very odd sized pipe All aspects of plumbing questions and answers, help, tips and information

[chris_on_tour2002]

hi,

i want to connect up two ends of a copper cold water feed pipe that i recently cut when installing a new outside toilet.

interestingly i can find no fittings that will work.

looks like some kind of microbore but it's not - took a piece to the local microbore merchants.

i thought at first it was 12mm, so i bought a 12mm-15mm reducer - no joy. the pipe is a fraction too big to get the olive on but way too small for a 15mm olive.

i think it might be 13mm??? any ideas what it could be? have tried about 5 different plumbers merchants but no joy. the house is 1920's but i don't think the pipework is quite that old (otherwise would be lead?) but could date from just about anytime between now and then.

[plumbbob]

If it's the one I am thinking of, it's been ages since I have seen this and I can't remember what it's called but it was the first copper pipe to be installed. You can identify it as the joints are threaded and the pipe wall is really thick. Also, the fittings have a rib around the lip just as modern iron fittings do.

As for size, well, it's probably 3/8" or 1/2". I know normal 1/"2 is larger than 15mm but this is a different kettle of fish altogether. If you can undo one of the joints, you may find a modern fitting to screw in, but then again it may be a wonky thread. I doubt if it is BSP.

Just a point, have you tried fitting 15mm cut with a hacksaw over the pipe?

[Steve the gas]

Hi Chris,

After chasing about a lot, I would now repipe it in 15mm 8)

[AdamsHeating]

hi mate,

a quick google search suggest that they are still making pipe in the following imperial sizes... (inches of course)

1/8
3/16
1/4
5/16
3/8
1/2
5/8
3/4

check out the website, it is:

World Wide Web - DOT - ftipv - DOT - com

Maybe that helps?

AH.

[chris_on_tour2002]

thanks for the responses. having now measured the pipe in imperial it appears to be closer to 7/16". very odd.

replacing with 15mm is alas not really an option as there is a decent run under concrete, job doesn't warrant digging it all up so i will still have the problem of marrying up with a tail. and due to its location surface mounting is not an option.

i have even taken the old compression fitting off and shopped around. problem is that the fitting is not the issue, 12mm will fit in there no problem. it's the olive. and obviously there are no endfeeds that will fit.

oh well, looks like i may have to dig out the floor after all...

[htg engineer]

Would it be easier to re-pipe in 15mm ? this would be the easiest solution - and will save any problems with future plumbing work.


htg

[swidders]

One solution may be to flare the pipe and use a manipulative joint.

If you Google "ukcopperboard.co.uk" andgo to the literature section and then instalation tips, jointing compression.

and if you search ebay for thefollowing: 10 pce Metric Flare Flaring Tool Kit - Brake Fuel Pipe
for the sort of thing I'm talking about.

Bit more work, but the again, less that digging up the floor!!

[TheDoctor5]

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