Braided pipes? Good, Bad or Ugly?

[sergeantash]

I was in B&Q choosing some pipework for my bathroom refit and upon picking up a braided flexible pipe to use as tap tails (sink and bath), someone next to me commented "don't touch those, my daughter had some fitted by a plumber and they burst!".

I find it hard to believe that this would happen unless due to a manufacturing fault, but wanted to check - so in summary are these to be avoided at all costs, or are they actually generally very reliable?

Thanks guys,

 

[Bahco]

I have had no problems with mine over the yrs.

Would only use for taps or toilet cistern though.

 

[seco services]

seen a few fail never had any of my customers ones fail that i've fitted.
probably his failed due to bad install, used for the wrong job etc.
they don't tell you the full story.

 

[sergeantash]

seen a few fail never had any of my customers ones fail that i've fitted.
probably his failed due to bad install, used for the wrong job etc.
they don't tell you the full story.

Very very true!!

I am assuming that the only way you could wrong with installing them is forgetting PFTE tape, using insufficient amount of it, over twisting/shaping them, or not tighting up the joint enough?

I have had no problems with mine over the yrs.

Would only use for taps or toilet cistern though.

Also why not use them for a Bath? Same pressure, same fitment type (if not a bigger size).

Thanks for your help guys.

 

[seco services]

ptfe on a flexi hose. no need thats what the olive and rubber/fibre seal are for.

people do fit them on central heating and their not designed for that.
or tighten them up and twist the inner hose or kink it.

the only down fall with them can be the inner bore is restricted.

 

[sergeantash]

ptfe on a flexi hose. no need thats what the olive and rubber/fibre seal are for.

I mean't where the flexihose connects to the tap underside itself, you'd use PFTE there right?

 

[seco services]

ptfe on a flexi hose. no need thats what the olive and rubber/fibre seal are for.

I mean't where the flexihose connects to the tap underside itself, you'd use PFTE there right?

nope

 

[sergeantash]

ptfe on a flexi hose. no need thats what the olive and rubber/fibre seal are for.

I mean't where the flexihose connects to the tap underside itself, you'd use PFTE there right?

nope

So you just rely on the rubber seal? There's no negative reason not to use it just incase is there? If the rubber should perish, at least it's another sealing barrier.

 

[seco services]

just the rubber seal thats what it's for.
ptfe just clogs the threads up and looks a bodge.

 

[sergeantash]

just the rubber seal thats what it's for.
ptfe just clogs the threads up.

Lol but clogging the thread up is the exact purpose of PFTE tape, to help create a water/pressure tight seal!!

 

[seco services]

you are having a laugh aren't you ?
not on that type of joint on a MI joint yes same as people that wrap loads round an olive compression joint.
if the joint leaks you've either over tightened the olive and crushed it or not tight enough or damaged pipe.
an olive on it's own should do the job.

nothing worse than people wrapping loads of ptfe round threads when you come to repair them.

 

[sergeantash]

you are having a laugh aren't you ?
not on that type of joint on a MI joint yes same as people that wrap loads round an olive compression joint.
if the joint leaks you've either over tightened the olive and crushed it or not tight enough or damaged pipe.
an olive on it's own should do the job.

nothing worse than people wrapping loads of ptfe round threads when you come to repair them.

I'm talking about where the braided pipe would connect to the actual tap itself, 1/2" screw-on connector, no olive, just screw in to washer - are you saying that sort of joint wouldn't benefit from PFTE?

 

[seco services]

it's a bodge.
thats what the seal is designed for.
the threads designed to be able to tighten something.

 

[sergeantash]

it's a bodge.
thats what the seal is designed for.
the threads designed to be able to tighten something.

Fair enough, I've never heard the use of PFTE tape described as a bodge but I guess everyone works differently

 

[seco services]

Fair enough, I've never heard the use of PFTE tape described as a bodge but I guess everyone works differently

only when used on compression fittings or round taps etc.
not on MI fittings etc.

as always said how to tell diy job. it has rolls of ptfe everywhere.