Unsure whether to use plastic pipework or copper for your home?
I find that when installing a new boiler and central heating system, a lot of my customers ask whether I use plastic pipework. And the reason they ask is because they’re worried.
Perhaps you’ve heard from someone that plastic pipework isn’t as good as copper. Wherever the seed of doubt in your mind has come from, it doesn’t matter – because I’m going to tell you why plastic pipework is absolutely the best thing to have UNDER your floor (not above).
After all, I’ve spent over 20 years fitting pipework in homes all across Edinburgh, and beyond. I know a few things, and I wouldn’t want to fit anything that isn’t right for your home. Which is why I work with both, and use both to their advantages.
TIP: Should you replace your central heating pipework? Find out via my recent blog on the subject.
When should plastic pipework be used?
And let me tell you right now – it should be used. I’ll almost always choose plastic pipework to fit under the floor; but never on the surface. This is because it’s flexible, and happens to be wonderful stuff to run for up to 25m without using joints! This means it saves A LOT of time and money, with no solder or flame required to install – so it’s also safer.
But I don’t just fit it because it saves time. It’s made to British standard, pressure tested to 10 bar of pressure. It also fairs better in frost, so it’s far less likely to freeze when it’s cold. And, on the off-chance it leaks, it’s easier to fix, too!
So, what are the downsides? Well, plastic pipework can be susceptible to mice in the correct conditions. Say you were fitting a property on the outskirts of town, or farmland. Field mice could get under the floor or into the attic, and gnaw on plastic pipes. Of course, when the plastic explodes and drowns them, that’s your mice problem over!
(Saying that, if mice are going to gnaw on plastic pipes, they’re just as likely to gnaw on electric cables and electrocute themselves. So, I guess my point is that having mice in your home is never a good thing!)
When should copper pipework be used?
Copper pipework has been fitted 100 years ago, and it’s still being fitted now. When you fit it, it’s straight and perpendicular – always holds its shape. It can be soldered to form a bend, and pressure-tested to the same pressure as plastic.
Because it’s British standard, it’s widely available. It’s also very popular to use, and I always fit it above the floor (but usually plastic underneath). I always use copper to fit radiators – same with boilers. It’s neat, quick, and looks great. In contrast, plastic doesn’t keep form – it’s too wibbly wobbly.
The downside to copper pipework is that it can freeze. It comes in 3m and 6m lengths, whereas plastic comes in coils and can be run up to 25m. Copper can also be a nightmare to fit under floors, because it’s far less flexible. Especially in a small flat or property, it can be really tricky.
Advice from an experienced heating engineer
People can feel worried that plastic pipework won’t be as good, and I understand. However, it’s British standard. It’s been tested, and what we use now is a special type of barrier pipe. Before, what was happening was that pressure could go down in systems, but a barrier pipe is twin-skinned and suitable under pressure for heating systems.
I get asked about whether I’m sure plastic pipework will be up to the job. However, once I’ve explained that all the rigid pipework above the floor will be copper – with only plastic under the floor – and that there’ll be less upheaval plus a faster installation, most customers are happy with this.
If we were to install only copper pipework, this would most likely mean an extra day’s labour. Plus more expense and upheaval! So, plastic wins out almost every time!
TIP: Bear in mind that gas pipes must be fitted in copper (malleable iron or trac pipe) – plastic is not an option in this case.
Conclusion
By now you should have a better idea about whether plastic pipework or copper – or perhaps both! If you’re getting new pipework installed, plastic for under the floors is definitely your best bet. And it’s absolutely up to the job! However, if you’re getting any work done above the surface, always go for copper.
Do you have any questions about plastic or copper pipework? Let me know in the comments. I’m always around to help!
