[Simon O]

I am thinking of extending and upgrading our water supply to fields and garden. There seem to be quite a number of makes of blue pipe (MDPE pipe) and fittings. Some reviews of some of the makes suggest that it is worth avoiding the cheapest fittings because of a likelihood of leaks. I really don't want to be repairing and replacing all the time. Does anybody with any experience of these fittings have any recommendations of brands that are reliable because I am finding it difficult to get a clear idea of the best ones to go for.
Thanks in advance
Simon

[bloomer]

ooo interesting i was stood looking at a display of them earlier thinking these look ok but are much cheaper than the ones i used previously (which were very good but very expensive)...


likewise if people have an opinion does the actual brand of the blue pipe matter?

[Simon O]

What were the good expensive ones you used bloomer? I cannot imagine there is much difference in the actual pipes (but maybe I'm wrong)

[Womble]

Simon,

I can't give much info on different makes, but what I can say is make sure you use the strengthening inserts, and try to avoid having any bends on the pipes as they connect into the fittings. IME it's the lateral strain where you've had to force the pipe to bend into a fitting that causes the leaks.

Also invest in a proper set of ratchetting cutters. This makes it easy to get a nice clean end on the pipe, which is half the battle really.

HTH!

[HappyHippy]

I use pipestock.com for all my alkathene needs  They're good, reasonably priced AND send you a free tape measure every time you order (can never have enough tape measures in this house !) 
Ditto Womble on having good inserts, I use a junior hacksaw to get nice tidy pipe ends.

[Simon O]

Thanks Karen and David for these comments they are really useful. before looking into all this I did not realise the need for inserts and I am sure what you say about using the proper cutter is important. The info about not having bends in pipe and not forcing is I am sure critical too. I do wonder when I see in reviews that people have had problems with leaks whether they have been ignoring these things and that's why they are getting problems. If this is the case then the cheaper ones may indeed be fine. I saw that company on the internet Karen and it is good to hear you have not had any difficulties with them.

[Stellan Vert]

Hi All

Silly thought 

What system does your local farm supplies sell the most of?

Farmers will look for the best results at the best price.


SV

[midtown]

I'll concur with much of the advice offered, especially;
1. The use of a decent pair of non-crush ratchet pipe cutters.
2. The use of inserts.
3. Ensure there is no strain on any fittings, especially near bends.
4. www.pipestock.com for everything you need if you don't have a local stockist of pipe and fittings otherwise, use your local ag merchant for fittings.
5. Keep a range of connectors in stock as spares, for 'emergency' situations. If you've got them, you'll never need them. If you haven't, you'll wish you had!

[si-mate]

I buy the pushfit fittings from Toolstation. They are twice the price of their standard fittings but are so easy to work with.

[shotblastuk]

A can of silicone spray (not wd40) will also make it easier to make sure you have pushed home the pipe into the joint properly. On no account tighten with grips as this weakens the joint and invariably splits the threaded cap.Tighten hand tight build up the pressure and tighten joints again if necessary.

[Simon O]

Thanks everybody for advice - I have got some good info to work with here