10 essential plumbing products for emergency repair and maintenance jobs

essential speedfit push fit connection

With the recent lifting of restrictions, we are all hopeful this coming winter will be different from last, yet the future seems uncertain. And it is essential that we keep plumbing and heating systems in homes and buildings safe, stable and fully operational during these unprecedented times.

Doing so requires preparation. And with the situation prone to changing very quickly, it’s crucial that plumbing and heating installers are ready for any eventuality. When it comes to being called out to an emergency for urgent repairs or maintenance work, make sure you have the correct personal protective equipment (PPE) for individual safety, and necessary tools and materials to complete the job efficiently.

Here we are sharing a list of ten crucial product ranges from RWC’s family of brands that should be in the back of every installer’s van. Stocking up on these items can ensure you have all the essentials needed to complete a job safely with speed and ease.

1. JG Speedfit Stop Ends

Number one on our list is a product that every plumber needs, JG Speedfit Stop Ends. Also known as end caps, these components are used to dead end the flow of water in a plumbing and heating system.

Our push-fit stop ends are much easier to work with in comparison to their metal soldered counterparts. Simply push the stop end fully onto the pipe to temporarily restrict the flow of water while you repair/service the system. Once the job is complete, you can easily disconnect the stop end to make the final pipe connection.

Our stop ends need no tools to install and demount, and can be re-used job after job, as long as the O-ring remains fit for use. The JG Speedfit Stop Ends come in a variety of sizes ranging from 10mm, 15mm, 22mm and 28mm.

2. JG Speedfit plastic push-fit fittings

Next up is JG Speedfit’s plastic push-fit fittings range that comes in handy for all repair and maintenance jobs. Requiring no additional tools these push-fit fittings can be installed and demounted within seconds, making them a perfect companion when operating in tight spaces.

Our extensive range covers a variety of fittings and connectors from straights, elbows, tees to reducers, pipe repair-kits, stems tees and elbows. All our fittings are available in sizes varying from 10mm to 28mm, so make sure to stock the sizes you mostly work with in your toolbox.

Man holding John guest layflat pipe

3. JG Speedfit Layflat Pipe

Installers are often looking for flexible products to use across multiple applications, and the JG Speedfit Layflat Pipe is the perfect product for just that. Made from polybutylene, this pipe allows installers to bend and manoeuvre in tight spaces without the need for threading through joints and is a hero when it comes to getting jobs done nice and quick.

4. JG Speedfit Double Check/Service Valve

Next on the list is our JG Speedfit Double Check/Service Valve. This valve only allows water to flow in one direction, preventing backflow of potential contaminants. This 2-in-1 check valve also has a built-in isolator, helping isolate specific appliances like washing machines and dishwashers so that repair and maintenance jobs can be carried out. A definite for an installer’s toolkit.

jg speedfit double check service valve

5. JG Speedfit Appliance Tee

Second fix plumbing installations and maintenance or servicing of appliances is quite often a daily task for many installers, so it’s always worth having the JG Speedfit Appliance Tee in your locker. This handy product allows isolation of the water supply to appliances such as a washing machine or dishwasher for maintenance or installation.

jg speedfit appliance tee

6. SharkBite brass push-fit fittings

A solution for commercial and domestic plumbing applications, SharkBite brass push-fit fittings are compatible with plastic, copper and steel pipes. They are certainly a must-have for applications where plastic fittings can’t be used, for example when connecting and repairing pipework within a 1-meter distance from the boiler or cylinder.

Together with JG Speedfit’s plastic and SharkBite’s brass push-fit solutions, we offer a complete range of push-fit products from boiler to the point of use.

7. SharkBite Disconnecting Clips

Built for durability and use in tight spaces, every installer should always have SharkBite Disconnecting Clips when working with SharkBite fittings. Used for demounting the fittings, these practical clips have a compact design to uninstall the fittings in even the tightest of spaces.

easifit thermostatic mixing valve

8. Reliance Valves Easifit® TMV

With kids and the elderly spending more time at home, it’s more crucial than ever that the Thermostatic Mixing Valves (TMVs) perform safely and are regularly maintained to protect the users from accidental scalding. Also, while carrying out repair works in old properties, installers must check if an appropriate TMV has been installed to ensure safe water temperature from outlets.

The Easifit TMV comes in handy when working in small spaces such as bathrooms, as installers need to maneuver and crouch in tight spaces. The Reliance Valves Easifit® TMV is compact enough to fit into most spaces, saving installers both installation time and an achy back.

Using unique technology, the Easifit TMV brings other benefits too. It operates at exceptionally low flow rates and prevents backflow and water impurities. It is available in a 2-in-1 option that includes a backflow prevention valve and thermal safety shut down valve, and a 4-in-1 option that additionally includes isolating valve and test port for monitoring system performance.

Man installing a Reliance Valves Easifit® TMV

9. JG Speedfit Flexi Hoses

Fixing a leak under a bath or basin can be infuriatingly time-consuming, and here’s where the JG Speedfit Flexi Hoses come in handy.

These push-fit flexi hoses are available in either braided metal or PVC material, and are great for installations in confined areas with poor visibility and access, for example when making the final connection from the mains to the taps. It’s a must-have for those ‘bendy’ applications.

JG Speedfit Flexi Hose Elbow

10. JG Speedfit MDPE fittings

WRAS approved, JG Speedfit MDPE fittings will always be a great product to have on you. Used for underground cold-water installations, these fittings deliver water from the outside mains water supply into the property, these fittings are worth keeping on you, especially when working on emergency burst water mains.

Supporting you in these extraordinary times

Being prepared is always good practice, but it is now more vital than ever as we adapt to life after the pandemic.

At RWC, our knowledgeable team of experts is here for you, should you require technical advice, sales support or need to source products. We are just a phone call away – 01895 449233.

For the problem solvers, the urgent fixers, the everyday heroes and the truly up against it, we’re with you all the way.

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Richard Bateman

Product Marketing Manager Plumbing and Heating

About the author

A highly experienced and passionate professional, I have over 15 years' experience as a commercial and domestic plumber and hold NVQ Level 3 qualifications from City and Guilds

Since joining RWC in 2015, I began as a technical engineer, utilising my extensive knowledge to provide exceptional support. Currently, I am thrilled to be working with the marketing department as a Product Marketing Manager. 

This role allows me to combine my technical background with a keen eye for market trends, ensuring that RWC's products meet the evolving needs of the industry. With my wealth of experience and commitment to excellence, I am proud to serve as a spokesperson for RWC, sharing our innovative solutions and contributing to the growth of the plumbing and heating sector.