Pipework support

[oldbilbo]

Reading the thread on 'pushfit' polybutyl pipework on boats - e.g. Bavaria - and aware of the Speedfit and Hep2O ranges, having used both domestically without the slightest problem over 20+ years, I am reminded of the manufacturers' advice to provide support to piping and connectors. This should go double for use in a boat, where there is considerably more 'shake, rattle and roll'.

I'm considering the use of strong but releasable/re-usable cable ties ( eBay ) for both PB piping and for small-diameter diesel supply/return pipes, for they seem easier and cheaper than more traditional clips.

Does anyone have relevant experience of their use, or warnings/encouragement, to offer?

 

[David2452]

I do shed loads of tubing on boats for heating systems and have tried all sorts from the very basic to polished brass supports for exposed copper pipe on "posh" installs but for standard pipework (15mm & 22mm barrier) there is little point in using anything other than the pipe clips designed for the job and available for 4d a bag from Screwfix et al. For 4mm to 10mm copper feeds like heater and engine supply/return there is nothing to beat the rubber lined P clips meant for the job, nylon P clips are also good and again are 4d a bag so cost is not an issue there either., cable ties and saddles are great for supporting looms and the like but there are, as I have said, better ways to do it at little cost. examples below. Decent screws for fixing the things cost more than the clips.

Good quality pipe clips at under a fiver per 100 http://www.screwfix.com/p/hinge-clip-15mm-pack-of-100/19684

Good quality nylon P clips at under a fiver per 100 http://www.furneauxriddall.com/cgi-bin/bb000004.pl

 

[Hydrozoan]

Having recently re-done the plumbing in demountable pushfit, I used pipe clips (open or closed according to circumstances) - though there were a few places where cable ties were helpful when the pipework could not sensibly be placed right up against a bulkhead or similar structure. On a related matter regarding your 'shake, rattle and roll', I used O-ringed rather than plain pipe inserts; I don't know if this was really necessary, but for the modest extra cost I decided to 'make assurance double sure' - and have certainly had no leaks so far.

 

[David2452]

On a related matter regarding your 'shake, rattle and roll', I used O-ringed rather than plain pipe inserts; I don't know if this was really necessary, but for the modest extra cost I decided to 'make assurance double sure' - and have certainly had no leaks so far.

The O ring type are entirely appropriate for the push fit fittings, in fact they are IMHO essential where movement is expected i.e. anywhere on a boat, the solid ones should be reserved for where compression fittings are used on barrier pipe, e.g. radiator valves, hose tail couplings, calorifier tank fittings etc.

 

[Hydrozoan]

The O ring type are entirely appropriate for the push fit fittings, in fact they are IMHO essential where movement is expected ...

J G Speedfit recommend their use, other than with compression fittings (though I have read that Speedfit did not have O-ringed inserts originally - see discussion here: http://www.diynot.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=84940). I don't know if other makes recommend or offer O-ringed inserts - and presumably one would be wise not to mix components from different systems.