To connect any underfloor heating product to your existing system you need to create a water circuit, Polyplumb manifolds and Polyplumb fittings are used to connect this circuit. Manifolds are common to all systems that cover more than 30m2, independent of the underfloor heating system. Manifolds are supplied complete and are fixed to a wall using a mounting bracket.
Many of our domestic floor heating systems in the UK use 15mm pipe, and any of the pipe not required for your project can be re-used for other heating or hot/cold water.
There are six stages to jointing the Polyplumb system. These instructions generally apply when used in hot and cold water or independent heating applications
1. Cutting the plastic Polyplumb pipe
We would obviously recommend one of the approved pipe cutters (Code PB777 or PB781). It just makes the job easier, you can use a hacksaw (Polyplumb don’t advise this as you need to be very careful to avoid damaging the pipe). When using the cutters rotating the pipe slightly helps make the operation so much easier. Wherever possible, cut on a depth insertion mark, These “K” shaped marks are equally spaced along the pipe. They indicate the depth required for full insertion into any Polyplumb socket fitting.
3. Using pipe stiffeners
Pipe stiffeners are used as an integral part of the joint. When using Polyplumb pipe with either Polyplumb fittings or compression fittings they need to be fully inserted in to the pipe end. They are not required when using copper pipe.
4. Visually check the fitting & fitting components
Although every single socket is checked during the manufacturing process a further visual check is recommended as damage can occur in transit, on site or during distribution. The cap on each socket should be hand tight only. A note of Caution - Do not insert your fingers into the fittings, as the grab rings are sharp and designed to grip. Insert pipe fully into fitting The pipe should be inserted into the fitting to full socket depth such that the insertion depth mark aligns with the outer end of the cap nut on the fitting.
5. Grab ring check
A quick tug on the pipe will confirm that the pipe is inserted past the grab ring and that the grab ring was present in the fitting. It does not however ensure that the pipe is fully inserted as this can only be confirmed by using the depth insertion mark.
6. Avoid Re-jointing
On no account should a pipe be removed from a jointed Polyplumb fitting. By removing the cap-nut and withdrawing the pipe end complete with all the socket components from the fitting will make the fitting useless. There is a correct re-jointing procedure that involves replacing the grab-ring into the fitting and re-making the joint (details to follow) If removed, there is a risk that the outer edge of the grab-ring could catch on the outer end of the socket or the inside surface of the socket which then forces the grab ring into an angled position on the pipe. This can seriously damage the joints performance when subjected to pressure, this generally means leaks…. BAD!
7. Recommendations for Gas, Oil, Compressed Air, Solid Fuel and Solar Heating systems
The Polyplumb system is suitable for domestic plumbing and heating systems. Polyplumb pipes and fittings must not be used for gas and oil supply pipework or compressed air pipework. Polyplumb pipes and fittings must not be used for solar heating systems. Polyplumb pipes and fittings must not be used for primary or gravity circuits from solid fuel back boilers. In all the above instances metallic pipework should be installed.
