Plastic pipe and plastic fittings have been around for quite a while now. Some people do not understand the benefits of using plastic pipes/ fittings. Plastic
is easy to work with and jointing can be quick. They can be used to join both copper and plastic pipe. Plastic is corrosion resistant and also prevents lime scale build up! Its good practice to use plastic in areas which cannot be seen as the fittings are quite large, bulky and unattractive. Beware plastic fittings are a lot more expensive than traditional fittings.
Why we use plastic?
Ease of installation is one of the main reasons that a lot of tradesmen use plastic. It can be joined and dismantled within seconds, most of the fittings are re useable (unlike copper fittings). As plastic is more flexible it eliminates the need of a bender to bend the pipes and also decrease the number of fittings needed. Plastic pipe is available from 10mm up to 28mm
diameters and various different lengths. Plastic can be used on hot and cold pipes. If you want to use it for central heating than a special barrier pipe will be needed as it is slightly thicker (PEX or BPEX). Plastic pipe cannot be used on any Gas installation!
How to use plastic fittings?
Push fit fittings come in elbows, T pieces and straight couplers. There is an ‘O’ ring seal and a grap ring which secures the pipe and makes the connection water tight. Use of ‘inserts’ are very important. Inserts are pushed into the pipe before joining pipes into the fittings. Make sure the pipe is fully inserted into the fittings (around an 1inch) otherwise it may leak. Use of some type of lube inside the fittings or on the pipe will help pushing the pipe in.
Personally i like to use JG Speedfit as they are one of the leading manufacutures. If you would like to know more check there website out:
