Pipes, valves & fittings Plastic vs copper
You can search a whole host of online forums and you will undoubtedly find installers with conflicting opinions on what PVF materials work best in a variety of applications. In this article Phil Viner, category director – PVF and drainage at Plumb Center, discusses the features and benefits of plastic and copper PVF products. For a further take on the subject, turn the page for an expose on some plastic myths
P
lastic vs copper plumbing is one topic that continues to divide industry opinion. Some believe plastic PVF to be a cost-effective, easy-
to-install, alternative to its metal counterparts. However, there are many who believe you can’t beat the reliability and performance of copper systems. It’s a subject most installers will have an opinion on, or at least have a preference. With the advances in technology making plastic a viable option and different legal requirements of certain applications, such as hospitals, it’s not simply a case of what material is better. Installers need to conduct a thorough assessment of the applications’ specific requirements and decide what will work best. Sticking to what you know is not the best way to get great results.
Plastic plumbing
One of the biggest arguments for the use of plastic pipes and fittings is the ease and flexibility of the installation. In the fast-paced modern world this is a huge benefit for installers and customers. Customers can save money on the cost of labour and installers can be more cost-effective with their time, freeing them up to take on more work or prepare for the next job. When completing projects with plastic push-fit fittings such as those manufactured by JG Speedfit (see pg 22), plumbers do not require any specialist tools to join pipework together, and in many cases this results in a 40% time saving when compared with copper, which must be soldered with a blowtorch. The flexibility of plastic is also contributing
to its rising popularity in the industry. Unlike copper, plumbers can thread plastic pipes through joists in continuous lengths. This means that unsightly or complex plastic pipework systems can be hidden behind walls, out of sight. Copper, on the other hand, is more rigid and often easier to be left on show. Although there are some well-known benefits of plastic there are still many misconceptions in the industry. (Turn the page and you can read about more of these).
Metal matters
Metal has long been the material of choice for installers, providing reliable and effective PVF products. Of the metals, copper is usually selected because of its durability and long-life span. In terms of piping, because of its exceptional formability, copper can be formed as desired at the job site. Copper tube, properly bent, will not collapse on the outside of the bend and will not buckle on the inside of the bend.
Although there are many benefits to this material some will argue that it takes far too long to install. In actual fact, there are many speedy products on the market if you do a little research. For example, Pegler Yorkshire has developed an innovative push-fit system that they claim can reduce installation times by 75%. The Tectite range of copper fittings can be used by plumbing and heating professionals operating within domestic and commercial sectors. The range is suitable for jointing with a wide range of tube
materials, including copper, other flexible metals and a variety of steel including stainless and carbon steel.
So, you can mix materials?
As we can see from the Tectite range it doesn’t always have to be a battle between materials. There are many products that can achieve great results, working together with other materials. Hep2O by Wavin is another great example. The plastic push-fit solution works alongside copper with fittings accommodating existing or new copper pipe and offers fast connection even in awkward spots. The system can be used in conjunction with traditional copper plumbing systems using a lead lock fitting.
Making the most of your merchant
The materials debate I’m sure will continue, but it is important to understand that it is not so black and white. There are a variety of applications where one material might work better than another. Some job sites don’t have the required permits to conduct hot- works needed for soldering copper parts and fittings. Some require by law for installers to use copper. It’s not as simple as your preference, but more about what will work best, delivering great results for your customers that will have them coming back to you again and again. Customers might be coming to you with what material they think they want for their project but it is your job, as the installer, to advise them on what will work best.
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Augusut 2017
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