BIGGEST Pushfit Plumbing Mistakes

Common mistakes made by DIYers when using pushfit plumbing. I use John Guest Speedfit here, but the same principles apply for other brands too.

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[teacheme]

Whenever I've used compression fittings (over 30 years) I have always had a leak. Always. I discovered these push fittings 20 years ago and decided to use them when fitting a new kitchen and bathroom. Jobs completed in no time at all and no leaks whatsoever all this time. Best thing ever for a non-plumber DIYer. Love your insights keep them coming and hope that your subscriber list improves dramatically.

[THEPSFAN]

One to add to this using speedfit on chrome plated copper pipes. Only just found out that you shouldn't do this but I have fitted JG elbows into chrome tails to a radiator all behind a stud wall. It's been fine since August 2023 but having experienced a superseal blow off on plastic pipe to a compression fitting makes me concerned

[centogradi]

Hi, thank you for your video. I have used two pipe inserts and a coupler to fix a damaged pipe in my garden (for an outbuilding i have). After three days where everything worked fine, water came through again. After digging the pipe out again i noticed one of the inserts had come out of the pipe on one hand. Do you think it was because I put the insert in the wrong way (maybe not pushed totally in as the access to the pipe was very narrow and uncomfortable) or there might be some other reason? Do you have any advice to avoid such a thing in future, especially for peace of mind? I was thinking to add a layer of tape to give an extra layer of support, but that doesn't sound like a proper solution. Thanks in advance.

[elainemcguinness]

I realise this is an old video now, but I need some advice. I live in France and I employed a plumber to change the copper to plastic, as the copper is old and the joints are constantly failing. The plumber recommended multilayer pipe ie plastic with an aluminum liner and push fit fittings. He's left me with the job unfinished and as it seems impossible to find a reliable plumber around here, I'm considered finishing myself. Most of the videos Ive found are just plastic to copper, but I havent found anything for multilayer to copper. Do you know if I need any specific tools for this?
As the pipe is aluminium lined, will I still need inserts?

[Bibg]

Clear and concise instructions which I will benefit greatly from. Thank you

[rm-mastering]

Great video, thanks. Whats the fighter jet on your computer, I'm thinking mig 25 or f18

[jaycee]

Excellent content. Do you have advice on proper way to cut pipe to minimize damage?

[canisferus]

Thank you for sharing your experience. I love DIY and I am trying to constantly improve.

[westboundbadger]

Just had a boiler changed so need to change my shower, ..(It was LP and now HP), ..The boilers in the loft as is the control box for the shower, ..I believe i will need to find the hot and cold supply from the boiler then tee into the plastic pipes, ...I'm wondering about the longevity of speedfit, ...Have to admit i did not use inserts with the first shower and they have been perfect for a good 12 years or so now!

[rhydyard]

Good video.. thanks..You say it isn't necessary to put an insert in a copper pipe when using a push fitting.. but does it actually make the seal less efficient by doing so?

[Dawgley]

can you use speedfit inserts with a non speedfit brand plastic pipe?

[bungerbrad]

Hi. Could you tell us where you get the reamer from?

[DavidLee-cwci]

JG sells different types of inserts, it gets a bit confusing. There's white ones with blue seals, white ones with black seals, white with no seal at all and beige ones with blue seals. Does it matter which one to choose?

[TeXiCiTy]

The only leaks I've seen with JG Pushfit are the combination of mounting under tension (inserting the pipe under an angle with force), not loosening the connector first and sharp edges on the pipe. This will damage the O-ring and if you're lucky it will leak immediately.
Also, beware of sunlight. UV light can make the connection brittle over years when exposed.
Any thoughts on insulating the push-fit fittings? They are quite bulky compared to compression fittings.

[Phiyedough]

It looks like the fittings shown can be dismantled but I'm using Hep2O which has no obvious method of dismantling. On one tee when I removed it one of the stainless steel inserts stayed in the fitting and I don't know how to remove it.

[peternorman]

Well you certainly don't need inserts on copper pipe. I have never used inserts on any of my kitchen and bathroom installations. The early John Guest fittings were a problem but soon dropped. The latest products are bulletproof if installed with care !

[iantolerton]

Beautiful SU27 great content too, best I've found

[norfolkhall]

You didn't mention the plain pipe inserts when you are using a compression joint on plastic pipe !

[redxx]

Why can't you use the insert in a copper pipe? The insert is not just for ridgity but also has additional o rings for a better seal. So my question is why can't they be used?

[lynnecromack]

Would also include clipping up around connectors.