Central Heating: Copper vs Plastic Pipework?

paperclap

Hi all,

I'll soon be partially repiping my bungalow. By that I mean replacing all of the visible pipework connected to the radiators. The pipework in the loft is planned to stay as is (all of which is copper). I will also be replacing the radiators, too. Most pipework will be on show (not chased in the wall or floors). Any drop down legs (vertical pipework) will be boxed in with plasterboard.

I had initially planned to use copper piping throughout. But, have seen plastic grow in popularity recently.

What are everyone's thoughts between the two? Copper or plastic?

Thanks in advance.

Jeepers_Creepers

If you can see it, use copper.

If it's hidden, plastic is good - easier to use, generally more reliable, probably cheaper too? And better insulated in itself. And more frost resistant. And flexible, so can be threaded through joist centres. And comes in long lengths so fewer joints on long runs.

Only reasons for copper that I can think of - it looks far better, and cannot be chewed by rodents.

No reason at all not to mix the two - you can use push-fits on copper, and compression on plastic. I have plastic under the floor, but changing to copper for coming up to the rads.

NSG666

As a matter of interest, why are you replacing the existing pipework? If you are just replacing the rads in a similar position and they are a different size then just modify the existing with copper. Other than that, pretty much as JC has said.

paperclap

Thanks so much both.

Wow, I'm quite shocked, actually. I was hellbent on using copper, as assumed it was the only "tried and testing" way. I was expecting to hear quite negative things about plastic pipework, such as "warping", "more expensive", "less durable", etc.

There's actually nothing inherently wrong with our existing copper pipework. Our current pipework is low to the ground, allowing us to have a maximum of 69mm skirting board. As we're renovating more or less everything (floors, walls, ceilings, electrics, radiators, etc)... I didn't want to sacrifice on the skirting, albeit cosmetic. Hoping to install the new pipework higher, to allow for higher skirting.

Rosa_Damascena

I've just copper installed. The plumber replaced all the cheap plastic joist centres he used were replaced with copper too once he saw the response to my previous thread....

paperclap

Rosa_Damascena said:

I've just copper installed. The plumber replaced all the cheap plastic joist centres he used were replaced with copper too once he saw the response to my previous thread....

Could you send a link to that thread? I can't seem to find it.

Section62

laurencewhymark said:

There's actually nothing inherently wrong with our existing copper pipework.

Any idea how old it is? Pre-1970something there is a chance you have imperial sizes. If so there are additional considerations if you are going to affect any 3/4" pipework (if it is present).

Also, bear in mind that introducing some plastic pipe into the system will affect electrical continuity.  You'll need to get advice on any additional (earth) bonding you might need.

Neither is a reason not to use plastic (it would be my choice for concealed pipework), but they are two additional items that need to be added into the decision making process.

Rosa_Damascena

laurencewhymark said:

Rosa_Damascena said:

I've just copper installed. The plumber replaced all the cheap plastic joist centres he used were replaced with copper too once he saw the response to my previous thread....

Could you send a link to that thread? I can't seem to find it.

The pretty pictures are on p2. The plastic joins you see were all replaced with copper.

Another_Level

Plastic plumbing is great,for point to point runs (no hidden joints under floors in walls and the rest).

Seen copper pipe flood many properties, seen more plastic plumbing do worse. Its down the installer getting it correct, first time thou.

Dont know on how many meters of plastic are going to be installed but Pressure testing new plastic pipe & fittings before commissioning is considered  essential.

Love plastic plumbing 

grumbler

Rosa_Damascena said:

laurencewhymark said:

Rosa_Damascena said:

I've just copper installed. The plumber replaced all the cheap plastic joist centres he used were replaced with copper too once he saw the response to my previous thread....

Could you send a link to that thread? I can't seem to find it.

The pretty pictures are on p2. The plastic joins you see were all replaced with copper.

The thread is long to read, and I see only three photos there. What do you mean by 'cheap plastic joist centres' and what was the problem with them?

Grenage

Plastic Vs copper is a divisive topic.  Either is fine if properly installed.

I do everything with soldered copper because I trust it more.  No particular logical reason, but I've never had a duff join.

Does require more precision and time though.