Tec-Tite vs Copper Fittings for CH

championc

Hi all,

Is there anything wrong with using Tec-tite fittings on COPPER PIPES for CH jobs around the house ? While I appreciate the possible differences in cost, standard compression fittings can sometimes be awkward to get a spanner around if working between joists or in confined spaces. It just seems to me that Push-Fit fittings are a complete no brainer - cut the pipe, slot into fitting, job done.


C

Joey the lips

Nope. There is not. However its a trust factor. I know a lot of plumbers who will not use them because if you get trouble its usually under a tiled floor or something like that.

Tec Tite as a brand is produced by quality plastics. If i were to use these for heating this is the only brand i would use because all the other push fitts of simular nature have failed.

Another slant on tec tite is john gest. Its push fit but screw off as such.

slavetothegrind

tectite are fine if used correctly and pipework is supported.
also pipe is cut properly and the fitting isn't pushed on over a hacksawed end thereby tearing the o-ring seal.

i've seen them leak because of the above, and because they were not pushed in all the way, one because an expansion vessel was hanging from it ( i kid you not) and the bladder had burst so it now weighed the guts of 26kg!

make sure there is no strain on the joint, it's pushed home correctly and clean pipe ends you should be fine.

championc

So if I use a pipe cutter and don't start stretching stuff, and stick to quality brass fittings, then there really should not be a problem - yes ?

Outkast_IRE

championc wrote: »

So if I use a pipe cutter and don't start stretching stuff, and stick to quality brass fittings, then there really should not be a problem - yes ?

yes but also be carful the pipe doesnt get any deep scratches this can also affect them, best bet is to test the system before burying any pipes permanently.

kscobie

I used them in a council house for a trial, under floor boards and on shirting boards, that was 6 or 7 years ago, no problems, then or since. As the lads said, get a good pipe cutters and you should have no hassel, and mark the pipe with a pencil before pushing in the pipe, just to make sure it went in all the way

wing52

One thing, make sure the fitting itself is clean enough.

Just the thin grease it comes with and no dust/other crap!

Davy

One thing that is a disaster for tech tite is nail clips! Dont use they anywhere near a fitting, seen it happen on a hot press with a 3/4 copper. This is one thing that wont happen with the john guest fittings. They arent that neat tho if they can be seen

Joey the lips

championc wrote: »

So if I use a pipe cutter and don't start stretching stuff, and stick to quality brass fittings, then there really should not be a problem - yes ?

Pipe cutter. Wire wool to clean the pipe and the pencil is a brilliant idea. I remember a plumber teaching me this ages ago.

championc

How far along do I mark ?

Joey the lips

championc wrote: »

How far along do I mark ?

The distance the fitting should go on. What you do is dry run put the fitting on the pipe and push it home. Then when you are connecting up the pipes you will notice the distance. Its about 15mm but you will need to check it.

When you buy the fittings make sure you get the horse shoe bit of plastic for removing them.

Pete67

You can also get solder fittings into spaces where it would be very difficult or impossible to use compression fittings if you are worried about the longevity of push fits.