Insert for black alcathene pipe

[rob_em]

Hi
I have a question. Changed the main valve on water main. I'm not sure has the insert been used inside the alcathene black pipe... It's imperial 1/2 not sure is it class C or D. Do you necessarily need an insert or will it be ok considering wall of pipe is thicker than in new metric mdpe used nowadays.

Many thanks

 

[Madrab]

If using a compression fitting on any plastic pipe then it should have an insert. The old black alkathene can go brittle, so even more of a case to use an insert. Always use an insert on MDPE too.

 

[rob_em]

Update on my main water pipe.
I have took it apart. And copper inner was inside. Happy as I don't know where I would take a new one. Olive was imperial as well with wraps of ptfe tape.

I have removed the tape and tightened it using a paste. It was leaking so I took it apart and redone the joint again. And it's fine now. The fitting turned more times without ptfe tape. I was worried that I will overtighten but it's not leaking anymore.

What do you think about the olive. On my opinion It's not yet so much squashed into the pipe to be replaced.... Hopefully?

Second thing I had to go really harder with tightening without ptfe to get leak free joint...

 

[polesapart]

Looks fine to me, unlikely to give future problems.

I dislike transitioning from black imperial alkathene, always seems problematic, even using Philmac universal transition couplers.