Plastic or Copper piping?

[JoB333]

Hello,

I need to replace the Galvanized Steel pipes in my central heating system, the question is weather to use Copper of Plastic.

I have heard plastic can have the following issues

1: Joints come loose over time and leak
2: Joints suck in air over time, meaning more bleeding of the system etc.
3: Mice or other rodent (not that I have a known issue with rodents) eat these pipes where as they do not eat copper pipes.

As far as plastic goes I heard Hep02 is the best one to go for?

As far as copper goes I have heard TaraCorp Sterling Lead Free Solder is the best in the industry, but cannot seem to find this for sale at UK outlets, does anyone know where I can by TaraCort Sterling solder/water based flux?

Basically I guess the main question is if it was your house and you were intending to live there for the next 30 years or so which would you install?

Thank everyone in advance,
JoB

 

[gavinwilson]

I would use copper

sent from my ann

 

[nysk2008]

If it was my house, I would always install with copper - no real reason just my preference. Cant comment on the solder/flux you are talking about - but in my opinion a standard lead free solder with a good flux (laco, fry) etc would do just perfect

 

[Dotty]

Copper all the way. Taracorp looks to be the industry standard in the usa. We're a little less discerning. your plumber will have his preference for solder and flux. Mine is any lead free and Powerflow.

 

[SimonG]

Personally copper for me, any lead free solder (although for heating you can use leaded) and powerflow flux.

If you go for plastic I normally use jg speedfit I find it better, but thats just my opinion.

If you do a search on plastic v copper you will find quite a number of threads on this subject.

Oh and welcome to the forum 🙂

 

[JoB333]

Thanks very much every one for your feed back, much appreciated, I was an electrician for several years back in the 90's but never did plumbing, so thanks again for the adive

Jo

 

[Guest123]

Without any doubt, copper and soldered fittings. Remember to fit pipe insulation.

I've seen the damage that rodents do to plastic. I was at a house last year, where a mouse had eaten through a rising main and flooded the attic causing the ceilings to collapse in 2 floors. If you use plastic, encase it in steel conduit.

 

[Barry98]

Think you've found the preferred choice of plumbers

 

[TBServices]

Without any doubt, copper and soldered fittings. Remember to fit pipe insulation.

I've seen the damage that rodents do to plastic. I was at a house last year, where a mouse had eaten through a rising main and flooded the attic causing the ceilings to collapse in 2 floors. If you use plastic, encase it in steel conduit.

I'd love to see what happens to a mouse when the water hits him in the face at 3/4 bar lol.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

 

[Barry98]

Probably the same face we pull

 

[snowhead]

I'd love to see what happens to a mouse when the water hits him in the face at 3/4 bar lol.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

It's a slightly happier expression to the one that gets frozen on their face when they chew through live cables. :crazy:

 

[AWheating]

in my own house id go copper, quality end feed fittings. As for solder it normally the one the merchant has one the shelf at the time, i do prefere the slightly stiffer solder as its easier to use in tight corners/under baths etc......

 

[Best]

Copper pipe with end feed fittings & leaded solder on heating is fine, but lead free is strong if you wanted. I think then the flux is important. I use the traditional flux. like Fluxite or Yorkshire traditional grease based fluxes. Hard part is to get an installer who has experience & is fussy.
Copper job will last more than 30 years! My heating is 36 years & like new.

 

[hammers4spanner]

to be honest any plumber worth his salt would use copper , Plastic is o.k and is good for some installs but as plumbers/fitters we tend to look at [plastic as diy or for use for builders who tend to advertise themselves as bathroom fitters .

 

[stevetheplumber]

to be honest any plumber worth his salt would use copper , Plastic is o.k and is good for some installs but as plumbers/fitters we tend to look at [plastic as diy or for use for builders who tend to advertise themselves as bathroom fitters .

i cant see how you can come out with unfounded infomation nearly all new builds will be entirely plastic and a good percentage of refurb and emergency work will also be in plastic there fore a lot plumber wouldnt see plastic as substandard
yes i agree copper is the more substantial material but as always theres a trade of on quality and price

 

[00gadge]

Hello,

I need to replace the Galvanized Steel pipes in my central heating system, the question is weather to use Copper of Plastic.

I have heard plastic can have the following issues

1: Joints come loose over time and leak
2: Joints suck in air over time, meaning more bleeding of the system etc.
3: Mice or other rodent (not that I have a known issue with rodents) eat these pipes where as they do not eat copper pipes.

As far as plastic goes I heard Hep02 is the best one to go for?

As far as copper goes I have heard TaraCorp Sterling Lead Free Solder is the best in the industry, but cannot seem to find this for sale at UK outlets, does anyone know where I can by TaraCort Sterling solder/water based flux?

Basically I guess the main question is if it was your house and you were intending to live there for the next 30 years or so which would you install?

Thank everyone in advance,
JoB

Copper wins hands down

 

[Blumper]

..well all I know is, when I've soldered up a load of pipe runs for new rads or whatever and they get buried behind plasterboard and covered over by flooring, I don't think twice about it.....ever......but when I've had to do it all in hep20 or any other plastic because its specified, I fret about each connection made for ages after, did I push it in fully ? did I pinch the o-ring ? did I lock the nut after ?...........and to this day I still can't get my head to accept that they are as watertight as a properly soldered copper joint.....but that's just me.

 

[Gray0689]

Plastic pex pipe in pipe for me going back to manifolds with actuator heads and stats in all rooms NO joints under any floor and total control of each room independently
And power flow flux and any lead free solder
Where in 2012 gone should be the days when you can't control your heating systems frankly heating that just does upstairs and downstairs zones is not enough IMHO
My new heating will be underfloor in main living area with a couple of column rads for a boost in summer if needed big room lol
Bedrooms rads back to manifold working independently and bathrooms with underfloor and towel rads

 

[Gray0689]

And ps hep20 is the worst IMHO if I use any plastic joints it would be polyplumb

 

[JoB333]

Thanks again for the replies

when it comes to insulation of the copper pipes under the floor boards, I was thinking about using normal plumbing pipe felt, i.e. the stuff that stops the creaking over joists etc when the pipe heats up. I was going to use the felt along the whole length of the pipes, is that good enough for insulation for under floor boards, or should I use something more substantial under the ground floor, floor boards in particular, if so will any standard pipe insulation do, it is one brand better than another?

Thanks again to everyone for your help

Jo