Do I need a loop in a hot water pipe?

[Lusi83]

For several reasons I don't have much confidence in the people who installed my central heating (for example in the bathroom they put a towel rail in upside down )

In my airing cupboard they joined the hot water supply pipe (15mm I think) from the boiler to the old supply pipe (22mmm) from the hot water tank. They joined them above the floor boards ..the loop formed annoys me - it stops me using the floor space for efficient storage and also I'm worried as it keep getting knocked it will start leaking.

Untitled

• Lusi83
• 26 Nov 2008
• 1

Untitled

• Lusi83
• 26 Nov 2008
• 1

Untitled

• Lusi83
• 26 Nov 2008
• 1

I always thought they were just being lazy and am thinking about cutting the pipes off and joining them (using compression fittings) under the floor boards. I'm just checking that the loop doesn't serve some purpose that I don't know about...
It is definitely the hot water pipe - it is cold and then I run the hot water and it gets hot...
Thanks
Lucy

 

[kevplumb]

I always thought they were just being lazy

you thought right

 

[neds]

I got a very similar problem in my old airing cupboard where the old tank was. I'm going to need to plumb these under the floorboards as this is where the new shower is going to be fitted!

 

[rebuke]

Just a question to those with more knowledge than me on plumbing - are you meant to put compression fittings under floorboards, I seem to remember reading that under the relevant regs it should only be soldered fittings under boards (possibly push fit is allowed as well, i can't remember)...

 

[BigBurner]

Just a question to those with more knowledge than me on plumbing - are you meant to put compression fittings under floorboards, I seem to remember reading that under the relevant regs it should only be soldered fittings under boards (possibly push fit is allowed as well, i can't remember)...

Compression fittings can go under floors. They are bulky and sometime impede the floorboards. Only use quality fittings - not cheapo Screwfix. Many don't like them under floors because if there is a problem, they are difficult to get at. A soldered joint is rather more permanent - although I have known some to fail after a few years.

The pipe with the two 15mm elbows. This should have been two sockets and an offset. Only use elbows when there is no other option, otherwise use bends and offsets.

 

[ChrisR]

BigBurner's whole post is more rubbish from someone who doesn't know what he's talking about.

He's been banned once for spouting garbage, and is on his way to having it happen again.

There is no regulation stopping you putting compression heating water fittings under floorboards, though there is for gas. This is because they are more likely to start leaking. Best avoided, because hot water pipes move a lot more.

Heating pipes can have many elbows with no effect whatsoever, except to outrage the sensibilities of a simpleton.

 

[BigBurner]

BigBurner's whole post is more rubbish from someone who doesn't know what he's talking about.

What didn't you understand?

 

[Axel]

Having two elbows instead of a bent pipe would only be a problem if there were issues with a long pipe run and problems with flow rate through it. One advantage of the two elbow setup is that if anyone needs to work on this section of pipework in the future, it is easier to manipulate the pipes into new fittings if there are right angles involved, as copper pipe installations usually have more movement perpendicular to the lay of the pipe (you can bend but not stretch!)

 

[Axel]

...and irrespective of any regs, it is better to avoid using compression fittings under the floor as they are more likely to leak later on in life, especially if any movement of the pipe occurs. Properly fitted plastic plastic pipe and push fit fittings are a good alternative to consider, as long as they are not too near the boiler, (1,5m, I think).

 

[BigBurner]

...and irrespective of any regs, it is better to avoid using compression fittings under the floor as they are more likely to leak later on in life, especially if any movement of the pipe occurs. Properly fitted plastic plastic pipe and push fit fittings are a good alternative to consider, as long as they are not too near the boiler, (1,5m, I think).

What I wrote is basic to pipe fitting Only use elbows when there is no other option, otherwise use bends and offsets.

Only cowboys do not adhere to that. If a DIYer can't bend, then 45 degree elbows are available. 90 degree elbows should be avoided. Too many elbows clustered gives water noises.

The above job was a cowboy job. It should have had a 45 degree elbow and 45 degree bend.

Avoid push-fit fittings. Use compression fittings on plastic pipe.

BTW, my mothers house was built in the 1950s with compression joints and not one caused any problems - although in those days the fittings were of good quality. Conex and Kutelite compression fitting cause few problems. Cheapo Screwfix do.

 

[ChrisR]

BTW, my mothers house was built in the 1950s with compression joints and not one caused any problems

SO glad you do have some experience of one real plumbing system.

What I wrote is basic to pipe fitting Only use elbows when there is no other option, otherwise use bends and offsets.

Only cowboys do not adhere to that.

DRIVEL.

 

[BigBurner]

I would never employ the likes of you. Do you know what a bender is? I doubt it.

Properly trained and experienced men "bend" pipes. Those who pick-it-up, use elbows. You have shown your colours.

 

[Axel]

In my view, push fit has some advantages, irrespective of ease of fitting - it can make a more reliable connection where access is limited and a spanner cannot be used to tighten a backnut reliably, and there are some situations where soldering with a flame is inadvisable. I have only come across 2 leaky push fit connections - one where the copper pipe was damaged, and one where it had not been pushed in far enough.

Traditional plumbing methods may be the most 'correct', but in many situations it is perfectly safe and fine to use modern materials and a few 90 degree turns here and there. I agree with the theory, but have rarely come across perfectionist installations, even by the best plumbers. Seems to me that often the higher the rate being charged, the more in a hurry some plumbers are to make even more dosh.

 

[BigBurner]

In my view, push fit has some advantages, irrespective of ease of fitting -

Do a search on this forum on pushfit and the horror stories than come out is enough. I have had a few failures and fitting shooting off when the grab ring fails with firehose open ends.

Best avoided, and use quality compression on plastic pipes.

 

[mickyg]

I have had a few failures

thats because you don't know what your doing. I've never had a failure on pushfit. 1 failure I can accept as unlucky. 2 suspect. but a few??? either your using poor quality fittings or as I suspect your not fitting them properly. Your local college could probably help you with some courses in basic plumbing.