Views on plastic pipework for heating and hot water

[squashabe]

Hello, I'm new to the forum and I would be interested in any views regarding the use of plastic piping for the central heating from a gas combi heating and hot water system. I'm renovating an old town house and I'm thinking of using John Guest Speedfit rather than copper.

Thanks and I look forward to any replies.
Regards

Adrian

 

[SafeGasInstall]

good luck

 

[WaterTight]

Done properly, no problem. Plenty of professionals do without issue. Those who don't use it often have nothing good to say about it. It does however look rubbish and so is best used when not visible.

 

[GQuigley67]

as long as you pressure test it properly, insulate it properly, have no mice problems, then go for it.

 

[PlumbBobBob]

not for use within 1m of boiler for obvious reasons

 

[Dannypipe]

Don't run any gas in plastic....but then you won't be doing any gas anyway, as you're not qualified or registered right?

 

[tackleburger]

I quite like using plastic when it is not on show. My preference is Polypipe grey I like the solid grip ring just like the old acorn system which is still going strong after many years. Ultimately copper is best but if you work alone plastic is top stuff in the right circumstances. The mice thing is a serious consideration.

 

[arran197]

I think as others have said, really copper is best for most situations. However, plastic can get you out of some sticky situations when you can't easily use copper. The speedfit stuff can come apart if it gets stuck on something too. I had to do a repair once in a very tight situation due to this.

 

[dontknowitall]

I prefer copper cos I'm posh like.

As above though. Nothing wrong with plastic where it's not seen and it's much easier to install under the floor.

 

[GQuigley67]

you can get little clips for speedfit which you push into the fitting to stop it from coming apart, which is a good idea. I like plastic to be honest I've mostly used Hep 2o really as I work with copper almost 90% of the time

 

[AWheating]

speedfit fit needs twisting to be removed now?

plastic pipework is fine, i have 1st fixed a few hundred houses with speedfit, polyplumb,polyfit amoung others with no really problems compared to copper. As others have mentioned it is only as good as the installer, you need to pressure test it to manufactures guidelines, not solder within 600mm, have all tails in copper etc..... i try to keep it 2-3m away from a boiler and A/C.

 

[stevetheplumber]

most new builds in the last 5 years are in plastic works well i prefer hep or poly to speedfit as they are more flexible

 

[squashabe]

Thanks for the advice

Adrian

 

[bob the plumber]

buy it in 50mtr coils and to reduce fittings, i hate the stuff, been to many houses where a fitting may have blown or a mouse has been a bit peckish, plus it looks rough no matter how many clips you put on it.