Pipework in the floor

NoNameNoNumber · 11 May 2015 at 09:35

Morning guys,

I've run all new CH pipework throughout the house, previously it was copper pipe laid down, lagged, then boxed in and then 2" of screed laid. Now I've pulled the copper out and the boxing in as I've had to squeeze Speedfit in. I've lagged it but now I need a solution on how to cover it. The best I can come up with is to lay sheet steel over the top thin enough so as not to be felt through the floor covering whilst hopefully not flexing under foot.

Other option I guess would be to concrete them in whilst trying to keep the fittings accessible.

What might you suggest?

Abyss · 11 May 2015 at 11:07

Why did you rip out copper to put in push fit? In the situation shown in your photo copper is a far safer option as it is far less likely to fail.

Ronty · 11 May 2015 at 11:45

Fill the pipework and leave it under pressure for a few days, check all the joints then screed it back in.

You might have trouble if the chase isnt deep enough as you've used foam lagging rather than hair felt, if the screeds not thick enough I'll crack.

NoNameNoNumber · 11 May 2015 at 11:52

Its a whole new central heating system. The whole lot is under pressure and has been for a number if weeks with no issues. Just gotta add the copper from the Ts going off to the rads...

There's not really gonna be enough room for a substantial screed so I reckon that's out the window.

Would a steel plate be alright? Got a load of levelling compounding was gonna flood out the kitchen/diner with so I guess I could go into the hallway with it too to help cover the plate...

Nedved11 · 11 May 2015 at 19:52

A few issues with that set up. One is burying speed fit is a no no. Ideally this needs to be table y copper and soldered joints. The pipe then obviously needs protection. Using copper and soldered fittings wil mean you can drop the fitting closer and won't protrude out too much. You are going to have a problem at that t junction point unless you plan to have something over it?

I hate burying pipe if it can be avoided. I've run run pipe round the house to avoid burying it under floor.

FlyingFish · 11 May 2015 at 20:15

Yeah sorry, looks a bit of a mess, good luck with whatever you do to cover it m8. Really it should be a proper channel with a stepped edge so a lid of wood can be placed on top. To take the foot traffic above and give a reliable surface. The pipework is normally done in soldered copper due to space constraints and the need for long life reliability, and protected from the cement, coated malleable pipe can be used here. I've seen the channel filled with vermiculite in the past.

Mick

NoNameNoNumber · 11 May 2015 at 20:39

As my plumber said when he came and installed the boiler and all the gubbins, even if I covered it in screed and boxed the fittings in so I can get to them if needs be it's still just as accessible as any pipework buried in the walls/ceilings... Maybe we should've done this bit in copper... Idk but I never had any reason to question him. Think sheet steel is the answer then that can be lifted if required.

wilber · 12 May 2015 at 09:10

NoNameNoNumber said:
Think sheet steel is the answer then that can be lifted if required.

*When required* from my experience with speed fit, It does seem to love to slacken on the joints and leak a lot when cold. Fortunatly im not bothered as its in an outbuilding used as a workshop/log drying shed.

Would use copper everytime indoors now.