necessity to use Super seal inserts with Speedfix

Spookytooth · 25 Feb 2013

Manufacturer's advice is to use the Superseal inserts (the ones with o-rings) with their Speedfix push fit fittings, standard inserts with compression fittings. Yet both Wickes and Tool station don't even stock the Superseal inserts.

My question is: how important is it to use the Superseals? The reason I ask is that I have installed a new radiator with Speedfix and all is well even though I didn't use the Superseals. Having bought all the fittings from Toolstation, I didn't even know there were two types of Speedfix inserts! The instructions on the Speedfix fittings bags certainly make no mention of it.

Should I dismantle the work I've done and redo using Superseal inserts?

easyflow · 25 Feb 2013

You should always use inserts in plastic because the plastic pipe is not rigid like copper.

ivixor · 25 Feb 2013

If you use the normal inserts that's fine I think. Main thing is to use some sort of inserts.

Agile · 25 Feb 2013

Since the seal on fittings is between outside of pipe and the fitting I cannot see what those inserts with rubber rings are meant to achieve.

Seems like a con to me.

As long as you have inserts that seems all you need to do.

Tony

bolshy · 25 Feb 2013

There's an extra seal on the insert head OD contacting the inside of the speedfit fitting before the main seal. Just an extra seal. Normal inserts are fine.

Charnwood · 25 Feb 2013

Agile said:
Seems like a con to me.

How's that? Both inserts are the same price (in the catalogue) and you have to use one or the other.

The Superseal inserts are supposed to be the belt and braces approach. One 'O' ring gives a seal within the pipe and the other within the fitting. 'Extra security' is the phrase used. (Not extra revenue!

)
It is possible to use either insert. Originally they only did the 'all-plastic' ones.

Agile · 25 Feb 2013

Same price?

Screwfix:-

Plain 26p

Superseal 30p

sherbert · 25 Feb 2013

Rather than asking on here

try this

http://www.speedfit.co.uk/Home/Tech...al-Downloads/118/DIY-Installation-Manual.aspx

Spookytooth · 25 Feb 2013

As I said in the first sentence of my question, I am aware of the manufacturer's advice and I wish I'd read it before I started the work. I was fooled by the fact that Toolstation, Wickes (and B&Q I found out today) don't sell the Superseals, so I didn't know they existed.

What I wanted was the advice of this forum as to whether I ought to redo what I'd already done, and I think the general opinion seems to be that I don't need to.

easyflow · 25 Feb 2013

Spookytooth said:
As I said in the first sentence of my question, I am aware of the manufacturer's advice and I wish I'd read it before I started the work. I was fooled by the fact that Toolstation, Wickes (and B&Q I found out today) don't sell the Superseals, so I didn't know they existed.

What I wanted was the advice of this forum as to whether I ought to redo what I'd already done, and I think the general opinion seems to be that I don't need to.

I would redo it.

Charnwood · 25 Feb 2013

easyflow said:
I would redo it.

Why?
Before the Superseal inserts were introduced - as an afterthought - Speedfit pipe to Speedfit fitting joints had to be made with the all-plastic originals. AND THEY WORKED.

The technical leaflet sherbert links to only shows the original inserts being used with both the older fittings and the current Twist-Lock fittings.

muggles · 25 Feb 2013

If you want the warranty to stand you'll need to follow the current manufacturers guidance...

sherbert · 26 Feb 2013

Ok

Yes ........... you need top redo them if you want the manufactures warranty to be valid

Its not going to be much effort so do it and then youll be able to sleep at night

Just because somebody sells something does not mean its not required

When speedfit has hot water going through it you can move the plastic with finger and thumb ........... with the inserts in there is no chance of the ends distorting resulting in your fitting flying off

Spookytooth · 26 Feb 2013

The warranty argument is irrelevant as it only covers the cost of the fittings, so if one fails the warranty only saves me a quid! Doesn't matter how I've assembled the stuff, I still have to replace the furniture downstairs myself...

bolshy · 26 Feb 2013

sherbert said:
Yes ........... you need top redo them if you want the manufactures warranty to be valid

When speedfit has hot water going through it you can move the plastic with finger and thumb ........... with the inserts in there is no chance of the ends distorting resulting in your fitting flying off

From the OPs post, he HAS used inserts, but not superseal ones. Normal speedfit inserts are perfectly adequate.
To the OP - if you've got speedfit standard inserts fitted, leave well alone, they will be fine.

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necessity to use Super seal inserts with Speedfix

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