Insert for Imperial Black Alkathene pipe Outside Diameter 21.3mm 3/4 inch

[nickldntw]

I have a problem with an old Imperial Black Alkathene Mains pipe (outside Diameter 21.3mm 3/4 inch), which supplies water into my flat.

The pipe has had a 22mm metric brass stopcock attached to it for the past 15 years, using a standard olive compression fitting, but recently the pipe has cracked a bit at the point that it attaches to the stopcock causing a small leak and this needs to be remedied.

Ideally I'd like to cut the pipe below the crack, put in a stiffening insert and a 3/4 olive to re-attach back to the stopcock.

Trouble is:

I don't know if the Alkathene pipe is a class "C" and class"D", these have different internal diameters. I can't shut water off too the flat to cut off a bit and find out, it needs freezing.

I can't find anywhere that sells inserts for Imperial BS 1972 pipework.

Believe it or not I have sought professional help, but everyone I've contacted is either busy, on holiday or doesn't deal with alkathene.

Any suggestions where I can get pipe inserts please?

 

[Ian H]

There are places which sell inserts, the one near me is called Frazers at Radcliffe. I think they are blue plastic.

You could squeeze instead of freeze.

 

[nickldntw]

Bit scared of squeezing in case the pipe cracks, it's about 40 years old after all! Freezing seems safer somehow.

I've no idea what the internal diameter of the pipe is, most inserts I've seen are 15mm, though 16mm Hepworth inserts are available too. I don't want to cut it and then end up with an insert which is too big /small.

 

[muggles]

Freezing it will not go well for you - it'll either make the plastic go brittle and shatter, or you'll end up cracking the ice plug as you inevitably flex the pipe when you're cutting it. Both will lead to the most monumental flood.

If it's heavy gauge pipe you don't necessarily need an insert - a Philmac Universal Transition Coupling will be sufficient on its own

 

[nickldntw]

So you think squeezing is safer then?

I'd ideally like to join the alkathene pipe to 15mm copper and replace the 22mm stopcock with a 15mm stopcock (it goes into 15mm pipework anyway with a reducer), so no impact on water pressure.

Would I need to get a Philmac Reduced Repair Joiner UTC like this:

http://www.philmac.co.uk/products/details/?type=2&sub=34

And a 15mm copper connection kit like this:

http://www.philmac.co.uk/products/details/?type=1&sub=87

 

[dilalio]

I went through Alkathene with a spade whilst digging a trench for a new external soil stack, replacing the lousy internal one, it was the middle of winter and opening up the nice new stopcock access lid revealed no stopcock

The hole was quickly filling up with ice cold water it was a Sunday and the only place I knew that supplied fittings for Alkathene (common to the estate) was shut . I clamped it off using 2 bits of wood and 2 G clamps until Monday, when I could get the fittings. It was fine when I released the clamp... Just make sure you use a wide point load on the clamp.

I didn't enjoy that day, but got it done

I don't envy you the task and would keep hunting for a plumber who'll take it on... check your insurance before attempting this yourself!

 

[nickldntw]

I would prefer a pro to do it as well.

Anyone recommend a good plumber in London SE6?

 

[Nige F]

Trouble is:
I can't shut water off too the flat to cut off a bit and find out, it needs freezing.

Somewhere outside there must be a stopcock for your flat OR the block - contact your water supplier - they should locate and check it's working Free of Charge

 

[dilalio]

Yes Nige but... Imagine the headache turning off the water to the whole block if its many dwellings - you could end up being lynched

Edit... Remember this one?...

Bet he wished he'd said no to that job

 

[Ian H]

Quality!!!! I’d have put the vac hose over it and dropped it in the bath.

 

[dilalio]

Quality!!!! I’d have put the vac hose over it and dropped it in the bath.

I'd have been in another country far, far away...

 

[HERTS P&D]

Quality!!!! I’d have put the vac hose over it and dropped it in the bath.

Ian, the wet vac would fill up within 10 seconds then the electrics would get wet and trip the electrics.

(Trust me, I know!)

Andy

 

[JimCrow]

Bit scared of squeezing in case the pipe cracks, it's about 40 years old after all! Freezing seems safer somehow.

I've no idea what the internal diameter of the pipe is, most inserts I've seen are 15mm, though 16mm Hepworth inserts are available too. I don't want to cut it and then end up with an insert which is too big /small.

Bit scared of squeezing in case the pipe cracks, it's about 40 years old after all! Freezing seems safer somehow.

I've no idea what the internal diameter of the pipe is, most inserts I've seen are 15mm, though 16mm Hepworth inserts are available too. I don't want to cut it and then end up with an insert which is too big /small.

 

[Ian H]

Ian, the wet vac would fill up within 10 seconds then the electrics would get wet and trip the electrics.

(Trust me, I know!)

Andy

Just the hose, not the vac. On the plus side, he didn’t need a shower when he got home!!

 

[nickldntw]

Got a pro to put on a Philmac Universal Transition Coupling today, straight into 15mm copper. New stopcock too.

In the end freezing/squeezing wasn't required. Turns out Thames Water is trialling water meters for the block and there is now a shut off valve!