Pipe stops/ Insertion depths are located at the following distances from the fitting end.
Twistloc Black Products
Size | Tube Stop Depth |
---|---|
15mm | 29.3mm |
22mm | 34.3mm |
28mm | 38.5mm |
Twistloc White Products
Size | Tube Stop Depth |
---|---|
10mm | 22mm |
15mm | 33mm (Union Connector is 39mm) |
22mm | 36mm |
28mm | 42mm |
All Twistloc fittings will be delivered in the unlocked position. This is evident by the green ring located between the screwcap and the body being visible.
Ensure that all pipe and fittings are free from scores and scratchmarks and kept free from dirt and debris prior to installation.
When cutting tube, ensure that the ends are cut squarely and free of burrs.
Ensure the pipe is pushed into the fitting fully past both the collets (gripper) and the ‘O’ ring and is engaged properly in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
Twist the screw cap until the green coloured ring is no longer visible. This locks the collet in place and at the same time increases the pressure on the O ring seal around the pipe for greater security.
Pull to check it is secure. We recommend pressure testing the system before use. If plastic pipe is used then a tube insert must be used also. The tube insert acts as an internal support for the pipe.
Ensure there are no scratches, gouges or any other form of damage to the circumference of the pipe. Damage of this kind could cause leaks.
Check fittings for any sign of damage or foreign objects.
When fittings have to be disassembled and then reused, ensure that the pipe is removed from the joint and that there is no damage to the pipe within 1” of the end of the pipe. Inspect the pipe and fittings for any signs of damage and ensure they are free of foreign materials.
Ensure fittings are kept clean at all times by using the specially designed re-sealable zip-lock bags. Do not empty Twistloc products onto the floor. Keep pipe clean by keeping it in its original packaging until required.
Before attempting to disconnect any fitting, the system must first be de-pressurised.
Unlock the fitting by twisting the screw cap until the green coloured ring is fully visible. Press collets with equal pressure around the collet until it is flush against the body of the fitting. With the collets depressed pull on the pipe to remove it from the fitting.
Compression fittings which comply with BS EN 1254 are suitable for use with Twistloc pipe.
Soldering work should always be carried out before Twistloc fittings are installed. If this is not possible you must observe the following precautions.
Twistloc insist on rigorous testing to ensure that all of our pipes and fittings are manufactured within certain tolerances. As we are unable to guarantee those tolerances used by other manufacturers, we are unable to recommend our fittings be used with any other plastic pipe.or fittings be used with ours.
Due to the relative surface hardness of these materials Twistloc fittings cannot be connected directly to chrome plated or stainless steel pipe.
Twistloc fittings and valves should never be connected directly to a boiler
Although most modern boilers have a high limit thermostat, residual heat can be conducted by the heat exchanger. Therefore Twistloc recommend a minimum of 1 metre from the boiler casing should be run in copper pipe unless otherwise stated in the boiler manufacturer’s installation literature.
A gravity primary circuit operating on an uncontrolled cooking range or solid fuel boiler should then be un entirely in copper and the heating circuit run in copper for the first metre.
Refer to BS5955: Part 8 for further clarification.
All appliances should have safety devices to make sure they cannot operate above the working temperature and pressure range. If safety devices are not incorporated within the appliance then external controls will be needed.
Water meters (and other devices) can contain check valves that prevent the expansion of heated water back down the main supply from a combi-boiler. If plastic pipe is to be used, a suitable expansion vessel must be fitted. This is especially important to consider if a water meter is fitted retrospectively. Twistloc do not recommend the use of plastic pipe on the main supply between a water meter and a combi boiler if an expansion vessel is not fitted.
Twistloc products should not be fitted to a sealed system, oil boiler, a back fired boiler or other uncontrolled heat source.
A stop tap should be used when connecting to a mains water supply.
Twistloc manufacture a number of installations for connecting to appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers and even small bore water filters. Pipe clipping distances should always be adhered to when installing valves.
Twistloc has been designed for use in most domestic and commercial hot & cold water and heating applications. Installation work should be carried out using good plumbing practice as outlined in the installation guide.
Twistloc should not be used in the following applications:
Twistloc should not be installed in a continuously operated re-circulating systems (secondary hot water circulation/ring main installations
Carrying gas, compressed air or fuel oil
Direct sunlight and ultra violet light. We recommend that if pipework and fittings are used externally that they are either covered or painted to avoid direct UV exposure.
Areas contaminated with petroleum and oil derivatives
The conveyance of water with a high concentration of chlorine. This can sometimes be found in swimming pools, hot tubs or decorative water features.
In a solar heating system as a primary circuit. Temperatures cannot be thermostatically controlled.
The introduction of plastic pipe and fittings allows pipe to be easily curved and cabled through drilled joists or I-beams. This offers the plumber the following benefits:
Please note that The Building Regulations Approved Document A gives exact instructions on the drilling of floor joists. Please refer to this document for full instructions.
For Surface Mounted Pipe
Pipe Diameter (mm) | Horizontal Runs (mtr) | Vertical Runs (mtr) |
---|---|---|
10mm | 0.3 | 0.5 |
15mm | 0.3 | 0.5 |
22mm | 0.5 | 0.8 |
28mm | 0.8 | 1.0 |
For surface mounted pipes
To allow for expansion you must allow for a minimum of 60mm of pipework before fitting pipe clips. To reduce side-load or stress on the fittings pipes should be adequately supported.
