Copper Vs Plastic Flexible Pipe?

Question

I am looking to replace the clogged Microbore pipes that feed the downstairs radiators (Poss radiators also).
Would appreciate some advice, was going to replace like for like (copper), been told job would be much easier if I used plastic flexi pipe.
Can you advise???

Answer 1

Use copper. Some plastic pipe will allow air to enter the system air and water = rust not good for steel radiators or any thing else for that mater.. If the system is old the pump may be on the return and sucking IE the system is described as under a negative pressure. Plastic fittings rely on water pressure to keep them sealed and therefore can allow the ingress again of air on a system of this type.
Micro bore pipes don't normally block, radiators will silt up I would look at the pump first especially if its a drop feed system IE down stairs radiators are fed from upstairs. Its not uncommon for a pump to run slow or even the impeller to come loose inside the pump. also balance the upstairs radiators as these require less flow as they are usually smaller.

CORGI reg installer..

Answer 2

Think again. Go for underfloor heating. No radiators anywhere and save space. The house will feel warmer as the heat comes from the floor upwards rather than radiators. Underfloor piping is a mixture of plastic and aluminium. I install piping and generally use a mixture of the two. Plastic to get underfloor without raising floor boards everywhere. Copper where I can get the piping down and the connections are much cheaper to do. Naturally I want copper pipes to all radiators plastic looks ugly. Regardless if you have solid floors make sure that the pipe is properly installed in conduit and you can replace the piping in the future. Note copper going through walls/concrete the motar eats into exposed copper over the years and causes leaks and any plumber who says he has protected the pipe with a bit of duct tape is a liar. My own personal preference in my own house is I wouldn't install wood or tile floors in any room because you will always need to go under floor if not for piping then electrics or some other reason so I wouldn't entertain it.

Answer 3

Personally would replace with copper as plastic does not look as good and the fittings are too bulky, als the plastic fittings rely on the rubber o ring inside them which after 10 or so years tend to dry out and perish causing small leaks which if pipe work is in awkward places or hidden can cause big problems later.

Answer 4

Definitely copper pipes and new valves. Ten times the life of plastic pipes. Suggest you flush the radiator out with a hose pipe could save you money.

Answer 5

I just re-did my plumbing and used copper , but i regret that i wish i had used the plastic but be-sure to use plastic pipe designed for hot or cold water use.. and take your copper scraps to the scrap yard and get a few bucks ,,, if it were me i would go plastic all the way but well I will next time , Good Luck !

Answer 6

I would use copper for a once and for all job, Hot water raises the pressure of the system and you might end up with a very cold house thanks to a burst pipe. Whilst it is true that copper is more expensive and a more labourous job the end result justifies the work and expence.

Answer 7

I have just had a new condensing boiler installed, and a general upgrade of the whole sytem, and it's all been done in copper pipe. Any plumber worth his salt wouldn't give plastic in heating a second look, and no authority in this area would tolerate it.

Answer 8

I have been using plastic pipe for 12 years and have never had a problem. It has been used for central heating and any repairs to any appliance that I have ever used.
Make sure you use inserts.
It allows you to make "impossible " pipe runs, I have even used it down cavity walls.
Make sure to use inhibitor to prevent further internal rusting.

Answer 9

plastic is easier but i'm am old fashioned "copper person"

Councils use plastic all the time, as do many plumbers so i;m sure its ok.

Perosnally, i like the small joints with soldered copper, you can't get anything as neat with plastic.

Its true plastic is easier to install But you install for a couple of days, you live with it for 50 years, so which is more important ?

Of course councils and builders will tell you plastic, its easier for them.

If you use plastic you have to use the same manufacturuer for all your fittings, check out your local supplier and use whichever range is biggest locally, many use Speedfit.

Answer 10

Get to your local plumbers merchant, "HEP 2 0" is the plastic pipe to use, but, you must use copper within 2 ft of your boiler. Use de-mountable fittings. (you can get them off if you need to.)Plastic is a doddle to use, simple to thread through holes in joists etc.