I'm after some advice as to how to sort out a problem I've got myself into.
Got a new 50 gallon cold water loft tank which I'm in the process of
fitting. I was trying to use brass 22mm compression tank connectors
(
http://www.screwfix.com/p/yorkshire-kuterlite-tank-coupler-650-22mm/47957)
which I now question the wisdom of. I drilled two 29mm holes to fit the
two feeds (one to hot tank, other to cold). I'm also replacing the 4
gallon CH header tank - so drilled 29mm hole for that one too.
These connectors have two 'pins' or lugs on the back (this link shows
similar product's lugs:
http://www.screwfix.com/p/yorkshire-kuterlite-tank-coupler-650-15mm/30234)
- consequently, when trying to do up the compression joint, I cannot
stop the connector turning before the olive is compressed - even using a
pump wrench on the lugs at the back.
You can get a special tool
(
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Monument-MON83-Tank-Connector-Fitting/dp/B000X2CSMI)
but having done up other 22mm compression joints and seen the force I've
needed, I fail to see how it could adequately work (without two pairs of
strong hands).
I've seen people talking online about SpeedFit 22mm tank connectors
being the way to go, and I thought that would be ideal - however, I then
found that they require 36/38mm holes cut in the tank. I'm concerned
whether I could cleanly expand the existing hole - the hole saw worked
fine the pilot drill fitted, but I'm concerned whether I could keep it
in one place without the pilot having anything to centre on.
I've also seen other 22mm compression tank connectors (which I would
hope would fit existing 29mm hole) which have hex shapes on the rear of
the connector:
http://www.screwfix.com/p/conex-tank-coupler-321-22mm/69785
http://www.screwfix.com/p/tank-coupler-22mm/36982
However, I'm concerned that they're quite slim hex nuts, and whether I
could properly get the compression joint made without the inner
spanner/wrench slipping and damaging the tank. Would these fit the same
hole as the one I got?
I've seen solder ring tank connectors
(
http://www.screwfix.com/p/yorkshire-solder-ring-tank-coupler-yp5-22mm-x/59617
- presumably the nut goes inside the tank) - but at �14.99 each (I need
3), it's very expensive! Would this fit the existing 29mm hole?
I've also seen a copper push-fit tank connector
(
http://www.screwfix.com/p/yorkshire-tectite-sprint-tank-coupling-22mm-x/97469
- again I presume the nut goes internally). Would this fit the existing
29mm hole? This seems a more reasonable price, but would I need any
tools? I've not used any type of push-fit before. Can I just cut a
22mm copper pipe and push in? Is this one demountable (with/without tools)?
I really appreciate people's advice on this one. I'd allowed the
weekend for the job, but it took longer. Currently we're without hot
water until it's finished.
Thanks
David