Can You Reuse Push Fit Plumbing?

Push fit pipes and fittings are suitable for use as both permanent and temporary fixes to hot and cold water systems. However, one common question we’re asked is whether the fittings are suitable for reuse.

Although this is entirely possible as the fittings can be removed by hand (or on occasions, a special tool), they might not be suitable for reuse in all situations.

Push Fit Reuse Criteria

There are a number of different things you may want to ask yourself when deciding whether to reuse push fit fittings.

How old is the fitting? – If your fitting is incredibly old, it may have lost some of its integrity due to wear over time, however as plastic is an incredibly durable product, if your fitting is only a few years old and has been installed correctly, damage and wear is likely to be minimal, so in this instance it would be possible to reuse.

Has the fitting been reused before? – If this is the second or third time you’ve used the fitting, it might be time to say goodbye and invest in some newer components. The O-ring and teeth inside the fitting can lose their shape if removed from pipes too many times. Try to limit your use to 2-3 applications.

Does the fitting look worn? – If the fitting looks worn, it’s definitely not a good idea to reuse it. Invisible damage can oftentimes cause seals to not form properly, so visible and noticeable damage is likely to do far worse, and could end up costing you more in the long run.

Will the cost saving be worth reusing the components? – If you’re really strapped for cash and can’t afford any new equipment, then it may be worth reusing the fittings, even if just temporarily. However if you can afford new fittings, we would always recommend this – they’re in the best possible condition for the installation and are less likely to cause any costly future problems.

What does the manufacturer advise? – If your manufacturer advises totally against reusing the fittings, definitely don’t – these warnings are there for a reason. Some manufacturers aren’t specific, but it’s always worth erring on the side of caution and either finding out for yourself, or purchasing some new fittings.

Is the reuse going to be for a temporary or permanent fix? – If your reuse is going to be a temporary fix, then it’s not so bad. However reusing fittings for a permanent fix is often not advised – you never know if the quality or integrity of your push fit equipment might have been compromised, and it’s best not to have to complete and pay for an installation twice over if your old fittings fail!

Is it an emergency and you’re unable to find any new fittings? – A late night leak with no suppliers open might mean that you need to get a job done as soon as possible, and in this case, you’d probably be okay to reuse the fittings temporarily. Again though, if the system has a fault, we would always advise replacing completely once you are able to find the relevant components.

If you’re ever in a pinch and need a helping hand with any of our push fit products, make sure to get in touch with our expert advisors.