Upgrading microbore to plastic pipework

[Al@n]

The return and flow is 22mm copper which has two sets of manifolds supplying heat to 4 radiators

Is there a 22mm to 15mm manifold out there which allows you to insert all 4 pipes in one? Or will I have to use 4 22mm to 15mm tee's instead? Per 22mm pipe,

access is not great as there is solid wood flooring which is a nightmare to lift, i really do not want to be removing too many floorboards than necessary

I intend to use plastic pipe, but there are so any different makes out there what plastic pipe is the best to use and has good flexibility to work with?

IMG_20190818_161049

• Al@n
• 18 Aug 2019

 

[Madrab]

JG do a 22mm x 15mm 4 port manifold

If you go with that one then you'd be advised to use their pipe and inserts, you would use 2, one for flow and one for return

 

[Al@n]

JG do a 22mm x 15mm 4 port manifold

If you go with that one then you'd be advised to use their pipe and inserts, you would use 2, one for flow and one for return

I did see this but wasn't sure if its right, What's the centre outlet for?

 

[Madrab]

These can be used if you need to split the flows and returns and if you want to continue the run out - Like a tee - or want the pipes in a specific orientation. Any end that isn't used is just capped.

 

[Al@n]

These can be used if you need to split the flows and returns and if you want to continue the run out - Like a tee - or want the pipes in a specific orientation. Any end that isn't used is just capped.

Perfect, do you know if they come with the blanking caps? Or are these available separately?

What barrier pipe would you recommend?, there are vast differences in price, from known brands to unbranded

Found these barrier pipe at a reasonable cost alternative to jg speed fit

https://www.mrcentralheating.co.uk/whitespeed-barrier-pipe-15mm-x-30-metre-coil

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https://www.ebay.co.uk/ulk/itm/112202728077


https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https://www.ebay.co.uk/ulk/itm/112654308468

 

[Madrab]

If you go with that one then you'd be advised to use their pipe and inserts

That'll be JG speedfit ..... I would always want to match the makers fittings to their own pipe and inserts. Wouldn't think they would comes with blanks, insert a short length of pipe and then fit stop ends onto them.

 

[Al@n]

That'll be JG speedfit ..... I would always want to match the makers fittings to their own pipe and inserts. Wouldn't think they would comes with blanks, insert a short length of pipe and then fit stop ends onto them.

Ok perfect many thanks at the minute im tracing all the old microbore pipes, lifting solid wood flooring doesn't help!

I have another question regarding double entry radiator valves, I would like to know for certainty what is the flow and return so i can determine which 22mm pipes are the flow and return for the new pipework...

 

[Madrab]

run the ch from cold and see which one warms up first.

Are you saying you have old twin entry valves?

Do know you can't be certain which are actually the flow and return for sure, all down to how it's been piped.

 

[Al@n]

run the ch from cold and see which one warms up first.

Are you saying you have twin entry valves?

Do know you can't be certain which are actually the flow and return by the diagram, all down to how it's been piped.

I've seen that pic but it contradicts another pic which says the flow and return is the other side

The boiler wasn't working, out of use

Here's the post where i raised the question
https://www.diynot.com/diy/threads/double-entry-radiator-valves-flow-and-return.528029/#post-4430058

 

[Madrab]

Usually the return is in the centre of the valve, there is a dip tube that extends and runs out to the centre of the radiator. It all comes down to who ran the pipework and how it was set up though. If there's no heat to test then you may need to go back to the 22mm pipes at the manifold, cut them and put valves on them. Introduce water under pressure at the boiler flow or return and see which one pressurises at the manifold end. Just label everything up so you know where it all goes.

TBH though, if you've got the floor up and re-piping, change it to a standard BOE configuration

 

[Al@n]

Usually the return is in the centre of the valve, there is a dip tube that extends and runs out to the centre of the radiator. It all comes down to who ran the pipework and how it was set up though. If there's no heat to test then you may need to go back to the 22mm pipes at the manifold, cut them and put valves on them. Introduce water under pressure at the boiler flow or return and see which one pressurises at the manifold end. Just label everything up so you know where it all goes.

TBH though, if you've got the floor up and re-piping, change it to a standard BOE configuration

BOE configuration, What's that?

 

[Madrab]

Sorry... (BOE) Bottom Opposite Ends

others are - (TBOE) Top Bottom Opposite Ends (TBSE) Top Bottom Same Ends

 

[Al@n]

Sorry... (BOE) Bottom Opposite Ends

others are - (TBOE) Top Bottom Opposite Ends (TBSE) Top Bottom Same Ends

I'll be fitting new trvs and plastic pipework, but it has been mentioned if the flow and return is wrong for argument sake it shouldn't be an issue as the trvs are bi directional

 

[Hot&Cold]

I'll be fitting new trvs and plastic pipework, but it has been mentioned if the flow and return is wrong for argument sake it shouldn't be an issue as the trvs are bi directional

They wont really be wrong but you are feeding the google inspired pedants & puritans who like to argue
Some info from danfoss although any trv can be fitted.,http://heating.danfoss.com/PCMPDF/013R9355_RAS_C2_CEN_VISXM202_.pdf