In a workshop environment, there are many different types of pipework that can be installed to bring the various required services such as air, oil and water to the required locations. Lions Equipment UK is experienced in all types of pipework installations and repairs.
We've been installing and repairing pipes in workshops for over 20 years, due to the variety of different job types that come with it. From a full-scale project from scratch to fixing a leak, Lions have the knowledge and experience to deliver your work on time whilst guaranteeing quality.
Below are examples and descriptions of the various types of pipework that we can undertake, so please do contact us if you wish for any further information or help with any of the pipework services in your garage or workshop.
Applications; Oil, waste oil, water, air and many more.
Description; Grade: Medium (Blue Band), Size: ¼” up to 2”
Methods; Hand Dies, Hand Held Electric Threading Machine, Rigid Threading Machine
Galvanised pipework is the most popular method of installing rigid pipework, this style of pipework offers strength, and with the galvanised coating can ensure you are protected from rust, and corrosion.
This style of pipework is done by creating a thread on the end of a section of pipework, and joining it together with a galvanised fitting. In doing this you need to seal the fitting with an appropriate sealer, so for oil you could opt for the loctite 55 paired with the loctite 577 , this method of sealant will ensure a strong seal with regards to your oil needs.
Different methods of threading pipe can be used, on new installs it is common to use a 110v Rigid tripod threading machine with oil lubrication and do all the works at ground level, in some cases this may require the use of hand threading this is where you manually create a thread onto the section of pipework with assistance from a fixed vice. The 110v Rigid technique is a lot easier and quicker.
When doing a repair or maintenance on pipework it is more common to use 110v electric hand held machines the benefit of this is that if you are high up in a void, ceiling or underground then you can more effectively repair or fix the problem with ease of access without having to remove a large amount of pipework.
Applications; Oil, waste oil, water and air
Description; Grade: Conforms to BS EN 10305-3:2016, Size: 15mm (1/2”) up to 54mm (2”)
Methods; Press-Fit
Carbon steel pipework is by far in my opinion the best way of installing new pipework, it looks professional, has a great clean finish and can be used on all elements of a modern workshop, such as air, oil, waste oil and water.
This method is a bit more expensive on materials but what you spend in materials you save on install time. This pipework goes together very quickly and effectively. When installing this pipework, if installing oil this requires a pressure relief valve to slowly relieve excess oil pressure back to the oil tank as to avoid over pressure of the pipework.
This pipework seals with a push-fit and clamp “o” ring rubber seal method, achieved by using a hand held “pressfit” machine which clamps the fitting to the pipework and seals it in an instant, this has proven to be very durable in workshops, its very strong and rigid, it is lighter than galvanised pipework and can be installed with the same inside diameters as galvanised pipework without all the excess weight involved when installing galvanised pipework, at the end of the install it looks very professional and clean, perfect for if customers look into the workshop area from the showroom or viewing areas.
Applications; Water
Description; Grade: standard, Size: 15mm (1/2”) up to 22mm (3/4”)
Methods; Soldered (Gas), Press-Fit, Compression, Bending
Copper pipework has been used for many years and is probably the most popular way of installing water services into buildings. This method has a few different styles of installing , which are as follows;
Soldered – Often installed with lead free solder, flux (cleaner) and gas , the fittings can either be soldered as heated, or come with solder in the fitting making it easier and quicker to install.
Compression – installing by method of pushing the copper pipe into a fitting , putting some sealing paste onto the “olive” contained in the fitting which sits over the pipe then tightening the nut to compress the “olive” and create a leak free seal.
Press-Fit – this method is the same as the carbon steel press-fit method, but as its copper it can only be used on water only.
Push-Fit – The most basic method of installing copper pipework, simply cut the pipework to length, and push into the selected fitting, this creates a seal using a grab ring and a rubber “o” ring in the fitting making the pipe unable to come out and seals at the same time. The most common practise for the quick copper installs.
Applications; Drainage, low air pressures
Description; Size: 32mm and above
Methods; Solvent Weld, Push-Fit, Compression
Plastic pipework - very basic, simply a solvent weld or a compression method, both methods are about the same in time, and both methods offer a great seal, the only advantage with solvent weld over compression is the tightness of the bends and how close fittings can be installed next to one another.
Solvent Weld – solvent weld requires a solvent cleaner, rough cloth and some solvent, clean the surface, rough it up, clean the surface again on both materials then apply the solvent to both , join together and wipe away excess. Quick and effective, if done correctly can be tidy.
Compression – compression fittings seal by means of pushing the pipe into the fitting and then tightening the nut with your hand this pushes the plastic ring against the rubber ring and creates a seal.
The plastic pipework can be installed on open non pressure systems, or low pressure systems. Very rare to use in workshops.
Applications; Air
Description; Grade: capable of taking 10.5Bar
Methods; Compression
This pipework has become very popular over the years and in some installs it is the quickest and most effective to install, the downside is that it is bulky when installing fittings, so limited space can be awkward when fitting and create problems. This seals using the push-fit compression method, and tightening the fitting by hand to ensure the rubber seal creates a leak free joint.
Applications; Fumes from vehicles or body shops
Description; Size: 80mm up to 200mm
Methods; Rubber Lined Push-Fit then bolted together, Sealant and Bolt, (finished off with silver/Zinc Tape on joins)
Spiral ducting, looks great after an install, and does the job perfectly. In many instances this is used for vehicle oven extraction, this can range from body shops, paint mixers to welding bays and vehicle exhaust fumes. Once installed it has a professional clean shiny appearance.
Applications; Oil, waste oil, air, water
Description; Size: 1/2“ up to 1”
Methods; Hydraulic hose for use in wall voids, underground ducts, ceilings, terminating to outlet so pipework is hidden up to termination point
This method of pipe install is common when trying to contain all pipework and hide from sight. Usually fitted in voids, ceilings tight spaces or underground, the single wire flexible hydraulic hose choice provides a strong and reliable material, and can be flexible to allow for bends, and expansion under heat.
They can be quick and reliable repair, or a permanent fixture depending on the job required.
