slippery. But don't ask me, generally speaking, I really know not what I talk of.

Nice thought but it's down to the chrome being too tough for the stainless teeth to 'bite' into. Always nice to see the diy'er looking at the sppedfit fittings in the merchant and telling them not to stick their fingers in the fitting, and then watching them do exactly that.

 

[Guest123]

I push them on and then push them fully home and give them a pull to check if the ring has grabbed the pipe properll. With the twist and lock fittings, I hand tighten the twist and lock and then give it a pull. On both occasions, I always fit collet clips as these make sure the pipe won't come off accidentally.
Dont mix different brands on the barrier pipe as there is a slight difference in the diameter between brands or use a Conex compression fitting with TS (Speedfit) inserts and the metal ones for Hep. Use only copper olives though not brass ones as they compress properly onto the barrier pipe.
Never had one leak with Speedfit and I love the stuff.

 

[bigboy]

i always use a lubricant/silicone spray when using these fittings, as it goes in easily and u can be sure the pipe is fully in the fitting, also with speedfit always check blue/black o ring is in right order before i use, also make sure i always use inserts, and make sure ive tightened the fitting.

 

[kay-jay]

i always use a lubricant/silicone spray when using these fittings, as it goes in easily and u can be sure the pipe is fully in the fitting, also with speedfit always check blue/black o ring is in right order before i use, also make sure i always use inserts, and make sure ive tightened the fitting.

i'd be concerned that lubing it up would facillitate the fitting slipping off under pressure. when i get chance i might just do a pressure test comparison of whether this makes any difference

 

[WaterTight]

film it, youtube it, link it!

 

[wheeto]

i'd be concerned that lubing it up would facillitate the fitting slipping off under pressure. when i get chance i might just do a pressure test comparison of whether this makes any difference

Silicone should be fine, but I look forward to the empirical results!

 

[Guest123]

No way I'd ever consider using lube on pushfits, they don't need it any way and they should be kept in sealed bags. I use zip resealable freezer bags from our local pound shop.

I think we need a sticky about the correct installation procedure for pushfit fittings and pipe as it's coming up frequently. Any moderators thoughts on this?

 

[Gray0689]

Always use a bit of silicone grease on push fit fittings never had a problem with slipping off just a faulty green grab ring on hep20

 

[SimonG]

I wet the insert before putting in the pipe and wet again before inserting in fitting.

 

[bigboy]

in terms of lubing it, the silicone spray is specifically made for the plastic push fit pipe, its sold in plumbing shops and only facilitates the insertion process, once u can feel the pipe is full in the fitting u tighten the fitting, ang bang its watertight. in terms of doing a pressure test im willing to make a sportsmans bet it makes no difference, as the lube is only a thin layer and dries pretty quickly. its sole purpose is to ease the pipe into the fitting, and then depending on the pushfit the blue and black oring or the meatal and grey components should do their part and grip the pipe, all i know is when i dont use the spray sometimes i have to take the pipe out because im not sure if its inserted fully or not, as i always double check with pushfit, as when i first used it i put the pipe in ND ID THINK ITS IN AS ITS GRIPPED BUT WITH A BIT OF FORCE IT CMES OUT, WHEN I LUBE IM ALWAYS SURE ITS GONE IN FULLY. BY THE WAY I ONLY USE COPPER FOR THE LAST YEAR AS MY NEW FIRM IS OLD SCHOOL AND PREFERS COPPER AND HATES PUSHFIT AND ID HAE TO AGREE, PUSHFIT ONLY IN SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES!

 

[bigboy]

In general my process is>

take fitting apart and check o ring components ( correct order and present), in each fitting.
Insert insert
lube pipe
insert pipe into fitting
tighten fitting
pull pipe to make sure its gripped, and look at the top of the fitting where the push down component of the fitting is ( to release the fitting - speedfit) and that its locked.
Bang - its a good un

pressure tested alot of installs and never had a leak - so far anyway, probably tempting fate!

 

[AWheating]

i'd be concerned that lubing it up would facillitate the fitting slipping off under pressure. when i get chance i might just do a pressure test comparison of whether this makes any difference

many manufactures recommend using silicone grease on the rubbers before inserting, polyfit even used to come pre greased a few years ago.

 

[AWheating]

I would wonder how long the fittings that came off had been stored out of the plastic bag? one of the worst things you can do with plastic pushfit fittings is store them incorrectly. Small amounts of dust can effect how they work. same with the plastic pipe, small scratches can cause micro leaks.

Another thing to consider is that some manufactures will recommend that all fittings should be pressure tested as this ensure the grap rings fully lock into the pipe.

 

[WaterTight]

I store my push fit fittings in a fittings case used only for push fit. I did keep a couple of 15mm stop ends in my pocket for a while but then went to use them and neither would work, so it's true about storing them..

I don't lube them but I do give the inserts a quick french kiss before popping them in the pipe as it sends 'em home easier.