Flexible Metal Pipe Step by Step Guide to Bending the Rules of Plumbing
Here we have flexible metal pipe for those installers wanting flexibility, efficiency and swift installation offered by plastic plumbing systems. The metal flexible pipe offers and craves the performance and reliability offered by traditional soldered copper. Rather sticking to copper the copper piping now has alternative solution.
Multi-layer composite pipe (MLCP) has been used on the continent for a long time as a source for flexible metal pipe and is now to be launched in the UK in sizes 15 and 22mm by Tectite from Pegler Yorkshire. The metal flexible pipe is constructed using a thin layer of aluminium flanked either side by a layer of PE-Xc. The MLCP offers flexibility coupled with the performance and reliability of a standard metal system.
The aluminium provides the tube with a malleable quality, retaining the shape into which it is manipulated. This is also true under high water pressure and the hot water temperature. Tectite Tube will not sag between joists or beneath appliances, it simply stays exactly where you put it. The PE-Xc lining enables the tube to be used on a variety of applications including under floor heating, central heating, potable and chilled water supply. The flexible metal pipe tube can be used directly from the boiler to the outlet, so no other tube material would be required unlike other plastic pipes that don’t have a high heat retention.
Unlike other MLCP systems, Tectite Flexible Metal pipe does not require expensive tooling for press fitting, nor will these fittings be suitable only for MLCP pipe. The jointing will be provided by Tectite Classic Metal Push-Fit Fittings.
How to cut a flexible plastic metal pipe
When cutting a flexible plastic pipe, you will need to cut the Tectite Tube with a hand tool. Use good quality cutters, ensure the blade is sharp and the cut is square. Make sure the tube is clean and free from damage.
How to Calibrate a flexible metal pipe
Use the Tectite Calibrating Tools to provide a clean, square pipe end with chamfered edges. Calibration re-rounds the tube after cutting to prepare it for the TectSEALTM and push fit jointing.
How to fit an Insert into the flexible metal pipe
Push the TectSEAL 3PS insert into the flexible metal pipe tube until the flange meets the chamfered end. TectSEAL 3PS are pre-lubricated. Make sure all swarf is removed from the tube before fitting TectSEAL.
How to measure the flexible metal pipe for fitting a fitting
Mark the insertion depth clearly on the tube. Using a line and a V aids visibility after insertion. Tectite Calibration tools and Tectite Debur, Mark and Scribe tools can also help with insertion depth marking.
How to connect a flexible metal pipe to a fitting
Push the tube firmly into the fitting until the insertion depth mark reaches the demounting collar. Pushing with a twist will ease insertion.
How to check the plastic pipe is fitted to the fitting
To check the plumbing fitting is nicely fitted to the flexible metal pipe, what you will need to do is pull back on the pipe to check the joint is secure. Tectite fittings allow the tube to rotate after jointing.
Other Information regarding the flexible plastic metal pipe below
If you are a customer and looking for a general or emergency plumber to fit the flexible metal pipe then please real free to give us a call and we will book an engineer you come out to you right away.
If you are a emergency plumber and would be interested in fitting this type of plastic pipe and be included in our database of plumbing engineers, then please send us an email to emergencyplumber@me.com
