Pushfit question

[bennettp23]

Hi,

Is it possible for a pushfit coupler to weep intermittently?

I have a new pushfit coupler on 22mm plastic pipe close to the stop cock. It is there due to a repair, so it is sitting on the breezeblock bricks and exposed through a hole in the plasterboard. Most days it is dry but some it is slightly wet (not even a drop forming) at the bottom right at the point the pipe meets the connector. I am pretty sure it is condensation due to a cold pipe and would expect a seal should not weep one day and then not the next?

I want to be sure it is ok before I plaster over the connector. Also, it is in a difficult place to fix the plaster. I expect it is, but is it bad practise to literally plaster in a coupler (i.e. not plasterboard over)? Due to the way the pipes are held, it is pretty much impossible for them to 'blow off', but I guess the 'O' ring could fail some time?

Thanks,

Paul.

 

[footprints]

Assuming you made the joint correctly and gave it a tug to check the grab ring is holding, chances are it is condensation, always a problem to decide if something like mains water pipe carrying cold water is seeping or leaking.

Can you feel any wet further back perhaps the other side of the stopcock? You could try drying it off and wrapping some dry toilet tissue around it then adding some temp insulation maybe rag or an old piece of woollen scarf to stop condensation forming on the surface, then check the tissue after a few days.

If you are plastering over it is worth wrapping the pipe in something to stop plaster clinging to the joint it would make working on it simpler if you did need to dig it out anytime.

 

[SandyLyon]

Firstly do you know if an insert was installed in the pipe prior to the coupler being fitted and were they all of the same make ? This is important with regards any future claims under warranty.

As to the intermittent leak, if there is a score in the pipe where the O ring sits, a "nick" in the O ring or a bit of grit under the O ring these can all cause small weeps.

Quite often they only weep at low pressure, when the pipe and fitting is under less stress.

Some fittings have had issues when used behind Dot and Dab when plastered up if they are the type that has a raised release collet, they can accidentally release with expansion.

A bit more info on the fitting and a photo may help.

 

[bennettp23]

Hi Guys,

Inserts were fitted etc. I checked it again this morning and there was a tiny amount of moisture. So I bit the bullet and changed it for a conventional metal compression fitting. Not a hint of leakage!! Back to the good old days . Happy man.

Only thing now to do is the gaping hole!! Painful. The compression fitting width means I can't get a piece of plasterboard over it . The compression nut is raised to be the same width as the present plasterboard

Any ideas? Is it ok to completely put the compression fitting in plaster? Any tips?

Thanks,

Paul.

Untitled

• bennettp23
• 30 Dec 2013
• 1

 

[Norcon]

Thats the problem with push fits. Hit and miss.

Yes its fine to have the joint behind plaster board. Ideally you would pressure test.

 

[denso13]

Nonsense. And the OP asked if was ok to plaster over the joint not cover it with plasterboard.

 

[footprints]

I would wrap a bit of cling film or plastic around it to avoid clogging up the fitting should you need to access it again and plaster over.

Main problem is not filling the entire void with filler! Perhaps a bit of stiff card or plastic cut from a large milk container "sprung" into place over the pipe and behind the plasterboard and fill to that.