Central Heating Re-pipe using Speedfit - Opinions?

[Damian30]

Hi,

I need to update the house central heating system. Boiler was done a few years ago but the rads and pipework are 1970s, in particular most is TruWell pipe and needs to be replaced.

Had a quote (£2.5k exc. VAT) to replace 5 radiators and all Truwell pipe on CH circuit, as well as hot and cold water. House is a 3 bed semi. Most pipework is accessible via loose floorboards and straight runs. Replacing hot / cold pipe needs access through kitchen ceiling which I will drop as needs a reboard.

I'm a bit old school and like the idea of soldered copper where possible, appreciating plastic is more realistic in the harder to access areas. Also understand it is quality of installation, as much as the materials.

I've been impressed with the plumber so far, he comes across as knowledgeable, has good reviews and taken time to explain his thinking behind things. His preference though into use 22mm / 15mm Speedfit where possible with transition to copper for all the visible pipework. He acknowledges that it will be a longer job with copper (currently expecting 2 - 3 days of work).

I'd be grateful of any reassurance that this seems a sensible approach, main concern is that is more a quick and dirty DIYer solution and perhaps should expect more for the money. Again appreciate that the installation quality is important regardless. The only other slight concern is that it is a one month repair and fix if any issues, and anything beyond then maybe chargeable (although he is very local). Think I'd be happier if the system could be thrashed for a few months just to see whether these Speedfit push fits joints are sound.

Thanks in advance for any opinions from those much better informed than I!!

 

[muggles]

I don't know about expecting more for the money, if you want it all doing in copper I should think he'll quite rightly expect more money for the job. My preference is for copper over plastic, only using plastic where copper is impractical, but it does cost more.

That being said, a 1 month workmanship warranty is appallingly low. I'm minimum 1 year and up to 6 years depending on the works undertaken.

 

[Madrab]

he only other slight concern is that it is a one month repair and fix if any issues

That's a cop out - as Andrew mentions - any decent professional should have confidence in what they do and should offer at least a 1 year warranty for any work they perform.

Plastic - JG and HEP - is a well established medium to be used now, it is faster and cheaper and it has been proven to be more than adequate. If you want copper and are happy with the extra time and cost then they should be happy to offer that, any trade that isn't probably doesn't have a lot of experience with it and may not be confident working with it larger scale.

Think I'd be happier if the system could be thrashed for a few months just to see whether these Speedfit push fits joints are sound.

Once the system is fitted then it should be pressure tested. Plastic specifically is put under a much high pressure, that ensures compliance with the manufacturers warranty requirements , tests the correct fitting of the couplers and helps to bed in the grab rings.