How do I convert old threaded steel pipe to 22mm copper??

[steven239]

Hi all,

I'm having a 'mare and would appreciate some advice.

I had a problem with my cold water feed from the tank and traced it to a dodgy stopcock just below my tank. The stopcock was part of the vertical steel (i assume) pipe that ran from the tank and it has threaded joins. I cut it out and intended to convert to 22mm copper to add in another stopcock or lever valve. I thought I would have no problem using 28mm compression fittings on the steel but turns out the steel has a 26mm diameter and the fittings are way too loose. I also had a 1 inch to 22mm solder fitting which I tried the 1 inch end on the pipe and it also seems too loose.

I'm no plumber just a confident enough diy'er, so does anyone know how I can go from this 26 mm steel to my 22mm copper and save myself having to pay for a pro?

Cheers

 

[Dan Robinson]

You will have to either remove the steel pipe back to the next threaded joint and use a Male or Femle iron.

Or - and I wouldn't trust it on a water main, but still - got to a good plumbers merchant and ask for the appropriate Primo fit transition coupling.

Or, re thread the steel pipe.


Or pay someone.


Remember, confidence means nothing. Competence is everything.

 

[Stingray13]

I'm with dan either rethread it and use a female iron or get someone else to do it, i've never used a tranistion couplin but they are designed for mains water if i remember correctly

 

[steven239]

Thanks Dan. Just nipped into a Plumbcentre and they'd never heard of Primofit!! Muppets.

I have a Plumb base and a PTS nearby which I'll try also.

Otherwise it looks like getting in a pro.

Confidence and ignorance in equal measure usually gets me by!

 

[steven239]

Cheers guys.

If these primo fit couplings are designed for mains pressure will they not be fine for the pressure generated from my tank, which I'm assuming is considerably less?

 

[Stingray13]

This might help you

http://www.philmac.co.uk/products/universal-transition-couplings/

A

PTS should be a good bet



Yes they should be but i've never used one so cant comment they where designed for reaparing underground leaks afaik so not sure how well they've been tested inside

 

[Dan Robinson]

Only time we used one (primofit) on a mains pipe (1/2") it blew off over night. Never got to the bottom of why as it was fitted by the book, and was too busy at the time to investigate much further.

Used them a few times on low pressure water supplies (sub 1 bar) with no problems.

Never used Philmac on anything other than plastic and copper.

 

[steven239]

Those Philmac double ended repair joiners look the part. I'll take a length of the steel and 22mm copper to PTS tomorrow and have a play around. Hopefully they stock them; it would save me a hell of a lot of time and money and the missus might cheer up.

 

[steven239]

I watched the video and they say that they are fine for steel, I suppose only time will tell .... the voice over guy had a very confident tone to his voice do I'll trust him!

Dan: Where do you go to get your Philmac fittings?

 

[Dan Robinson]

I have got both from Grahams, although they struggled with Primofit due to the part numbers not matching on their system - so I went to BSS IIRC.

 

[steven239]

Cheers,

I'll have a ring around in the morning and update the thread tomorrow if succesful.

 

[holty]

viking johnson coupling. enough said.

 

[Charnwood]

Dan: Where do you go to get your Philmac fittings?

You mentioned a Plumbase close by, they are Philmac stockists.
I know, coz I sell it to them.

 

[Agile]

My experience with Plumbase is that they dont hold much actually in stock.

Even ordering they dont seem to live in the real world and seem to think 10 days is a reasonable time to get a part.

Not much good if the apprentice is waiting with his finger over the leaking pipe!

 

[Charnwood]

Other than the Scotish Islands, for Philmac specials no Grafton branch (Plumbase, Buildbase or Selco) will be more than working 3 days delivery.

Apathy seems to be rampant throughout all the nationals.