insert in poly pipe

[calvert]

We moved the position of the rising main by connecting a length of 25mm mdpe to the existing 22mm or 3/4 inch (not sure which) black plastic pipe using one of the plastic couplings. The plumber used a plastic insert in teh 25mm but didnt put an insert in the old black pipe. Now its all buried in concrete and I have found a copper insert which I am sure he should have fitted in the old pipe. Before I confront him, what is the advice from you more knowledgable proffessionals please.

 

[buck51]

were did you find it and when? I guess its too late now!!!! to proove anything

 

[oilman]

Now its all buried in concrete ......

Is that a good thing to do with a joint? How will you maintain it?

 

[bengasman]

The evidence is buried, no point confronting him.
3 solutions in ascending order of usefulness.
Pray.
Dig the whole lot up.
Pay up your insurance, and verify expected problems are fully covered.

 

[doitall]

Nobble his Horse.

Buried in concrete indeed.

 

[Agile]

Only soldered joints can be burried. Even then its not advisable and protection has to be given to the pipe against corrosion and a facility put in place to allow expansion.

The only thing you can really do is to hope its going to be OK or dig it all up to check/correct the problem.

Question, does blue poly pipe need an insert if just used with a pushfit connector? Most I see dont have them!

Tony

 

[kevplumb]

Question, does blue poly pipe need an insert if just used with a pushfit connector? Most I see dont have them!

i always use them

if no insert in black alkathene it might be as well concreted in

 

[doitall]

At least you'll know where to look when it leaks.

 

[calvert]

Thanks for the replies. When I say buried in concrete I am asuming he surrounded it with pea shingle first as there was plenty available at the time! So its just fingers crossed.

 

[churchilldog]

How do you know it isn't an extra/ spare insert that fell out his toolbag when he did the job?

 

[muggles]

It may not be a problem depending on what fitting he used. Philmac's stance with their 3G fittings is that because old black pipe is stiffer it does not require an insert. Don't know about other manufacturers though. Still shouldn't be concreted in but besides getting your hammer out there's not a lot that can be done about that now

 

[Agile]

That may explain why I often see both black and blue poly pipe without inserts when used with rubber ring seal fittings.

Tony

 

[doitall]

It may not be a problem depending on what fitting he used. Philmac's stance with their 3G fittings is that because old black pipe is stiffer it does not require an insert. Don't know about other manufacturers though. Still shouldn't be concreted in but besides getting your hammer out there's not a lot that can be done about that now

I wonder why they make inserts for black then.

 

[oilman]

That may explain why I often see both black and blue poly pipe without inserts when used with rubber ring seal fittings.

Tony

For many installers, it's because it's cheaper and they get away with it.

 

[Agile]

Or it could be that its only needed when using copper compression olives on the pipe?

Tony