(Not) Using Speedfit inserts

[OscarFoxtrot]

Had a plumber working for me a few weeks ago on a bathroom refit.

I caught him not using inserts on speed fit pipe and fittings and he said the pipe was strong itself if using a speedfit fitting but he used inserts on compression.

I got a call back to say there was a leak in behind the toilet. Couldn't see where it was coming from so took the toilet out and stripped down all the fittings to find a plastic pipe into a compression fitting without an insert.

I think I already know the answer but I'm guessing he was at it?

He was put off the job anyway for another reason but I'm thinking I won't be using him again.

I laboured for a plumber years ago and although he was solder and copper for the most part anytime he used plastic pipe or fitting he stressed the need for using an insert.

 

[mcluma]

yes yes yes, you always need a pipe insert

Do I need to use a pipe insert every time I connect Speedfit Pipe to a fitting?
You should always use a pipe insert when you connect Speedfit Pipe. Inserts help ensure that the shape of the pipe is kept circular, making for a better seal between the outside diameter of the pipe and the ‘O’ ring. They also make the pipe more rigid, helping to prevent ‘weeping’ past the ‘O’ ring if a side load is applied.



There are 2 types of insert for use with Speedfit Pipe.

The Superseal ‘STS’ Insert has it’s own ‘O’ ring which gives a secondary seal against the bore of the fitting.

The Standard ‘TSM’ Insert has a plain shoulder allowing a greater length of pipe into the fitting.

Use of the Standard Insert is recommended when connecting Speedfit Pipe to a compression fitting

 

[Dan Robinson]

You'd have to be a total ******** not to use inserts. Kiss goodbye to any warranty.

 

[ScottishGasMan]

Yea, Compression fitting or speedfit fittings, all REQUIRE inserts. Given some time you might have the joy of some of the fitting deciding just to pop off completely

 

[St0rmer66]

Any problem with using the superseal inserts in a compression fitting? Had to do a few and had only bought a big bag of superseal. Can't see any disadvantage apart from slightly more expensive.

 

[AL66]

Any problem with using the superseal inserts in a compression fitting? Had to do a few and had only bought a big bag of superseal. Can't see any disadvantage apart from slightly more expensive.

I believe so from what I've read on here, follow the advice as above to use the standard inserts as you will have more pipe in the fitting. I think that the consensus on here seems to be that copper pipe into a speedfit fitting is less likely to blow apart than speedfit pipe into a compression fitting. Also, if you do use a compression fitting use a copper olive in place of brass.

 

[St0rmer66]

Any problem with using the superseal inserts in a compression fitting? Had to do a few and had only bought a big bag of superseal. Can't see any disadvantage apart from slightly more expensive.

I believe so from what I've read on here, follow the advice as above to use the standard inserts as you will have more pipe in the fitting. I think that the consensus on here seems to be that copper pipe into a speedfit fitting is less likely to blow apart than speedfit pipe into a compression fitting. Also, if you do use a compression fitting use a copper olive in place of brass.

Well it's in my own house so at least it's not a customer! Has been fine sat at 6bar and tried tugging on them etc. I'll take the chance! I'd feel a lot worse if I'd forgotten inserts at all.

 

[leakydave]

Your fella was trained by Roy Rogers and is Sponsored by Dunlop Wellington Boots and Acme Umbrella Co. Ltd.

 

[simond]

The superseal insert has compressible O rings and therefore is unsuitable for brass fittings with olives, as the O rings will squash over time and the olive will no longer hold the pipe in place.

 

[spareshunter]

Just read the instructions and specification from Speedfit, the answer is there. Give your plumber a copy and if he doesn't come back and use the correct inserts on all joints then call the Office of Fair Trading with photos and independent report.

 

[SandyLyon]

When the major brands of Pushfit are used correctly it's very reliable.

It's "installers" like this that give Pushfit a bad name, if he is indeed a plumber, I would be tempted to name and shame and if he is a member of any institute or federation let them know and send some photographic evidence to them and suggest that their members should attend a manufacturers "Tool Box Talk"

 

[manortim]

Never use super seal inserts on compression fittings.

They will pop eventually.

I made this painful mistake.

If having to use plastic pipe, I prefer hepworth when used with compression fittings because you can fit the metal inserts and they don't protrude too much = lots of pipe in fitting. Had 1 where we were running it at Glastonbury festival and had 8 bar of pressure. Same pipe was used on that job 7 times.