Copper or Plastic Pipes

Facthunt

Looking at doing an extension and wanting to connect to the mains heating! The builder is suggesting adding plastic pipes from existing kitchen to the new extension? Would that work? I’m probably old fashioned but thought it had to be copper pipes!

10-10-20

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058325339/copper-or-plastic-pipes

Branded, double-wall, pex piping from a plumbing supplier is best in many ways. It's manufactured here and it's guaranteed for 50 years. Very few use copper except for where it's an actual requirement (such as the last few meters to the boiler).

https://www.pipelife.ie/plumbing-systems/plumbing-heating-pipes/qual-pex-plus-easy-lay-pipes.html

Shoog

Would totally agree with 10-10-20, qualpex is what plumbers use unless the pipe is surface run (for esthetics) or in direct contact with a boiler or immersion.

Damien360

Recent bathroom upgrade used qualpex all the way to towel rail radiator but actually put a very good looking cover that is the same colour as radiator over the exposed pipes at the last few inches.

RainInSummer

I was using qualpex over 20 years ago when I was labouring for a plumber. It's not a new thing.

mickdw

Ya was common enough back in 2000 or 2001 I remember.

Sleeper12

Either one is good. Plex is easier to work with most of the time. I'd be more concerned about how the pipes are lagged (or not)

Yellow_Fern

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121444950#Comment_121444950

Being made in Ireland is not a reason to buy per se.

Overall quad pex seems better but I do worry about phthalates.

tikka16751

Moved away from garden hose now with a long time (qualplex), no comparison with multilayer.

LameyerBobonov

Many heating systems are compatible with plastic pipes, especially those made of cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) or polybutylene (PB). These materials are flexible, resistant to corrosion, and often easier to install than copper.