To replace all central heating pipes or not

System

I think plastic probably has it's uses especially if it's accessible in the future but I'd go with copper just because it's been used for so long.
They say copper has a shelf life of 70 plus years

FreeBear

Plastics turn brittle in time. Many chemicals (including solvents) and UV light are damaging to plastics, and as a result, would regard manufacturers claims of 50 year+ life with a degree of skepticism.

Copper will also degrade - usually due to acids. I've only ever had to deal with one copper pipe that had corroded. This was in a Barret home built some 25 years ago. Cheap, low grade copper tubing.

Use good quality copper tubing, and it will outlast plastic by many, many years. Also much easier to modify and adapt over the years.

Johnhowell

I am sorry I mentioned the plastic over copper for piping - but I remember a member on here stated "plastic good for the installer/builder but not for the heating engineer".

Going back to the OP - I would not replace copper piping unless for a very good reason - not "just because".


I would mitigate for the creaking noises though - whilst you have access...

naf123

It would also depends if the pipe is buried in concrete e.g a concrete floor house - then plastic is surely better as copper corrodes within concrete over time.

Probably a combination of both depending on the situation.

FreeBear

naf123 wrote: »

It would also depends if the pipe is buried in concrete e.g a concrete floor house - then plastic is surely better as copper corrodes within concrete over time.

Sleeve the copper pipe inside plastic conduit, ensure it is a single continuous length (no joints in the middle), and plan it in such a way that the pipes can be pulled out if required.

I have CH pipes chased in to my walls in two places. All sleeved in plastic conduit, and can be pulled up from above once floorboards are lifted and the fittings at the bottom removed. 15mm copper pipe is a nice fit inside 20mm plastic conduit.

Gloomendoom

I've got copper pipes buried direct in concrete. Not ideal, but they have been there for since 1953 I believe with no issues... yet.

System

Is chasing copper pipe into the wall frowned upon or is it accepted good practice?

FreeBear

beanfarmer wrote: »

Is chasing copper pipe into the wall frowned upon or is it accepted good practice?

Some will frown upon it, a few will condemn you for even suggesting it. Many will like the fact that the pipes are hidden from view. As for "accepted good practice", I suppose it depends on who you talk to. As long as the chases are not too deep and steps have been taken to protect the pipes, I don't have a problem with it.

I have thick layers of lime plaster on all the walls, and the chases are around 25mm deep (about 10mm into the brickwork). The conduit is covered with a strip of stainless steel to deter any future owner hammering nails through the pipes.