Can i join a section of plastic pipe to existing copper pipes , to install a new radiator?

Question

I am laying a new floor and would like to install pipes under the floor

Answer 1

Yes you can.

You can either use compression fittings or pushfit-

http://www.ultimatehandyman.co.uk/plumbing_JOINING_PIPES.htm

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

Sounds like it might be a bad idea.

If you're going to do it you could try a compression fitting to test it out then maybe a product called CopperBond it's an awesome binary epoxy product for copper pipe and I think it will work with most plastics as well.

I would be darn sure what the temp ratng of the plastic pipe is and what the max temp of the water your heater is going to be sending through it is before I even considered this.

Normal PVC will soften and droop even at low heats. ABS which isn't available in most states is a little better but not to code except in a couple places.

They have inexpensive kits to install underfloor heating ... check Home Depot first!

Answer 4

It's possible but be very careful, especially if you're doing it under floors or in any other relatively "inaccessible" place. The expansion characteristics of copper and plastic are very different.
When the copper pipe gets hot it will grow more and faster than the plastic one.
This differential will inevitably cause mild distortion so unless you have allowed for this in he routing and clamping arrangements the joint may at some time loosen and leak.

Answer 5

.here is the right way 2 do it find out size of your pipe 15 mm 22mm 10mm micro bore etcmake sure the pipe you use is barrIier hep pipe ie for central heating speed fit is OK as well.
this OK in all cases except 8 mm micro bore where its not available .plastic pipe IE hep or speed fit are more common than cooper theses days it will hold water mains pressure and any heating systyem withno case of it melting .. hope this has helped you

Answer 6

Yes you can, but if the pipes are visible it won't look very nice, and copper has a longer life than plastic pipes.

Answer 7

I would not use plastic pipe in this situation.
Schedule 40 PVC is rated for what you are using it for, but it is not a good idea to use it on a boiler system. Especially if it is concealed.
YOU WILL REGRET IT. It will probably end up stretching and breaking.
STICK WITH COPPER!! You will never have to worry.

Answer 8

there is a product called Shark Bites available at most plumbing supply houses. HD and Lowes don't carry them. It is for the purpose of switching from copper to plastic (assuming you are using CVPC) Does not require and glue or compression. Just push the pipes in and you're done. I use them all the time on my rehabs.

I use plastic due to the theft of copper in vacant homes in our area.

Answer 9

yes, no problem. Just dont forget to put a pipe insert into the ends of the plastic pipe before fitting or you will have leaks.

Answer 10

yes you can. you just need a standard fitting for copper pipe, but with an insert for the plastic pipe. ask your hardware shop or plumbing supplier.

Answer 11

NO plastic (PVC) pipe for heating. It will soften up and leak, maybe melt.