Meter->Service Pipe->1/2" Stop Tap - Replace Now?

[tnarg999]

Hi all,

This is something I should have researched ages ago, and now we are in the position of being able to replace our service pipe (new driveway) I thought i'd ask a few questions here.

In the picture - the currrent mains water set-up->20mm MDPE Service pipe (not 25mm...) into a 1/2" stop tap, which feeds 15mm copper for the mains cold and an "up"converter 15mm->22mm Worcester Bosch Combi feed.

The hot water flow rate has always been ok - but not amazing, but now we have a growing family it will start to take more demand.

I suppose the answers to my questions might help decide whether I upgrade the service pipe to 32mm since the drive is being dug up anyway or will i get some benefit from changes at the stop tap pictured.

Untitled

• tnarg999
• 24 Feb 2015
• 1

Q1: Is there any point in replacing this 1/2" stop tap for 22mm version now, instead of a new 32mm service pipe?

Q2: Does the current tap look like the correct component, or is it just a "brass tap" and potentially restrictive?

Q3: When the 22mm copper Combi feed was installed, it started as 15mm - should I bring this back (as 22mm) to a new 22mm stop tap to improve things?

If I do end up replacing the service pipe, I would prefer to only buy one new stop tap, but if you guys think I might get better performance for a lot less cost, i'll explore that first.

Thanks for reading

 

[Dan Robinson]

If you have a combi boiler it will probably make firk all difference to your end performance,.

 

[tnarg999]

Thanks Dan.
Is that because the combi has built in flow restiction anyway?

Would you not bother replacing the stop cock for 22mm or putting in a 32mm service pipe either?

 

[TeaTime]

I wouldn't increase to 32mm.

Combi boiler systems deal with high demand on domestic cold water quite well, so I dont see the benifit. If you are expecting a much greater demand on the hot water, then i suggest that changing you system from a combi to sealed system is something to consider... lol.

 

[Dan Robinson]

Depends on your incoming pressure I suppose.

Changing a stop cock is easy enough, and that one looks a bit manky.

a 32mm service would be pointless.

But the pipe is not expensive.....


Essentially, do it for future maintenance reasons as the performance is a not a factor.

 

[tnarg999]

Yep - the pipe is cheap!

32mm MDPE pipe (25 Metres) - £25.00

SWW connection charge for excavting ~1Metre pavement = £700!!

Not sure I'll be future proofing it!

 

[Hugh Jaleak]

Seems to be the going rate from the Water Companies. I have just been quoted anything between £750 and £1200 from Anglian Water for a new connection to the local football club clubhouse. Cost depends how far the main is from the property boundary! They cant give an exact cost until they do a survey, which is £148, refundable if you have the work done.....