PLUMBING MULTIPLE BENEFITS
BMJ investigates why multi-layered piping is becoming a popular choice for the supply of heating and potable water.
as down time during hot works or any additional specialist labour or tools needed for the job. Also important for them is the need to weigh up any initial costs with the overall maintenance and reliability of the system over its life-cycle.” Copper is one of the
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most commonly specified materials in the UK for supply piping systems and Corbett says that its benefits are widely known. “It’s strong and is resistant to the effects of heat and pressure. Although, according to the 2018-
safe, compliant and effective supply starts with selecting the right product. The trouble is, most customers of bulders and plumbers merchant will have their own tried, tested and trusted materials that they like to stick with. However, there rarely is a one-size-fits all approach and what works for a commercial project, for example, could look quite different when used for a smaller residential building. Corrosion is the single biggest cause of plant and equipment breakdown in the process industries, according to Geberit product manager Anthony Corbett. “While rare in well-designed and well-maintained systems, the Health and Safety Executive has evidence that a significant proportion of corrosion failures occur due to some form of localised corrosion, which results in failure in a much shorter time than would be expected from uniform wastage,” he says.
Limescale build up can allow bacteria to grow inside the piping, which have a serious impact when it comes to the issue of drinking water. As a result, Corbett says, the surface roughness of the pipe must, therefore, be considered when selecting the material. “An inevitable consideration no matter what the project – but the overall installed cost must also be factored in,” he continues. “This includes not only initial material cost, but any additional labour time that installer customers will need to take into account such
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2022 UK Pipes and Fittings Report, the market for copper has grown more slowly in recent years, it nonetheless remains a popular choice for many installers.”
Meanwhile, he adds that plastic piping has increased in popularity over the last few decades, particularly in new-build installations. Factors behind this growth include technological developments, improved reliability, installation efficiency, the growth of underfloor heating and the price advantage over metal products. “Indeed, plastic is increasingly seen as an inexpensive alternative to traditional metal pipework systems and offers advantages such as flexibility, ease of installation and resistance to freezing.”
A combnation of the two, multi-layered piping systems are increasingly emerging as a viable option. Incorporating both plastic and metal layers, they combine the strength of copper with the flexibility and corrosion resistance of plastic, and have also seen significant growth in the water supply sector. “Multi-layered piping brings together the advantages of both plastic and metal piping systems,” Corbett says. “Take our Geberit Mepla multi-layered piping, for example. This contains 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 flexible, plus an inner layer, also made of PE-RT, for
internal corrosion
resistance.The aluminium central layer of multi-layered pipes is what offers these systems their mechanical strength as well as the stability needed to ensure the pipe remains in its required position while remaining malleable enough to bend.”
There are on-site benefits too as multi-layer piping systems can be adjusted flexibly to the conditions – and even manipulated to follow the line of any curved architectural features in buildings. Pipes of 16mm and 20mm pipes can be bent effortlessly by hand and larger diameters can also be bent without risk of de-lamination or kinking by using an appropriate tool. “The option for press fitting also enables quick, simple and reliable connections with no need for hot works; this eliminates any additional mess on site. The only tools needed to form a reliable, tight and durable connection are a cutter, deburrer and press tool,” he adds.
No more leaks
The construction of multi-layered piping systems means that installers can also have complete confidence in a leak-proof system, Corbett continues. “Geberit Mepla, for example, incorporate a method of checking for missed joints. Unpressed fittings are designed to leak slightly during pressure testing (even at low water testing pressure) and can be pressed without having to drain down the entire system. Perhaps one of the biggest selling-points of multi-layered systems are the hygiene properties. The plastic inner layer is resistant to cracking, aging and general wear and tear. It’s also non- reactive and corrosion resistant and so is suitable for use in both temperature control and potable water applications. In addition, this inner layer has a low internal surface roughness – this makes it difficult for limescale and biofilm to adhere to the surface.”
An added benefit for anyone looking to improve their sustainability credentials is that multi-layer piping systems are 100% recyclable. “Multi-layer piping is continuing to grow, and can offer merchants’ customers the very best of plastic and metal piping,” Corbett says. “It’s important to always keep an open mind to new materials and ways of working and always look at the right product for the right project. The rate of industry innovation and product development means that anyone not doing so could be left behind.” BMJ
www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net July 2020
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