HELP Leaking garage pipework

[rick85]

Hi,

I'm just about to head to screw fix to get the parts i need.

My garage pipework is leaking everywhere (all night).

Ive turned it off at the mains.

I need to isolate the garage pipework so i can repair it whilst having the mains back on so that the rest of the house is left in service.

I will isolate the pipework before it passes into the garage underneath our suspended floor.

The question is:-

which valve is best to use? or will either be OK??
option a:

isolation valve

• rick85
• 10 Jan 2010
• 1

option b

stop cock

• rick85
• 10 Jan 2010
• 1

 

[landyandy]

'b'

Either will do.

 

[Burnerman]

Personally I'd go for 'b' as the other one won't run full bore (although a lever type full bore valve could be even better.
it all really depends on the water consumption in your garage.....if you use a pressure washer, a full bore valve is needed.
John

 

[dextrous]

Yep, b or full bore lever

Definitely not a gate valve though!!!

 

[rick85]

thank you all for the quick reply.

A full bore lever valve is now fitted.

The pipework beyond (to the washing machine and outside tap) is completely nakkered though. So in the first instance i have just cut the pipe at the point it routes into the garage and fitted one end of the valve (shut off). We now have water throughout the house. Kids and wife are happy, so im happy!

On another note, a large amount of water however is now standing under the suspended floor around the water mains pipe (approx 2 cub mts). I have a feeling that this has found its way from the leak in the garage running overnight and it is not in result of a burst or dodgy connection on the lead mains pipe.

I have looked at our meter and when all the taps are shut off (in the house) the black circular thingy in the centre of the meter does not spin round. Surely if there was a leak in the mains pipe this would be spinning all the time??

your thoughts on this matter are much appreciated.

Many thanks

Rick85

 

[Burnerman]

Given time Rick the standing water will go from underneath your floor - not much you can do about it anyway unless you can get a pump in.
If your water meter isn't spinning, then there's no leak, so well done!
You can rig up a temporary supply to your washing machine and earn even more Brownie points!
John

 

[rick85]

thanks John.

I am going to follow your suggestion and rig up a temp feed to the washing machine.

Will the plastic flexible pipe be ok to use (the same stuff they use for central heating etc.)??

If so, will this be ok connecting straight into the other end of the new ball valve i fitted? or will another part be required first?

this is the valve i used: -

Untitled

• rick85
• 10 Jan 2010
• 1

cheers again


rick

 

[bobw1956]

Just make sure you use an insert in the (plastic pipe)

 

[Burnerman]

Plastic pipe is fine, use the correct insert and it will go straight into the valve. Speedfit pipe uses plastic inserts which are a little long in that end, so use the grey Marley or Hep2O stuff with the stainless insert. Copper olives help too.
John

 

[rick85]

trying my best not to sound stupid?

Im not sure what you guys mean by "insert"?

do i need to run a short length of copper pipe from my new valve first? and then buy some sort of transitional adaptor? to connect copper to plastic?

 

[Burnerman]

Plastic pipes use an insert (stainless steel sleeve) that presses inside the pipe to keep the walls rigid. It is essential to use them.The plastic pipe will go straight into the valve, no problem. Just pretend the plasic pipe is copper and treat it the same way.
John

 

[rick85]

i follow you now...eventually got there! hehe.

Screwfix only seem to do speedfit. any idea what store is best to pick the other stuff up from? ideally one thats open on Sun? only need approx 5m

 

[Burnerman]

B&Q, Wickes etc all do the pipe and inserts.
John

 

[rick85]

im on my way now.

thank you greatly for your time John.

 

[dextrous]

i follow you now...eventually got there! hehe.

Screwfix only seem to do speedfit. any idea what store is best to pick the other stuff up from? ideally one thats open on Sun? only need approx 5m

where in manchester are you. Accept my "friendship" above and pm me - I've got some you can have for nowt with inserts.