Are you looking to replace a burst pipe beneath the sink as quickly as possible? If so, push-fit piping and fittings could be the perfect choice for you.
Drainage specialists BP Plastics explain all you need to know about push-fit pipes, their uses, and their benefits.
What is push-fit?
Push-fit is a variety of pipes and fittings that don’t require soldering to fix together. Instead, they’re simply pushed and locked together without using specialist equipment.
Once connected, a watertight seal is formed, preventing leaks and pipe systems from collapsing.
Push-fit is available in both plastic and copper. Plastic is more suited to drainage applications, whereas copper is used for exposed piping and heating systems due to its ability to withstand heat.
Where are push-fit pipes and fittings used?
Push-fit can be used in many drainage and plumbing systems within the home and in industry.
Domestic push-fit applications
There are multiple uses of push-fit pipes and fittings in the household, including large-scale, heavy-duty jobs.
Firstly, push-fit pipes and fixings are used in the home to replace burst piping.
Leaking pipes under the sink can be fixed easily with a replacement push-fit pipe. Simply remove the damaged pipe and replace it with a new one using the push-fit mechanism.
Push-fit pipes are also a quick fix for DIY jobs such as damaged or loose bathroom pipes. As push-fittings slot together without adhesive, there’s no need to call out a plumber to install the piping.
Push-fit isn’t confined to use in the home. The piping used to channel and disperse water in underground drainage systems also use push-fit fittings.
For example, you may have a channel drain in your garden to disperse excess rainwater.
The heavy-duty piping that connects the channel drain to an underground drainage system will often be fixed together using push-fit fittings as they’re affordable and water-tight.
Push-fit in industry
On an industrial scale, push-fit mechanisms connect large underground gas and water pipes.
For example, MDPE compression pipe fittings used by nationwide water suppliers are often push-fit. This is due to the water-tight seal that secures the pipes and prevents water from leaking or contaminants from entering the water supply.
What are the benefits of push-fit?
There are multiple benefits of push-fit, which make it such a popular choice for plumbing applications.
A variety of sizes and fittings are available
Due to the range of push-fit fittings available from most drainage system suppliers, a push-fit pipe run can bend at several angles in different directions.
For example, most suppliers have 90° and 45° fittings to allow for piping direction changes.
Tee-shaped fittings connect two pipe runs. For example, when connecting a dishwasher to the mains drainage pipe.
Affordable
Push-fit systems are typically more affordable than other resolutions, such as solvent weld, making them perfect for DIY projects.
No specialist installation tools required
With push-fit, there’s no need for welding, which can be time-consuming and messy.
The quick and simple push and lock system saves time and doesn’t require extra materials such as solvent.
Safe to install near insulation
Welding can cause issues when installing piping near insulation. The solvent that fuses two pipes needs time to set and may stick to the insulation if installed too closely.
Doesn’t require a plumber or specialist knowledge
As push-fit piping is simple to install, you can fit it yourself – there’s no need for a plumber.
This is excellent for simple under-sink jobs, such as replacing leaking pipes.
However, don’t attempt to tackle more complicated and potentially dangerous installations, such as heating plumbing. We always recommend calling a professional to take care of this.
Are there any negatives to using push-fit pipes?
The benefits of push-fit far outweigh the cons – however, you still need to consider them when selecting the correct pipes and fittings.
Push-fit fittings are bulky
Due to their water-tight seal, push-fit piping is more noticeable and requires more room for installation.
This shouldn’t be an issue if piping is hidden under your sink but might be an eyesore if installed outside of a cupboard.
Not as permanent as other options
Push-fit pipes can be taken apart, meaning they aren’t a completely permanent fix.
If you require a more long-term resolution, solvent welding would be more suitable.
Invest in push-fit today for quick and simple installation
If you require a quick and easy pipe replacement or fix, then push-fit is the perfect choice. It’s quick, affordable, and simple to install.
