How to install MLCP

Multilayer composite piping, (MLCP) is the most effective way of moving water around in many plumbing situations. It is known for its flexibility, efficiency and ease of installation.

To help plumbers on site, we’ve created this blog as a quick guide on how to install our Wavin Tigris K5 MLCP with Press-fit connections.

Before we start, let’s first explore this new MLCP system. 

Introducing the new Tigris K5 press-fit system

Tigris K5 features an innovative acoustic leak alarm when tested with air. With this functionality, the non-pressed fitting will produce a loud whistling sound to help installers easily and quickly detect any leaks.

Plus, it has up to 50% increased inner bore, multi-jaw press connection, clear visual leaking when the pipework is not pressed and reliable O-ring sealing among many other features.

What's the best way to install MLCP?

Preparation is key so before starting any installations, always remember to check the pipes and fittings for dirt and internal damage to prevent any future problems and guarantee reliability of the system. 

1: Always use the correct pipe cutter because other tools (like a saw) could compromise the system’s guarantee. Use combination cutters and ensure the cut is made perpendicular to the pipe. Remove any burrs or sharp edges.

2: If you’re working with the Tigris K1/M1 system, calibration and chamfering is required. However, for the K5/M5 system this is just a recommendation – especially for 32 and 40 calibration to reduce push in forces. In both instances only use Wavin calibration tools.

If pipe dimensions fall between 16-25mm, an all-round chamfer depth minimal of 1mm is required. To avoid breakages the maximum battery or drilling machine rotation speed should be 500rpm. Make sure to remove any shavings from the calibrating pin.

For pipe dimensions between 32 – 75mm and all-round depth minimal of 2mm is needed. For safety reasons don’t use a battery or drilling machine.

Push in and check the pipe fitting

1: Make sure the pipe is correctly inserted and visible in the check window.

For Tigris K5/M5, push the pipe into the fitting until the stop point, visible in fix ring window. Do the same for Tigris K1/M1 until the stop is visible in the cap window.

Pressing the pipe

There are several different requirements for pressing, depending on which system you use:

• Press systems for Tigris K5/M5 and Tigris K1/M1 the jaw should always be positioned perpendicularly between the guides of the cap and fixing
• For Tigris K1/M1 only use U press profiles
• For Tigris K5/M5 use either U/Up/B/Th/T profiles

Please note: the pressing itself should only be done once per sleeve.

Here is an overview of the right positioning of the jaws on the fitting:

In this instance, the pressing jaws should completely cover the metal cap in between the fix-ring and the metal cap rim.

Remember to always use the rim of the fix-ring as the end-stop for all diameters to position the pressing jaw on the metal cap.

For 16-20mm TH/B profiles, one jaw-groove covers the fix-ring while the other jaw-groove covers the metal cap collar.

For 25-40mm TH/B profiles, only the fix-ring is covered by the jaw-groove. The metal cap collar is not covered by the jaw-groove.

Bending the pipe

In instances where the pipe needs to be bent, this can be done by hand or with the aid of a bending spring or using the Wavin bending pliers.

We’d always recommend using the bending spring or bending pliers to avoid kinking the pipe by accident.

When the pipe is bent, the demand of fittings needed for the installation can be reduced. See the table below for an overview of the bending radius’ required:

Table 1: bending radius overview

Pressure testing

The final step of installation is completing leak and pressure tests and flushing. While this has traditionally been done with either water or clean pressurised air, we have developed an alternative way to test systems to completely eliminate the use of water – and subsequently the risk of legionella developing in the stagnant water.

With the Wavin Acoustic Leak Alert, plumbers can instantly identify unpressed connections when executing the function check as a loud acoustic whistle sound (around 80dBA) is generated by the leaking connection. By following the sound, the loss of connection can be detected and then pressed or replaced – depending on the cause of the leak.

There are many benefits to completing testing with air as opposed to water. As well as being much cleaner (by removing the risk of legionella) there is also no danger of the pipes freezing or being damaged by the water. Plus, all tests can be carried out independently away from the water supplies on building developments.

Creating reliable connections with the Tigris press-fit plumbing system

Threaded connectors can be used in conjunction with the Tigris system and other pipe systems and components to guarantee a reliable connection is made.

Here’s a few simple steps on how to create a threaded connection:

1: Cover the male thread with a suitable sealing tape.

2: Tighten both screw fittings by hand.

3: Then use an open-end wrench to tighten it to a maximum of two turns. To avoid leaking, don’t turn the thread connection to the end of the thread.

Please note: If the male thread is fully inserted into the female thread all the way to the end, it should be removed again and more sealing tape should be used. Do not reverse the fitting.

Assembly of threaded connections should be made in accordance with the local standards including DIN 30660 and DIN EN 751-2.

Tigris product family where one-pipe-fits-all 

Tigris offers a complete program of pipe and fitting solutions for MLCP system installations across the UK. The Tigris K5/M5 is the latest edition of the Tigris family. It has a full range of benefits including the ability to detect leaks, compatibility with five types of jaws, and a bigger inner bore – to name just a few.

All Tigris fittings successfully fulfil the requirements for hot and cold water installations, radiator heating and underfloor heating on any commercial installations. They also meet all drinking water quality requirements.

Working with the Tigris family means you’ll be working with a system that offers a fantastic one-fits-all solution. Check out the new Tigris 5 range here.