Fitting a tap

[rsbmw]

Want to swap the kitchen tap with a "Grohe" - I understand these come with tails to connect to 3/8" pipework rather than UK 15mm. I understand I can buy reducers, but given the pic below of existing setup, is there anything I can buy that would prevent me having to remove the brass coupler that's already attached to the pipework? Different tails or whatever. Ideally I will just be able to attach fitting to new Grohe tail (or swap those out) and then screw it onto the existing pipework. Reduces the chances I can balls it up (I hate plumbing).

[greg2k]

Googled it and this came up. If you can't be bothered to wait for delivery, your local plumbers merchant will likely have them in stock for about the same price.

http://m.ebay.co.uk/itm/Grohe-Pair-3-8-Inch-Flexi-...

If you really, really want to keep the 15mm to 1/2in male adapters, it could be possible to buy normal flexies, unless tap block itself has some kind of exotic thread. It's hardly a mega job to remove and replace compression fittings.

Edit: sorry, just reread your post and you're know about these things, the point still stands, it's not that much harder to replace the compression fittings. Otherwise, take the tap to your local plumbers merchant at a quiet time and ask for some 1/2 inch flexies and make sure the male ends fit into the block before you walk out.

Edited by greg2k on Wednesday 24th August 13:30

[Neil - YVM]

That pipework isnt the neatest.

Easiest way would be to undo and remove the 15mm male coupling and replace with a ball valve or a straight compression joint, then use one of these .

http://www.toolstation.com/shop/Plumbing/d20/Flexi...

[rsbmw]

Thanks, had seen both of those things but I don't have a great track record of replacing plumbing joints and having them not leak. I think I'm 0-3 on that front, hence wanting a screw on solution

[Neil - YVM]

rsbmw said:

Thanks, had seen both of those things but I don't have a great track record of replacing plumbing joints and having them not leak. I think I'm 0-3 on that front, hence wanting a screw on solution

What I have suggested is pretty easy diy stuff. Maybe best you pay someone to do this for you, if you're not confident to tackle that level of job?

[greg2k]

Compression fittings require more torque than the 1/2 inch male to female things, but the technique is essentially the same.

This guy is very good for instructional stuff:
https://youtu.be/u77SJgIS4mY

[rsbmw]

Whilst I appreciate a good ridiculing, I'm still interested to find out if a product exists that does what I want. Seems a 15mm nut on one end, and 12mm external thread on the other wouldn't be that difficult.

[Neil - YVM]

rsbmw said:

Whilst I appreciate a good ridiculing, I'm still interested to find out if a product exists that does what I want. Seems a 15mm nut on one end, and 12mm external thread on the other wouldn't be that difficult.

The simple answer is no.

I have given you the easiest way to do this.

To expand, the male coupling has a 1/2 bsp thread, and is flat at its end, suitable for either a joint packed out with ptfe or as the pipe flexi a rubber insert.

What you are describing would be a female 1/2 bsp to male 3/8 bsp adapter, and would require a packed joint. now if you're not confident with compression joints, a packed joint is more likely to have issues than a compression. (Though neither are difficult)

[rsbmw]

Thanks, we'll see if I can claw one back on the scoresheet.

[rsbmw]

Question - Can I leave the existing nut + olive on the pipe and use with the new compression fitting, or do I need to trim that off. Easier said than done on one of the pipes!

[greg2k]

It's not considered to be best practice to do that as the olive has already been squashed and to get a seal you'll have to squash it further, but as long as it doesn't leak, go ahead. Professional plumbers will never admit to doing it, but probably, occasionally, do. Put a bit of ptfe on it for good measure.

[Rickyy]

http://plumbing4home.com/pipe-connection-reduction...

It seems 1/2" female to 3/8" male reducers exist. Probably your easiest option.

[g7jtk]

Cal a Plumber

[DuraAce]

greg2k said:

Googled it and this came up. If you can't be bothered to wait for delivery, your local plumbers merchant will likely have them in stock for about the same price.

http://m.ebay.co.uk/itm/Grohe-Pair-3-8-Inch-Flexi-...

I did exactly the same job, fitting grohe taps, with these adapters. Worked a treat and took 30 minutes to do. Got mine from plumb centre as I wanted them same day. About £2 each I think.

Edited by DuraAce on Wednesday 24th August 22:24

[Pheo]

Can't you swap the tails for the correct size ones?

Last time I fitted one the tails just unscrewed and you could go buy the right size one for what you need!

[rsbmw]

Hooray, I managed to do plumbing and there are no leaks! (yet)