Hep2O® - Fault Finding

Fault Finding

Compared with traditional systems the possibility of a fault or leak occurring with a Hep2O® system is greatly reduced. However, in the unlikely event of a problem occurring the following notes will help to identify the cause:

Problem: Pipe came out of fitting

Probable Causes:

Pipe had not been pushed into socket far enough to properly engage grab wedge.

Evidence: Lack of teeth marks on pipe or teeth marks only at tips of pipe.

Grab wedge has been damaged.

The fitting has been dismantled and reassembled incorrectly with the grab wedge the wrong way round.

Evidence: The teeth of the grab wedge are pointing into the fitting.

The fitting has been dismantled and reassembled incorrectly with the components in the wrong order.

Evidence: The 'O' ring is next to the cap.

The fitting has been dismantled and reassembled incorrectly with the grab wedge missing.

Evidence: No grab wedge.

Problem: Joint weeps

Probable Causes:

Pipe has been inserted through grab wedge and not through 'O' ring. Evidence: Joint leaks but pipe remains in fitting.

Dust or burrs under 'O' ring seal (usually occurs if a hacksaw has been used to cut pipe).

Evidence: Contamination evident on visual examination of components.

'O' ring seal has been damaged (usually by insertion of a sharp ended copper pipe).

Evidence: Damage evident on visual examination of component.

Fitting may have been connected to old Imperial copper.
Evidence: Measurement of pipe will reveal discrepancy with current standard diameter (BS 2871 Part: 1 1971).

Components from an old Hep2O® or Acorn® fitting may have been used when ressembling a Hep2O® fitting. The cap, metal grab ring, 'O' ring and spacer washer from old Hep2O® or Acorn® fittings are not compatible with Hep2O® fittings. Evidence: Cap marked HBP (Hep2O® is marked Hepworth); Metal grab ring. (Hep2O® has a white grab wedge); 'O' ring not marked (the Hep2O® is marked with the size); spacer washer (not needed in Hep2O® fitting).

Problem: Split fittings

Probable Cause:

Formation of ice within a system containing metal pipework, or adjacent to metal taps.

NB: Water freezes at 0°C and increases in volume until it reaches -4°C and 9% volume increase. Hep2O® pipe can absorb this volume increase without rupture, but if metal pipe or components are involved in the system, the extra pressure generated may occasionally be sufficient to split the fitting. Evidence: Splitting of fitting or fitting pulled off pipe after severe cold spell - deformation of grab wedge.

Problem: Pipe or fitting melting

Probable Causes:

Melting point of polybutylene is approximately 125°C, direct contact with any naked flame, electric fire, or hot flue pipe, etc., would cause the pipe to melt.

Water/steam within pipe reaches temperatures in excess of normal boiler safety and malfunction levels. (This is very rare and if found should initiate a thorough investigation of both heating and electric systems. One cause has been found to be stray electric current passing through impurities in water).

Evidence: Visual examination shows material to be deformed. Surface of material may appear 'glossy'.

IMPORTANT If in doubt then return the pipe and the fitting to Hep2O® Technical Support Department for further analysis.

Note:
Care should be taken not to cause any damage to the sample which may hinder analysis. As much of the affected installation should be returned as possible and sufficient pipe should be left in fittings to allow pressure testing, (minimum requirement 50mm). If possible a full metre of pipe should be returned complete with markings or a note made of all pipe markings. The above notes cover some possible malfunctions generally resulting from incorrect installation or service conditions. Careful attention to the notes in this guide will avoid these problems.