Hi Guys,

Slight "disagreement" in the office today about this topic and I was keen on getting your feedback. The question asked was "Should plumbers install the brass thread at pipe out stage or afterwards?" The pro's and cons are as follows:

During

PRO's

• The connection in the wall can be pressurized to ensure no leaks
• Wing-backs can be tightened up if lose after thread installation
• Better visual knowing its not gonna leak

CON's

• If the thread is too long it will have to be cut and there is high chance tiles can be scratched
• The cost of buying thread if cut too long
• cost of lost caps

AFTER

PRO's

• Thread can be accurately cut  with "no waste" = savings and no risk of damage due to cutting
• No caps = savings

CON's

• Risk of leaks inside the wall at later stage
• Risk of lose wing backs inside wall
• Risk of constantly having to buy new plugs
• Risk they will scratch the tiles trying to apply the thread

My personal opinion on the matter is that the thread has to be installed regardless and doing it at pipe out stage will expose issues which can be dealt with right away. I have had bad experiences with blue plugs leaking, popping out and then the issues with staff installing threads post pipe out.

This poll is based on you sending someone else to do the pipe out and not doing it yourself, trust is a big factor and risk assessment as well. Please don't hesitate to leave any comments.




Linkback: https://www.plumbers.nz/ask-plumbers-trade/43/installing-threads-onto-wingbacks-at-pipeout-stage/1819/