A leak: how do I replace a section with a push-fit system?

First: what kind of pipe is it?

The whole plan hangs on the existing pipe. Measure the outside diameter with callipers, read colour and embossing: copper (15, 18 or 22 mm), galvanised or black steel threaded pipe (21.3 / 26.9 / 33.7 mm), a composite pipe with system print or a plastic pipe. The page transitions to other systems leads with the existing-pipe identifier from the measurement to the matching transition part. The short rules: 15 mm copper goes directly into the press transition module; steel threaded pipe goes via its thread; a third-party composite pipe is never pushed in directly – it gets the press transition of its own system with male thread, onto which the iFIT transition module is screwed.

The steps

1. Shut off the water and drain, expose the damaged spot.
2. Determine the existing pipe: measure, read the embossing, choose the transition according to the transitions page – measure first, then order.
3. Cut out the damaged section – generously, into sound pipe; rework the cut ends cleanly.
4. Set the transitions: the matching transition module at both ends (via thread, or directly for 15 mm copper).
5. Build the piece in between: cut iFIT pipe to length, chamfer and calibrate, adapters up to the stop, modules until they click – changes of direction with elbow modules, joints with sockets.
6. Pull-back test and leak test before closing – fill, vent, test, record.

Every action in detail: step-by-step installation – which also explains how an iFIT joint is undone again later.

What you need

Two transition modules per repair point, pipe length equals run plus 10 % reserve, one elbow module per change of direction, one adapter per push point – and with the first order the tool set (belongs to every first order according to the manufacturer; we include it in the enquiry). The exact list is worked out by the parts-list tool.

The limits of this project

The repair stands and falls with the matching transition for the existing pipe type – a third-party pipe in the iFIT adapter is not a repair but the next leak: grip ring and O-rings are not matched to it. The system limits of 70 °C and 10 bar apply; for the replaced run the leak test applies as for any new installation.

When another route is better

For 18 or 22 mm copper and for stainless steel tube, a press transition or a compression fitting directly on the existing pipe is often the shorter route – one part, one sealing point. The comparison of the designs is on methods compared.