Whether we’re repairing pipes or installing a new central heating system, we’re often asked what’s the best pipe to use copper or plastic.
There isn’t a simple answer to this question it depends on the situation at hand. Both materials have their advantages and disadvantages.
To understand more about pipe materials you first need to know the proper application for both copper and plastic pipes.
Plastic Pipe Applications
- Central heating installations
- Connecting to copper pipe, new and existing
- Hot & cold plumbing
- Running through joists
- Running under floors
- Running through restricted space
- Underfloor heating
Copper Pipe Applications
- Boiler Connection
- Central heating installations
- Gas Pipes
- Hot & cold plumbing
- Long Straight Runs
- Radiator Connection
Now let’s look at the advantages and disadvantages of each pipe
Plastic pipe’s featured in residential homes since the early 1960’s. PEX piping is the most commonly used plastic pipe in the UK.
A multilayer high-density polyethylene pipe. Durable and flexible and can bend 90-degrees. PEX pipe ideal for both domestic and commercial hot and cold water installations.
Believe it or not, copper pipes have been used in plumbing systems for thousands of years. Coppers favoured over other metals as it has the best corrosion resistance to water. Copper doesn’t react to water, unlike other metals that can release toxins into the water.
Plastic Pipe Advantages
- Plastic has grown in popularity because it’s cheaper than copper and easier to install.
- Better corrosion resistance than copper
- Better expansion and contraction properties than copper with less chance of bursting in freezing conditions.
- Copes better under higher water pressure
- Cheaper to buy and easier to lay than copper
- Flexibility allows curving of pipes meaning fewer joints and less risk of leaking.
- Retains heat better than copper
- Plastic Pipe Disadvantages
- Unsuitable for outdoor use
- Can’t be recycled, not good for the environment
- Plastic doesn’t last as long as copper
Copper Pipe Advantages
- Bacteria resistant
- Suitable for outdoor use
- A long lifespan of up to 70 years
- Recyclable so environmentally friendly
- Copper Pipe Disadvantages
- Harder to work with than plastic, harder to cut and cant be curved.
- More expensive than plastic
- More prone to leaks than plastic
- Requires more joints than plastic
Both copper and plastic pipes offer advantages and disadvantages. When we work on pipes in the home or commercial premises we use whatever pipes the most suitable for the application at hand.
Whenever new pipe’s installed it doesn’t have to be ‘either’ ‘or’. Copper and Plastic pipes can be combined, so you get the best of both worlds. Using Copper Pipe in places best for Copper and using Plastic pipe in places more suited to plastic.
Let’s use a new central heating installation as an example. We will use copper pipe to connect to your boiler and radiators. We will fit the plastic pipe ‘behind the scenes’. Out of sight under the floor where it’s fitted quickly with ease. The last place you want a leak is under the floor. There’s near zero possibility of leaking when plastic pipes used.
The right combination of copper and plastic pipes gives you a clean, low maintenance, efficient system at the best possible price.