Are 15mm couplers OK as a permanent fix under floorboards?

[mjgreen81]

Hi all,

After replacing some floorboards over the weekend I managed to plant a screw into a 15mm central heating copper pipe (dont ask! - it was the very last screw as well!).

I had a couple of spare 15mm compression coupler fittings handy and was able to do a quick repair using the couplers and a small length of pipe. Fortunately we managed to get everything dry before causing any serious damage.

The system has been pressurised for nearly 24hours now and everything is looking fine. No sign of any drips from the couplers. It is unlikely I will be laying carpet in the room for several weeks so I will be able to keep an eye out for any small leaks for a decent amount of time before permanently shutting everything up.

I just wanted some reassurance that the couplers can be left in place under the floorboards as a suitable permanent fix? Or do I need to consider getting a plumber in to replace the full length?

Thank you

 

[sxturbo]

its fine, the connectors as long as they are decent ones like JG speedfit are gauranteed for something like 50 years.

i moved a rad and one of the pipes we just couldnt get dry enough to solder so fitted one of these instead.

a lot of modern homes are built with these also

 

[mjgreen81]

its fine, the connectors as long as they are decent ones like JG speedfit are gauranteed for something like 50 years.

i moved a rad and one of the pipes we just couldnt get dry enough to solder so fitted one of these instead.

a lot of modern homes are built with these also

I used Wickes own brand.

 

[sxturbo]

They were Wickes own brand.

no then, i would replace them.

as your draining the system use copper as it would be better imo. or if you dont want to or cant then purchase the JG speedfit or hep2o plastic fittings

 

[mjgreen81]

no then, i would replace them.

as your draining the system use copper as it would be better imo. or if you dont want to or cant then purchase the JG speedfit or hep2o plastic fittings

Perhaps I wasnt clear as it looks like JG speedfit are plastic connectors? I just used copper pipe and brass compression fittings from Wickes.

These ones to be precise:

https://www.wickes.co.uk/Wickes-Brass-Compression-Straight-Coupling---15mm-Pack-of-2/p/421409#

 

[sxturbo]

ohhhhh,

yeah thats fine leave them as they then, no problem at all

 

[oldbutnotdead]

While you've got the boards up, don't forget to put the insulation back on the pipes

 

[mjgreen81]

While you've got the boards up, don't forget to put the insulation back on the pipes

Genuine question...

Insulation on the pipes? Is this something that is done nowadays? None of the copper pipes in my house have insulation.

 

[foxhole]

Genuine question...

Insulation on the pipes? Is this something that is done nowadays? None of the copper pipes in my house have insulation.

Pipes have always lost heat, even nowadays.

 

[Nige F]

Genuine question...

Insulation on the pipes? Is this something that is done nowadays? None of the copper pipes in my house have insulation.

Only lag in unheated areas in a domestic situation

 

[lostinthelight]

I only lag DHW and secondary return pipes ,the CH ones under the first floor floorboards are my additional UFH

 

[sxturbo]

top tip, where the pipes lay on the joists between the floor boards, wrap some of the fibre insulation wrap round the pipe where it rest on the joist. this stops the pipes from creaking and banging

 

[mjgreen81]

I only lag DHW and secondary return pipes ,the CH ones under the first floor floorboards are my additional UFH

Yeah, I think the cats would be unhappy if I insulated all the pipework!

 

[oldbutnotdead]

Yes in downstairs floor voids or anywhere else where heat would go to waste