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https://www.askthetrades.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl DIY Forum >> Plumbing Questions >> flexible pipe, service valves https://www.askthetrades.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl?num=1101602960 Message started by John Davies on Nov 28^th, 2004, 12:49am

Title: flexible pipe, service valves
Post by John Davies on Nov 28^th, 2004, 12:49am

I have to plumb in our new bathroom this next week or two, and things have changed since I last did any real plumbing. Lead has gone out for a start (joke!)

Specifically, I was wondering when I have to fit a service valve - are these just fitted to the cold feeds to the basin and toilet, or do I fit one to the bath as well? Am I right in thinking I think the hot feeds don't need one?

Also, a lot of new installations I have seen now use flexible piping. Is this a requirement? If so, where do I use it, on all hot and cold feeds or only some?

Many thanks,

John Davies

Title: Re: flexible pipe, service valves
Post by The_Trician on Nov 28^th, 2004, 1:09am

I'm a sparks mate, but I've just replumbed my bathroom!

My advice to you - gained from damp and bitter experience, is to fit full-bore isolation/service valves to all pipes feeding the bath, the handbasin, the toilet cistern, the electric shower, both hot and cold feeds.
Flexible braided stainless steel connections are a must for all of your taps - dead easy to fit.
Also, if you check the screwfix plumbing section, you'll find that you can buy these connections in various lengths and some come prefitted with built-in isolation valves.

TT

Title: Re: flexible pipe, service valves
Post by JerryD on Nov 28^th, 2004, 6:34am

I fully agree with TT. �I fit service vales to absolutely everything (within reason �;D), the rules only require them on things with a ball valve or equivalent but how many times have you gone to a house to do some plumbing repairs and found lovely service valves to the taps too. �

When you do it's so helpful, no need to try and turn off those crappy gatevalves in the airing cupboard (they never fully shut off do they �>:().

Braided flexihoses are a great help too, possible halving the time to install some gear.

In fact I now only buy these flexihoses with built in service valves, both jobs done in one go.

Now about that lead.............................. �::)

Title: Re: flexible pipe, service valves
Post by jasonB on Nov 28^th, 2004, 8:23am

Ther only problem I find with flexi pipes and isolating valves is that the bore can be as little as 6mm, if you don't have a decent head of pressure these will restrict the flow, something to watch out for with a lot of the taps made abroad as they are designed for high pressure systems not UK gravity feed.

I now use full bore valves and do it all in copper where-ever possible. Valves on everything, do the first fix, turn off the valves, take out the loo & basin, then plenty of room to tile with no draining down.

Jason