HEATING SYSTEMS


www.heatingandventilating.net Installation benefi ts


More benefi ts of multi-layer systems are evident at the installation stage, which is where the value of switching materials really becomes clear. While copper prices rise, multi-layer pipes off er


greater price stability and additional benefi ts that save signifi cant time (and, by default, labour costs) on site. In most cases, it results in an overall project cost saving. This is largely because of a number of


Is it ‘time to give copper the elbow’?


Antony Corbett, senior product and applications manager at Geberit, explores why he believes rising prices could mean it’s time to ‘give copper the elbow’ in favour of multi-layer piping, a proven technology that unlocks benefi ts for all


A


s copper prices continue to rise, installers are feeling the impact. Global demand for copper is outstripping supply due to a


number of factors including tariff fears, supply disruptions and unprecedented demand from electrifi cation, AI data centres, and renewable energy. This led to record high prices in early 2026, when copper reached an all-time high of USD 13,842.50 per tonne. For installers on the ground, the global headline


fi gures may not have much context, but they do trickle down into price increases in merchants. This means higher materials costs, lower margins, and the inevitable repricing of jobs when quotes no longer refl ect current prices. Since 2023, the price of copper pipe has increased by around 25% at time of writing and at current projections, it could more than double by 2028/29. Those price increases could be enough to trigger a change in approach for many installers, forcing them to consider alternative pipework materials. While fl exible plastic pipes may still be a step too far from metal for some individuals or for specifi c projects, multi-layer piping systems are proving popular as an eff ective, alternative solution for water supply systems.


Exploring the alternative


Multi-layer pipework is not a new innovation. The fi rst multi-layer composite pipes were introduced to the UK market over 40 years ago, but with increased


18 June 2026


Left: Antony Corbett, senior product and applications manager at Geberit


awareness of the benefi ts, enhanced connection technologies and – crucially – the rising price of copper, interest is peaking. Flexible yet durable, multi-layer piping systems


like Geberit’s new FlowFit system consist of three layers. An outer plastic layer made of polyethylene (PE-RT of the second generation) which protects against corrosion and mechanical damage, a central aluminium layer which makes the pipe stable yet bendable, plus an inner layer, which is also made of PE-RT, for internal corrosion resistance. The central-welded aluminium layer off ers mechanical stability to ensure that the pipe remains in its required position yet remains fl exible enough to bend. The aluminium layer also provides an oxygen barrier, making it suitable for use in central- heating systems and makes the pipe detectable by electronic devices after installation. It is also worth noting that multi-layer pipes


have low intrinsic scrap value too, reducing the risk of theft from site, which remains a concern with copper.


installation effi ciencies. Geberit FlowFit fi ttings come in eight dimensions from d16 to d75 and only two pressing jaws are required for the entire range, rather than having to change for each pipe dimension. This saves signifi cant time for installers, as well as cutting process work when preparing the product. In addition, d16 and d20 pipes can be bent to shape by hand, instead of installing elbows and additional fastening points. Multi-layer piping systems also allow for longer distances between pipe supports. EN806-4 requires 1.2m spacing between brackets for a d20 copper pipe, and 1.8m for a d54 copper pipe. Applying Geberit’s manufacturer guidelines for the FlowFit system, bracket spacing for d20 pipe is 1.5m and for d50/d63 (the equivalent size to a d54 copper pipe) it is 2.5m. Inevitably, fewer brackets means a quicker installation. If that’s not enough, lateral pressing technology


simplifi es installation because the pressing jaw only needs to be applied from one side, while inspection windows allow plumbers to check whether the pipe has been inserted to the correct depth. Blue or orange pressing indicators on the fi ttings easily show when the piping system has been correctly installed and securely pressed. With these advancements, the system is proven to be 274% quicker than Geberit Mapress press-fi t connections.


Calculating cost savings


That’s not all. Flow-optimised design results in minimised pressure losses, which means that multi-layer piping systems can be planned and installed with much smaller diameters to help minimise material costs too. With all of these benefits combined,


calculations show that using multi-layer press- fit pipes and fittings enabled a 19.3% saving on the total project cost (installation and materials) on a care home installation, when compared with a press-fit copper system, in February 2025. Taking into account copper price increases, the same project would have been 23.2% cheaper in March 2026, and 24.55% cheaper by December 2026, using projected prices. These are significant savings that can’t be ignored. Changing tried and tested approaches in


construction can feel like a big step, but with installation efficiencies and growing external pressures on more traditional materials, more and more installers are discovering the benefits of multi-layer.


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