Piping up bath taps?

[macka09]

Hi guys. When installing a bath what is the preferred method of piping up the taps? Hard pipe or are people happy to use flexis?

 

[king of pipes]

Happy to use a wras approved flexi if tight for space . Kop

 

[Mrb]

Almost always flexi, but I am old enough to remember hard tailing everything

 

[ShaunCorbs]

depends

if im first fixing hard pipe

if replacement and i cant use the existing and the bath panel isnt tiled flexi

 

[Stu-B]

I’ve seen far too many flexi’s split, so copper if it’s a brand new install or polypipe if I’m tight for space.

 

[macka09]

Are the rubber washers available for the connectors now or only fibres?

 

[Stigster]

As always I prefer copper and don't like/trust flexis. A great alternative in a very awkward space is to use Polypipe or Speedfit plastic. Easy to join and as they can bend and flex a bit easy to fit to the taps.

 

[Matt0029]

I use flexis when swapping taps. Mainly due to the poor standard of fibre washers these days

 

[OffshoreGas]

I'd always use copper if possible, the Nerrad Tools Tapex makes it a lot easier. Not cheap but gets you out of a lot of tight spots.

 

[Alan Wright]

To get extra flexibility by using poly pipe leading up to flexi pipes attached to the taps gets my vote.

 

[Best]

I have always hard piped bath taps in copper pipe and with soldered tap fittings. I usually use a brass compression connector to come off existing cut back pipes.
The fibre washer for soldered tap fittings can be substituted for Hep rubber flat washers.

 

[MattyR]

I'd always use copper if possible, the Nerrad Tools Tapex makes it a lot easier. Not cheap but gets you out of a lot of tight spots.

I've just checked the Nerrad Tapex kit out and it looks decent.

www.nerradtools-superstore.co.uk

Are they worth the £££? Is the quality decent?

 

[centralheatking]

Hi guys. When installing a bath what is the preferred method of piping up the taps? Hard pipe or are people happy to use flexis?

Flexis no way. They are braided with a rubber core which has two serious problems. 1. They are notorious for splitting 2. The rubber core becomes porous and esp. with the hot harbour bugs such as legionella, as such they have been de-listed by Uk NHS and maybe Wras will follow. I use stainless steel flexies, strong and hygienic. Cost wise very similar. AZ Flowtech at Leigh are the market leaders.
Centralheatking

 

[OffshoreGas]

I've just checked the Nerrad Tapex kit out and it looks decent.

www.nerradtools-superstore.co.uk

Are they worth the £££? Is the quality decent?

I made my own version using a bit of seamless tube and a bit of stud bar. The genuine ones are well made it’s the usual story with American imports. They probably end up doubling the price because it’s small volume. I think you can buy them individually.

 

[Clint B]

Flexis only if wras approved and as big a bore as possible, some are seriously small bore and not fit for every installation. Nerrad what a piece of kit, well worth the money and cured my torretts

 

[MattyR]

I made my own version using a bit of seamless tube and a bit of stud bar. The genuine ones are well made it’s the usual story with American imports. They probably end up doubling the price because it’s small volume. I think you can buy them individually.

I wasn't aware that Nerrad tools were American. Gives me a bit more confidence in their quality. Nice one might try them out 👍