My neighbour is currently having their bathroom refitted by a local company The hot and cold water is being plumbed in grey plastic pipe. Is this standard practice nowadays? Am I just old fashioned expecting copper?
Thanks.
It is very common nowadays, I personally don't trust the stuff, but I might be using it myself on a new kitchen/bathroom and central heating. I will be looking to keep the joins to a minimum - because that's where i don't trust it to last - the joints.
Pretty much so.
I still use soldered copper myself. It's often still used where exposed -- more robust.
I would have expected white plastic but plastic is fine. Some will argue that the joints don't last but there is no reason they shouldn't, they use the same sort of joints as the underground supply pipes do these days and they are reliable. Even if copper is used the plumbers will frequently use push fit joints as its quick and easy and they are quite cheap compared to the time in getting a blow torch out.
Ah, but you have more joints in copper, whereas with flexible pipe you can thread it through under the floorboards with a minimum of joins if any; make and remake the joins as often as you like without any nasty olives; not risk setting fire to the place; not need spanners; etc. etc.
No contest!
S
Seems to be at the bottom end.
You'd probably have to pay extra - but for a better job.
Why is it of any interest to you? Unless you went in saying, "that's wrong" and look a bit of a fool. Yes you can use plastic pipes, with push fit connectors they are easier to install and a lot faster. No soldering and no corrosion.
And a lot more failures too.
In message , Doctor Drivel writes
Especially when you use a hacksaw, against manufacturers recommendations ...
I have a problem with plastic pipework in that when the need arises to drill a wall for a shelf etc. the plastic pipe will not register on ANY detector but the pipe will still make as much mess if drilled. Why have we gone down this route (apart from cost issues on installation times)?
Cheers
John
stick some aluminum tape down it.
You have it in one - it's quicker and cheaper. No other benefits.
I hate any type of pipes buried in the walls. I would rather see a nice tidy bit of boxing round pipes and this of course makes it easier to get to them. OK, you say, but I don't want boxing in my living room... Once you get used to it you'll not even realise that it is there. James
After a chat with the plumber it seems the cost of copper is the clincher currently. Thanks for all the input.
Maxie, I bet you used a hacksaw on your diddly-dee banjo. I bet it improved the Paddy band no end. Fantastic.
Copper is only six times the price.
It's slightly different when you include the cost of the fittings - assuming push fit for plastic and end feed for copper.
Used sensibly, out of sight, and in accordance with the makers instructions you'll have no problems.
The most common faults by far and away are not pushing the pipe fully home. If you mark the pipe with the correct insertion depth then the joints are at least as reliable as soldering and their long term prospects are far better than compression joints.
Always use the correct end ferrules for the pipe.
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They can also be used on pipes that are damp where soldering can't.
I bought a 25m real of PB (grey) pipe for about £25 quid last week. I'd pay about £47 for 30m of Cu. That's not even 2:1. It's the installation time that is the clincher.
I hate the (usually) white PEX plastic pipe. It is just to stiff to be a big advantage over copper.
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