Old Bath Pipe Diameters plus Speedfit knowlege

Forums › Home Workshop DIY › Old Bath Pipe Diameters plus Speedfit knowlege

DeepBlueSky

384 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 40

Topic # 204199 21-Sep-2016 14:18

Hi Guys,

Do any of you know the diameter of a bath tap pipe feed by a header tank, I know its a standard size but would rather not have to dismantle things first.

Also I'm going to re-plumb the bath and these Speedfit connectors seem the way to go for a DIY job have you used them are they any good.

DarthKermit

4611 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 2574

Trusted

Reply # 1638233 21-Sep-2016 14:24

It'll either have a nominal diameter of 15 or 20 mm.

DeepBlueSky

384 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 40

Reply # 1638237 21-Sep-2016 14:30

Hi DarthKermit,

Thanks for this I'm trying to remember and I think its maybe the 20mm as I always thought it was a large pipe, the house is earlyish 1940's. I think I can get to the pipes coming up from under the house to measure. If I reduce the size from 20mm back to 15mm will this restrict water flow for the low pressure hot water side, I'm assuming so ?

ubergeeknz

3344 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 1089

Trusted

Vocus

Reply # 1638238 21-Sep-2016 14:31

Will you have to go on to bare pipe? It's likely enough the taps are screwed onto a thread. Also check the rules around DIY plumbing, I understand it may not be allowed if you're plumbed into mains water.

richms

21720 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 4507

Trusted

Subscriber

Reply # 1638243 21-Sep-2016 14:43

If you are getting the fittings to go onto copper, there is a variety of looks the same but is slightly different sizes in old houses. So the brass part with the thread will not fit over the pipe and other annoyances.

Richard rich.ms

DeepBlueSky

384 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 40

Reply # 1638253 21-Sep-2016 14:48

Hi UbergeekNZ,

Basically I have the old fashioned two pipe threads coming out of the wall for the bath it currently has a diverter to a shower; what started as a new Vanity unit has turned into a replace the bath / shower over bath as well project as things do.

So bought

1. Bath

2. Mixer with diverter for unequal pressures

3. Bath spout

4. Slide Shower

I'm going to build and mount a box out of marine ply on the wall to enclose the pipework as new bath is around 110 - 130mm smaller than the old unit so I have wriggle room. So if I can save a couple of dollars doing the labour its going to help.

ubergeeknz

3344 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 1089

Trusted

Vocus

Reply # 1638256 21-Sep-2016 15:01

They *should* be "15 mm" threads (which refers to nominal pipe diameter), but may be something else - what I'd suggest is to get a selection from your local plumbing store and return what you don't need. Then just use 15mm pipe and whatever system you like for whatever you're adding on.

DeepBlueSky

384 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 40

Reply # 1638269 21-Sep-2016 15:34

Thanks ubergeeeknz - that's good thinking on the connectors. Geekzone is a great place to share and bounce ideas off knowledgeable people.

Jeeves

244 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 58

Reply # 1638558 22-Sep-2016 09:07

When I had to fix a leaking join a while ago I enquired into a few places/people about the speedfix connectors - they all said to stay away from them like a barge pole. So instead I got some proper crimps and hired a crimper. Cheap, and was easy as pie. Buteline seems to be the brand to use for crimps.

Sidestep

678 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 289

Subscriber

Reply # 1638580 22-Sep-2016 09:27

I'd guess you've got 1/2" or 3/4" pipe with BSP threads.

SepticSceptic

1749 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 362

Trusted

Reply # 1638605 22-Sep-2016 10:06

Why not measure the outside circumference with a piece of string, and then divide by pi ? That will give you the outside diameter

My thoughts are no longer my own and is probably representative of our media-controlled government