JG Speedfit pipes and fittings boast ease of use as one of the main benefits of the technology, but it is always best to ask questions about something you are unsure of. Here, Richard Bateman, product marketing manager at RWC, answers five of the most frequently asked questions.
John Guest’s handy Speedfit push-fit technology has been around for quite some time and can be found in the toolbox of most installers. Yet, with continuous product innovations, new installation best-practices, and young plumbers starting out in their careers, even something as straightforward as a JG Speedfit push-fit connection might cause some questions marks from time to time.
Speaking of time, to save yours, we went straight to the source and got all the answers from the technical support team for Speedfit and curated them for you in this feature. So, let’s get right to it.
1. What applications are JG Speedfit pipes and fittings suitable for?
JG Speedfit pipe and fittings are expertly designed, and rigorously engineered to ensure that they offer a leak proof seal that lasts. The pipes and fittings are fit for a wide range of plumbing applications, in both domestic and light commercial settings, including cold and hot water applications, either as the main system pipework for an entire property or, for directly connecting a supply to a fixture or appliance.
The JG Speedfit plumbing and heating system is also compatible with central heating applications; however, it is recommended to not directly connect the system to a boiler.
Although the specification tolerances of Speedfit PEX and Polybutylene pipework is adequate for a direct boiler connection, it’s recommended that the first meter of pipe away from the boiler be copper, which can then be connected to Speedfit pipe. For specific applications visit the Speedfit website and download one of our product datasheets.
2. Can JG Speedfit products be used outside?
As long as the pipes and fittings are sufficiently insulated, JG Speedfit products can definitely be installed outside. Whilst the plastic of the pipework is not likely to fracture or split due to lack of insulation, as is often the case with copper alternatives, the water inside of the pipework can still freeze if conditions are cold enough.
Similarly, although the pipes and fittings offer insulating properties themselves, an extra layer of protection goes a long way to ensure that they don’t get damaged. This insulation should comply with BS EN 806.
Additionally, for underground pipework, there is JG Speedfit’s range of MDPE fittings, which are of course, designed to be used outside. This range is shock resistant and is designed to be even more robust than our standard Speedfit fittings.
3. Are inserts required when using JG Speedfit fittings, and what is the difference between the standard and Superseal inserts?
When using JG Speedfit fittings with JG Speedfit polybutylene or PEX pipe, it is essential that a pipe insert is installed. These are often also referred to as pipe supports, and it’s not hard to see why – as they do just that. Both types of pipe inserts, ensure that the connection within the fitting is rigid, which prevents any leaks or accidental disconnections when working with plastic pipe.
The JG Speedfit standard pipe inserts can be used in conjunction with compression type fittings or standard type Speedfit connections, for example those featured on our JG Underfloor Heating Manifolds.
However, if connecting to a JG Speedfit Twist & Lock fitting, we recommend using our Superseal pipe inserts instead. Superseal pipe inserts contain dual O-Rings to provide even greater sealing security than a standard insert. And when they are used alongside JG Speedfit Twist & Lock fittings, a multi-seal connection is formed as all fittings include a main O-Ring seal themselves.
Both inserts need only be used when working with plastic pipe, when working with copper pipe, they are not required.
4. Which pipe materials are compatible with the JG Speedfit Twist & Lock fittings?
JG Speedfit Twist & Lock fittings are a great system to doubly ensure that you have a leak proof, push-fit connection so long as the connection itself is made properly. This is why knowing what pipes can and cannot be used to make such a connection is essential.
The fittings are suitable for use with both plastic and copper pipe. However, for plastic pipe, it is recommended to use, JG Layflat Polybutylene Pipe or JG Speedfit PEX pipe, so long as a pipe insert is fitted of course.
Twist & Lock fittings are also suitable for use with copper pipe too, as this pipework forms a rigid connection once inserted, without the need for a pipe insert. JG Speedfit Twist & Lock fittings are, however, not suitable for chrome, or stainless-steel pipe.
5. Can JG Speedfit pipes and fittings be used on secondary circulating hot water systems?
Secondary circulating hot water systems are usually found in care homes, hospitals or other types of buildings where hot water is constantly in use. Instead of activating the heat source each time that a tap or shower is turned on, a secondary circulating hot water system constantly runs the hot water around the network and circulates it back into the boiler and isn’t seen in domestic applications.
Secondary hot water systems often fluctuate in temperature, and there is a risk that the upper end of this fluctuation could be higher than the specification tolerances of our pipe and fittings. Therefore, to limit any risk of failure, it is important to stress that JG Speedfit pipes and fittings are not suitable for secondary circulating hot water applications.
These have been our five most asked questions about JG Speedfit pipes and fittings. Should you ever be unsure about best practice with JG Speedfit pipes and fittings, RWC’s team of technical experts are on hand to provide technical information and advice on installation best practice. For more information, please visit jgspeedfit.com
