Cannot release old pipe connections in shower

[NBee]

Hi all, I'm replacing my shower. I'm not getting very far, as I can't get the old one off!

The two pipes seem very firmly stuck into the old plastic manifold - is there a trick to get them to release, or is it just a case of brute force? I have some kind of plastic release tool that came with the new shower, but can't seem to do much with it.

Any help appreciated.

 

[Breesey]

The two grey collars (through which the supply pipes first pass) need to be pushed towards their fittings to allow the copper supply pipes to be withdrawn.
Disconnect everything else so that these are the two remaining connections and then get someone to help by pushing the collars down as you pull the whole unit down and away from the supply pipes.
Either that or disconnect the two supply pipes at their compression fittings and then remove these from the push fittings.

 

[NBee]

Hi, thanks for the reply.

Do you mean to push them DOWN, towards the white plastic section?

I've been trying to prise them upwards...

 

[Breesey]

Yes push them down, into the white part. These are retaining rings that grip the pipe harder as it is pulled out of the fitting, pushing them in will release their grip.

Undo the nuts above these, that will be easiest.

 

[NBee]

Phew - did it - that was a job. Thanks for the help

 

[Breesey]

Ahh, good. hope the new one goes in OK