Plastic pipe identification

[steviebobs]

Hi

I have a small plumbing job to do but have an issue identifying the existing 15mm plastic pipe/fittings.

I need to insert a tee into a 15mm existing cold water supply pipe (plastic) but do not know the 'manufacturer' of the pipe.

I am aware that the push fit fittings are universal but the pipe inserts are not.

How do I identify the pipe and subsequently the inserts? There is one other fitting (straight connector) visible but looks like a plastic compression. Otherwise the only apparent other clue is that the pipe is black !

Any help?

Thanks

SjH

 

[jeff the gasman]

Use a stainless steel insert and the fitting of your choice. I wouldn't lose any sleep over it tbh.

 

[SandyLyon]

How old is the property / installation?

When there was a copper shortage 70's / 80's there was a lot of strange imported plastic pipe and fittings used, I was working on an estate in Runcorn quite a few years ago that had been done in a black plastic system with solvent weld fittings, the pipe was a non standard size and had become so brittle that we had to re-plumb the whole properties.

If you can post a photo of the fitting it may help.

 

[steviebobs]

Thanks for the prompt replies guy - I suppose I was concerned that the internal diameter of the pipe might require a specific insert.

Also the property is in excess of 100 years old but was converted into apartments in, I think, the mid 2000's. The 15mm plastic supply pipe (which actually goes to a shower) appears to have been fitted then or later.

I am not at the property but will be later this week for a photo.

Regards

SjH

 

[SandyLyon]

I don't know of any of the propriety brands that have produced a Black system, Bartol (Acorn) did produce a dark Brown pipe and fittings in the late 70's, they changed to Grey when they joined up with Hepworth shortly after.
The Acorn fittings should have either Bartol or Acorn moulded onto the cap face.

 

[steviebobs]

Thanks again all - I will do a 'reccy' and report back.

Regards

SjH

 

[Madrab]

If you can, get a close measurement of the pipe OD, is it actually 15mm? You may have Imperial Black Alkathene there. What types of fittings does it use just now?

 

[SandyLyon]

If it's definitely 15mm and if it's either Polybutylene or PEX (Cross Polyethylene) and you can't establish the make, the safest way would be to use Stainless Sleel inserts and a Compression Tee (Conex or similar) with a copper olive and a bit of PTFE tape if required, don't use any jointing paste.

 

[Agile]

Stainless inserts are loose on some makes.

Its easier to buy a few of each common make and just select one which is a tight fit.

Tony

 

[steviebobs]

Hi all and yet again, thanks for your interest and replies.

I managed to get to the property today and took a pic.

It looks like the 15mm plastic pipework is Bartol-Acorn, as indicated by the pipe itself, the pic also shows the joint which appears to be a compression as mentioned earlier. I am not sure if this stuff is available today so would like to ask if there are any preferred compatible inserts, or, as Tony suggested, maybe I just get a selection and pick the tightest.

SjH

 

[SandyLyon]

It's Bartol Acorn which was superseded by Hep2o.

Hepworth s/s inserts will be fine.

That is a "Pushfit" fitting, the cap unscrews and the internal components are accessible (but don't disturb them)

 

[Agile]

But how strong will it be now for using in a brass compression fitting?

 

[Agile]

I might be inclined to use a similar plastic fitting!

 

[SandyLyon]

But how strong will it be now for using in a brass compression fitting?

Looking at the state of the pipe the sensible thing to do is replace it, plus that pipe has not been made for almost 50 years (I think the warranty on Bartol was either 10 or 25 years, not the 50 years that the current Hep2o is)

 

[Agile]

I agree replacement would be far better.

But failing that I would suggest using a similar plastic fitting and any insert which fits snugly.

Tony