PHAM NEWS | FEBRUARY 2024 24 Pipes, Fittings& Valves


Busting some myths about plastic fi ttings


Plumbers often have a number of options when choosing materials for pipe systems, among which plastic has traditionally been a popular choice due to its durability and ease of installation. However, despite a pedigree of over 40 years, some myths still exist about plastic plumbing. Here, Wavin’s Steve Harris dispels some of these concerns and takes a look at the real benefi ts of plastic pipe solutions.


P


lastic has become a staple of plumbing systems in recent years, and for good reason – it’s easy


to install, cost-eff ective, and does the job. Installers need to ensure all their projects are robust and reliable, and with some misconceptions still circulating, let’s bust a few of the myths out there about plastic pipes.


They’re less durable You’d struggle to fi nd a quality more important than durability for a plumbing system – pipes have to withstand a fair deal of punishment, most importantly variations in temperature and pressure, throughout their use life. It’s no secret that, when pipes aren’t up to the test, the consequences for homeowners can be catastrophic, with the average cost of repairing water damage rising to more than £9000. This is before even mentioning the stress that comes with dealing with the problem and potentially the lack of access to essential amenities such as hot water or central heating. Far from being a weakness,


durability is one of plastic pipework’s key strengths. This durability comes from plastic’s ability to absorb the changes in temperature and pressure without failing. Plastic pipes are highly resistant to both slow crack growth that can cause problems over time and the rapid crack propagation that leads to more dramatic


Steve Harris Technical support engineer at Wavin


failures. Thermal elongation is another area where plastic performs better thanks to its lower coeffi cient of thermal expansion. It’s not just about high temperatures – the freezing weather that the UK has seen over the last few months can cause cracks in metal pipes as water expands when it freezes.


Plastic pipe’s in-built resistance to corrosion provides added protection against the rusting, scaling and


corrosion that can cause leaks in metal pipes


They cause leaks Plastic causing leaks is another myth that needs busting. Compared to a burst pipe, a leak might seem like a minor problem, but plumbers and homeowners alike will know that this is anything but the case. Most importantly, a leak that goes undetected can cause health hazards such as mould and mildew, as well as adding to water bills and in extreme cases causing structural damage. There are a number of


factors that could cause leaks, anything from cold weather to incorrect installation, so it’s no surprise that there have been some cases where plastic pipes have taken the blame. However, on closer inspection, many of these cases could also be attributed to external factors rather than the pipes themselves. In reality, plastic pipe’s


in-built resistance to corrosion provides added protection against the rusting, scaling, and corrosion that can cause leaks in metal pipes. Plastic systems can also help prevent leaks – using push-fi t


waste connectors, plumbers can create a water-tight seal on any pipe, allowing them to make certain connections extra secure if needed.


They cost too much Cost concerns are also high on the list of priorities for many plumbers and installers, with budgets being squeezed across the board. There are many factors to consider, not just the material cost, but also the cost of installation and lifetime costs of the system. Because plastic pipe systems


are lightweight, off er hassle- free push-fi t installation, and require fewer joints, the installation labour time is signifi cantly reduced compared to other systems. This can result in installed cost savings of up to 50%, not to be sniff ed at when budgets are tight. Likewise, increased


durability and minimal maintenance requirements also reduce fees when it comes to keeping systems working in the long term. Put simply, plastic fi ttings may off er plumbers a lot more for their money when push comes to shove.


Unlocking the benefi ts Plastic systems often make for an easier installation job, but it’s still important to install them right in order to reap those benefi ts. This is where suppliers have a key role to play – we’re taking an active role in the installation process by off ering guidance and support to those using our products, guidance that’s easy to follow and has an eye on the key regulations and standards. Wavin is also invested


in the long-term life of its systems – our Hep2O products carry a 50-year guarantee against defects in materials or manufacturing, so installers can be confi dent that they’ll go the distance. Plastic pipes have a history


of success in the plumbing industry, and myths around their performance shouldn’t change that, particularly when there are a range of other factors at play. In reality, plastic systems are robust and eff ective, and should be on installers’ lists for all their upcoming projects. ◼ phamnews.co.uk/224/35


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