Geberit FlowFit: The Essential Guide
Everything you'll ever need to know about Geberit FlowFit
Published: 1st December 2024
In this guide, you'll learn everything you need to know about Geberit Flowfit from the basics of what is FlowFit all the way through to installation.
We hope this guide can answer your questions but should you need further advice please get in contact with us.
Let's get started!
What is FlowFit?
Geberit FlowFit is an advanced press-fit piping system designed for efficient, reliable, and versatile fluid and gas transport. It combines cutting-edge technology with easy installation, making it ideal for a wide range of applications in residential, commercial, and industrial environments.
Key Benefits
- Versatile: Handles a wide range of media, temperatures, and pressures.
- Quick and Safe Installation: Press-fit technology reduces installation time and eliminates the need for hot works.
- Durable: Multi-layer pipes and precision-engineered fittings ensure long-term performance.
- Reliable Sealing: EPDM O-rings provide leak-proof joints.
- Eco-Friendly: Lead-free materials meet strict environmental and health standards.
What can FlowFit be used for?
Geberit FlowFit is a versatile and high-performance press-fit piping system suitable for a wide range of applications in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. Below is a comprehensive overview of its application areas:
1. Potable Water Systems
- Cold and Hot Water Supply:
- For both domestic and commercial applications, ensuring hygienic and safe transport of potable water.
- Operating Temperature: 0–70°C.
- Pressure: Up to 10 bar
- High-Pressure Cold Water Systems:
- Ideal for applications requiring higher operating pressure (16 bar).
- Suitable for modern residential and high-demand commercial systems.
2. Heating and Cooling Systems
- Heating Water:
- Connects to radiators, underfloor heating, and HVAC systems.
- Operating Temperature: 0–80°C (short-term up to 100°C for malfunction tolerance).
- Pressure: Up to 10 bar.
- Cooling Water:
- For chilled water systems without antifreeze additives.
- Heating and Cooling with Antifreeze:
- Handles systems containing antifreeze, such as glycol mixtures.
- Operating Temperature: -10°C to +40°C.
3. Treated Water Systems
- Treated and Process Water:
- Suitable for specific applications requiring compatibility with treated or processed water.
- Ideal for industrial or specialised installations where water quality is a concern.
- Operating Temperature: 0–70°C.
- Pressure: Up to 10 bar.
- Rainwater Harvesting:
- Suitable for transporting rainwater with a pH value above 6.0, used in irrigation or non-potable systems.
- Seawater Transport:
- Designed for marine and offshore applications, offering excellent resistance to corrosion.
- Used in cooling systems or fire suppression systems in shipbuilding and coastal environments.
- Operating Temperature: 0–70°C.
- Compressed Air Systems:
- Compatible with oil-free compressed air systems (Oil Purity Class 0–3 per ISO 8573-1).
- Ideal for pneumatic tools, machinery, and industrial operations.
- Operating Temperature: 0–70°C.
- Pressure: Up to 10 bar.
- Negative Pressure Systems:
- Suitable for vacuum applications with an absolute pressure of ≥0.2 bar.
- Perfect for industrial and laboratory systems.
How to Prepare FlowFit Pipe for pressing?
Preparing a Geberit System Pipe ML (Multi-Layer Pipe)
Steps:
- Remove the Protection Plug:
- Take off the protective plug from the end of the pipe to expose the inner layer.
- Cut the Pipe to Length:
- Use Geberit pliers or a Geberit pipe cutter ML.
- Ensure the pipe is cut at a perfect 90° angle for a clean, square edge.
- Calibrate the Pipe (if necessary):
- Inspect the pipe end for any deformation.
- Use a calibration tool to restore the pipe to a round shape and ensure proper fit with fittings.
Preparing a Geberit System Pipe ML with Circular Pre-Insulation
Steps:
- Remove the Protection Plug:
- As with the standard pipe, start by removing the protective plug to access the inner pipe.
- Cut the Pipe and Insulation:
- Use Geberit pliers to cut both the pipe and its insulation to the desired length.
- Ensure a 90° angle cut for a precise fit.
- Push Back the Insulation:
- Slide the insulation back from the pipe end to leave a clear portion of the pipe.
- Leave sufficient pipe exposed for the fitting, typically a few centimetres (as indicated in the guide).
- Calibrate the Pipe (if necessary):
- Check the pipe end for deformation.
- Use a calibration tool to adjust and prepare the pipe for secure fitting.
Preparing a Geberit System Pipe in a Protective Tube
- Remove the Protection Plug:
- Carefully remove the protective plug from the pipe to expose the inner pipe.
- Cut the Protective Tube to Length:
- Use Geberit pliers to cut the protective tube to the required length.
- Ensure the cut is clean and precise to maintain the protective tube's integrity.
- Cut the Pipe to Length:
- With the protective tube removed from the pipe end, cut the inner pipe to the desired length.
- Use Geberit pliers or a pipe cutter.
- Make sure the cut is at a right angle (90°) for a clean edge.
- Calibrate the Pipe (if necessary):
- Check the pipe end for any deformations caused during cutting.
- If needed, use a calibration tool to restore the pipe to its original round shape.
- This ensures a secure and leak-proof connection when installing the fitting.
How to press a FlowFit fitting and pipe?
Tips for a Successful Press
- Always use the correct pressing jaw for the fitting size.
- Avoid pressing under tension or with misaligned tools.
- Ensure the pipe and fitting are clean and free of debris before pressing.
Follow these steps to properly press a Geberit FlowFit fitting:
- Step 1: Remove the Protective Cap
- Carefully remove the protective cap from the fitting to expose the press sleeve.
- Step 2: Insert the Pipe into the Fitting
- Slide the prepared pipe straight into the fitting until it reaches the stop.
- Ensure the pipe is inserted at a straight angle—do not bend or twist it.
- Step 3: Verify Proper Insertion
- Check visually that the pipe is fully inserted into the fitting.
- The pipe end should align correctly with the designated stop in the fitting.
- Step 4: Position the Pressing Tool
- Rotate the fitting so that the pressing jaw can be positioned without tension and is easily accessible.
- Step 5: Attach the Pressing Jaw
- Place the pressing jaw straight onto the press sleeve of the fitting.
- Ensure the jaw is aligned and fully seated on the press sleeve.
- Step 6: Perform the Press
- Activate the pressing tool according to the user manual.
- Press the fitting and pipe securely together.
- Step 7: Check the Joint
- Inspect the finished joint to ensure the press sleeve is uniformly compressed.
- Verify that the pipe and fitting are correctly aligned and that the pressing jaw has left a clear, uniform impression on the sleeve.
