re using copper pipe

[robbie77]

Hi,

What's the consensus on reusing copper pipe?
I am re routing mains water feed 1/2 inch pipe. Basically I have removed the ghastly box section that routes around the top of the room and am knocking a more direct hidden route through the floor boards.

Can I unbend some small kinks in the copper or am I better off just buying brand new lengths and bending them myself (using knee!).

Or a friend has suggested using Hep2O around an awkward bend and then rejoining the copper pipe??

Thanks in advance....

 

[dextrous]

No harm in trying. Not sure I'm too keen on hep fillers - however, if you do then don't forget to bond the break in pipework for any electrical continuity.

 

[robbie77]

Ok thanks for reply .Without getting into the can o worms, would you recommend just using the copper, I'm just not sure on my bending ability (never tried)!

 

[seco services]

if your going to start bending it then i would use new.

 

[robbie77]

OK. Is it best to heat the pipe a little before bending? Is using my knee ok (my DIY manual mentions putting springs in the end!?)

Any tips...

 

[dextrous]

Depends what sort of curves (radii in particular) you're aiming at.

 

[robbie77]

35 degree bend at a guess?

 

[dextrous]

You will need a spring for this. Cut using a hacksaw and not a pipslice, or you'll never get the spring out. Worth heating the pipe section to be bent beforehand - called annealing.

Probably worth having a new length of copper as well if it goes awry - you can always get the £7 refund if you don't use it.

 

[buck51]

Dont try it without a spring you will just end up with aload more scrap
with kinks in it.

 

[gassafeman]

a spring, a decent sized (round) biscuit tin and a bit elbow grease will pull your angle.

 

[robbie77]

Brilliant.
Cheers for the help