Plastic Fantastic

 

More than ever there is a move towards the use of plastic or more accurately chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVQ), polybutylene (PB), and cross- linked polyethylene (PEX) pipe and fittings for hot and cold water and heating services. Tradesmen are moving towards the use plastic pipe and fittings for several reasons including the high cost of traditional materials such as copper and steel. Also the ease of fixing is another significant factor giving companies a competitive edge on the cost of labour as well as cost of the materials. It is said that a 40% saving on labour cost can be made by using plastic pipe.

However, the most recent and most significant driver to the use of plastics is theft of fitted metal pipe purely for its scrap value. Most theft from building sites is being carried out during the small hours but increasingly over the weekend when buildings are not occupied. Incidentally it’s not just pipe work but other fixed items such as steel radiators and lead flashing that is stolen. An immense amount of damage is caused to the fabric of the building as very often the pipe work is charged and pressurised  with water and is simply cut and ripped off walls and ceiling s flooding the premises.  

   

So how good is plastic piping? Without doubt some tradesmen have reservations in its use and will not use it and can probably give you examples of where it has failed. I would say that most of the failure has been simply bad fitting and lack of knowledge of the product. For instance the care still has to be taken to ensure that the pipe is cut square and the ends prepared before pushing fully into a fitting. Fittings can also be over tightened to the point of failure. Simply because it’s faster to install doesn’t mean than the same care doesn’t have to taken in its fitting.

It cannot be denied and fittings are manufactured to BS EN ISO standard and quality... Installation standards are also governed by BS. Also manufacturers have gained acceptance from British Gas for various types of heating systems and are eligible for acceptance onto Home Care Central Heating System Cover.

Finally, I cannot solder, I don’t own a blow torch or a tin of flux, a pipe cutter or bender but I do own a saw and a file and can now take on those small plumbing jobs.