Swept Elbows

[minesapint]

I've bought a Triton Capella thermostatic mixer shower that I intend to fit shortly. I don't want to T piece the pipes off the combi boiler to supply the shower; instead, I'd like to extend the 15mm hot and cold supply pipes to the bathroom sink (with service valves fitted) in order to supply it.

This means that I need to take the new pipework up the bathroom wall, through the ceiling, across the attic and down to the shower control unit. I have to do this because the bathroom door and frame is in the way of running it across the underside of the ceiling and mrs minesapint would not be happy.

The problem is that the installation manual says that elbow joints with 90 degree sharp bends should not be used in the pipework as it could affect the flow. It says to only fit "swept bend" joints or "long-radius elbows". I'm having problems the latter as I was thinking of fitting brass compression joints. Screwfix only seem to stock copper long radius elbows that can't be removed once fitted ("tectite") and if I make a mistake in measuring, the whole section will have to be scrapped.

Where can I get long radius elbows in 15mm brass compression fitting from? Alternatively, do I really need them as the booklet says or are Triton being over zealous? I really don't like the look of plastic pipework and fittings so I've eliminated these myself.

Thank you

[minesapint]

The Screwfix elbow I've been looking at has the code 6486G.

[bhg481]

A way round it is to buy a bending spring, make some pieces of pipe with a 90 deg bend in them and then use compression joints to join them to your straight pipes.

[donny48]

Or use a swept solder fitting with short stubs of pipe either side fixed to the rest with compression fittings.

[Old_Geezer]

No expert but I'd have thought the banning of right angle joints was being pessimistic.

You could simply bend the pipes, or use four lots of 45° joints.

[Old_Geezer]

Or should that be 135° ?

[Old_Geezer]

http://www.screwfix.com/p/solder-ring-obtuse-elbow-15mm-x-15mm/38267

[alavahalf]

Have you considered spending a bit more and using Hep20 slimline plastic fittings. I never use anything else.

[The Builder]

I use Hep2o fittings, the same as Homer. I must admit that I think Triton are being a bit prissy here.

I've fitted dozens of showers with ordinary elbows, including many Tritons. It's never been a problem.

Gravity supplies would possibly have that problem, but you have a mains pressure combi.

[minesapint]

Thank you all for your help. Despite my reservations about plastic fittings alavahalf and The Builder, I'll give Hep20 fittings a go. They look like they'll allow me to do the job in half the time.

Thank you all again.

[alavahalf]

Seriously .. you should manage to do it in a lot less than half the time. I re-plumbed my whole house in about 5 hours using hep 2o. ..(over 3 FLOORS)..
Dont forget the inserts if you use plastic pipe.

[minesapint]

alavahalf, thanks for that. I know it might seem a stupid question, but are these fittings safe to use on the hot water feed to the mixer shower as well as the cold? Can they be used to connect 15mm copper pipe together or just plastic?

Thanks again.