Pipe Diameter (mm) | Horizontal Runs (mtr) | Vertical Runs (mtr) |
---|---|---|
10mm | 0.3 | 0.5 |
15mm | 0.3 | 0.5 |
22mm | 0.5 | 0.8 |
28mm | 0.8 | 1.0 |
For sharp bends, standard elbow fittings can be used. For slight bends it is possible to use the flexibility of the pipe to produce a bend which can be clipped into shape, or tighter still with a 15mm cold forming bend, subject to the following limits.
Pipe Size 10/15/22/28mm
Min Radius with Clips 100/75/225/300mm
Min Radius with Cold Forming Bend 90mm
When installing the Twistloc system in concrete and masonry the pipe should be run in conduit pipe with access boxes for the fittings so that all pipe can be removable for replacement and maintenance therefore complying with the requirements of the Water regulations.
To protect Twistloc pipe and fittings, always sleeve in conduit when passing through walls and floors.
Do not use expanding foam in its inital wet state as the chemicals in the foam can cause a chemical reaction.
To reduce noise and to act as a fire stop the annular gap between the pipe and the conduit should be filled with a resilient material.
It is also suggested that pipework should be run in a conduit when laying it next to metalwork. This will protect the pipe from any sharp edges due to thermal movement.
The Water Byelaws state that distribution pipework must be accessible to facilitate its removal after replacement. Pipework must therefore be placed in conduit before being buried. To prevent against frost we also recommend insulating the pipework.
Twistloc is ideal for use in these applications. It is important during the installation process to ensure that the structural integrity of the vapour layer or the property itself is not compromised. Pipework should be installed in the inside of any thermal insulation.
If the architect did not allow for a recess to allow this to happen, conduit must be used.
Where pipework is in or behind wall surfaces and would otherwise not be detected by a metal detector or similar equipment, a metallic tape should be applied to the pipework.
Do not attach tape directly to Twistloc pipe and fittings.
We offer a range of tank connectors for connection to cold water storage tanks in 15mm, 22mm and 28mm.
When installing do not use any jointing compound on the connector. Hand tightening is all that is needed. Further mechanical tightening will damage the fitting.
A minimum length of 1mtr of copper pipe must be installed before connecting to a Twistloc pipework system.
All connections should be made in accordance with the requirements of BS5955 part 8.
To avoid serious overheating trapped air must be purged from the heating system before the boiler is operated.
Always refer to the boiler manufacturers’ installation instructions.
One of the benefits of Twistloc is that it can easily be cabled within wall structures during the construction process.This is best seen when using 10mm pipe and elbows as a feed to radiators. By incorporating this method the appearance of pipework on show in the home can be significantly reduced.
Plastic plumbing systems are not suitable for use on any continuously operated re-circulating systems (secondary hot water circulation / ring main systems). These installations differ greatly from traditional domestic installations and therefore Twistloc pipe and fittings may not be used.
Twistloc pipe can be frozen for maintenance/repairs without damage to the system. When freezing equipment manufacturers’ instructions should be followed. Always freeze at a reasonable distance from where pipe is to be cut.
Twistloc can be painted with either a water based paint or an oil based paint with an undercoat. Cellulose based paints, paint strippers, thinners, flux, acid based descalents or aggressive cleaning products must not be used.
We have tested Twistloc pipe and fittings with Fernox & Sentinel and have approved them for use with our fittings.
We only approve antifreezes which are based on Ethylene Glycol mixtures.
Please contact a registered electrical contractor or your local Electrical Authority with regards to bonding, continuity and electrical safety.
When installing pipe in an unheated area or outside insulation is required in accordance with BS6700 and BS5422to protect from frost damage. These requirements are the same as for copper pipe.
Twistloc is suitable for use outdoors however it should either be painted or covered with insulation to protect against exposure to UV rays.
It is essential that a full system check takes place upon completion of an installation. Before carrying out any test you must ensure that all Twistloc pipe and fittings are installed correctly.
We suggest a test of 2bar for 10minutes followed by 10bar for 10minutes. Any products that are not manufactured by Twistloc and are unable to withstand the test pressures should be disconnected during the test and capped off using the Twistloc end stop cap.
Pressure testing is NOT a substitute for making sure pipe and fittings are correctly installed. For details on how to make a good joint please refer to the beginning of the installation guide.
For all technical enquiries please complete the contact form or call 01623 836814
The graph above shows the results of a strength test conducted independently by a Government laboratory. It clearly shows how Twistloc outperforms its competitors.
The Maximum torque values for Twistloc threads are as follows:
If necessary Twistloc end-stops provide either a temporary or permanent leak-free seal to a plumbing system. End Stops can also be easily removed to allow for system extensions and re-work.
For maximum flexibility, Twistloc fittings can be combined to provide multiple functions.
When using plastic pipe the pipe manufacturer’s insert must be used.
Application | Operating Temperature | Maximum Temperature | Maximum Working Pressure |
---|---|---|---|
Cold Water | 20 C | 20 C | 12 bar |
Hot Water | 65 C | 95 C | 6 bar |
Central Heating | 82 C | 105 C | 3 bar |
DESCRIPTION
Twistloc repair couplings are designed to be suitable for use on copper, PEX and PB pipe offering the installer the ability to easily repair damaged pipework.
SYSTEM ADVANTAGES & BENEFITS
The Twistloc Stop Valve adaptors and Slip Tee Valves are manufactured in white Polypropylene and Polysulfone. They are designed for use in drinking water systems, American style refrigerators, ice makers, humidifiers & water filtration applications.