PLA

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PIPE

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PGUIDANCE NOTES

HOT AND COLD WATERAND CENTRAL HEATINGPLASTIC PIPE SYSTEMS

CI/SfB(53) (56) In6

November 2010

Uniclass EPICJS1 L7116 P71 G111 X71

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HOT AND COLDWATER ANDCENTRAL HEATINGPLASTIC PIPESYSTEMS

INTRODUCTIONPlastic pipe systems are available ina wide variety of materials.The mostcommon are Polybutylene (PB) andCross Linked Polyethylene (PEX),including barrier pipe that incorporatesan oxygen barrier, and multi-layercomposite pipes (MLC).These pipesystems can be used in hot and coldwater supply and central heatinginstallations; in fact in most areaswhere traditional piping materialsare used.

The flexibility of the pipes, particularlythose manufactured in PB or PEX,provides easy handling and installation.They are available in both straightlengths and coils, which enables‘threading’ around obstructionsand through joists etc., reducingthe number of joints required. MLCpipes retain their formed shape.

In service the systems have manybenefits over traditional materials.These include reduction in mechanicalnoise, no scale build up (as the smoothinternal bore reduces the accumulationof limescale), and lack of corrosion.No solder is required (which complieswith Water Supply (Water Fittings)Regulations 1999).The pipes do noteasily fracture when frozen as thermalexpansion is accommodated within thelength of a pipe run. Finally, low thermalconductivity means that pipes carryinghot water are cooler to the touch.

The extensive range of fittings availablefor each pipe system enables reliable,watertight joints to be made quicklyand easily in a wide variety ofdomestic and commercial systems.

APPLICATIONSPlastic pipe systems manufacturedfrom PB and PEX are availableKitemarked to class ‘S’ of BS 7291-1(Thermoplastics pipes and associatedfittings for hot and cold water fordomestic purposes and heatinginstallations in buildings-Part 1:Generalrequirements) – which ensures thatthey are safe for all classes of serviceconditions shown in table 1.The currentedition of the standard is dated 2010.

NominalSystem Flow

Temperature (Tf)

MaximumSystem Service

Temperature (Ts)

SystemMalfunction

Temperature (Tm)

SystemMaximum

Working Pressures

APPLICATIONln °C °C °C BARt

Indirect coldwater systems

Direct mains-fed coldwater systems

Subsurfaceheating systems

Vented hotwater systems(1)

Unvented hot water systemsincluding instantaneous heatersand/or incorporating storage(1)

Vented central heatingsystems and indirect hotwater primary circuits

Sealed central heatingsystems and indirect hotwater primary circuits

20 20 - 31/2

20 20 - 12

60 83 100 31/2

65 83 100 31/2

65 95 100 6

82 95 100 31/2

82 105 114 3

Table 1 – Classification of Service Conditions

Key – Table 1l Excludes boiler vent pipes

n Excludes discharge pipes from temperatureand/or pressure relief valves

s Where a nominal working pressure does notcompromise an integer value, the mantissa isexpressed in a Fractional format. This is doneto reduce the possibility of misinterpretationor obscurity that could cause a system to besubjected to an excessive pressure

t 1 bar = 105 N/m2 = 105 kPa

(1)Continuously operated re-circulating systems are excluded from these applications – see page 10 for further details

CODES OF PRACTICEPlastic pipe systems should bedesigned and installed in accordancewith the following standards and guides:

BS 5449:1990Specification for forced circulationhot water central heating systemsfor domestic premises.

BS EN 12828:2003Heating systems in buildings. Designfor water-based heating systems.

BS EN 12831:2003Heating systems in buildings. Methodfor calculation of the design heat load.

BS 5955-8 :2001Plastics pipework (thermoplasticsmaterials). Specification for theinstallation of thermoplastics pipesand associated fittings for use indomestic hot and cold servicesand heating systems in buildings.

BS 6700:2006Specification for design, installation,testing and maintenance of servicessupplying water for domestic usewithin buildings and their curtilages.

BS 8000-15:1990Workmanship on building sites.Code of practice for hot and coldwater services (domestic scale).

PAS 33Specification for the design, installationand commissioning of gas fired centralheating systems in domestic premises.

Water Industry Act 1991Water Supply (Water Fittings)Regulations 1999.

The Building Regulations 2000(approved documents A, G and L).

PRODUCT RANGESPlastic pipe systems come in a widevariety of types.Those Kitemarked toClass ‘S’ of BS 7291 are suitable for theapplications described previously.

The following information provides anoutline of the wide choice available inplastic pipe systems. Care should betaken to ensure that the jointingmechanism and fittings used are thoserecommended by the manufacturerfor the system.

Plastic pipe systems are available ina range of plastic materials includingpolybutylene, PPSU and cross-linkedpolyethylene.

Barrier pipes generally have anintermediate polymeric layer bondedto the pipe wall on either side by anadhesive layer that forms a barrier tothe passage of oxygen. In MLC systemsan intermediate layer of metal, suchas aluminium is bonded betweenthe two plastic layers.

Pipes are available in nominaldiameters of 10 to 110mm tocover a wide range of applications.Different manufacturers’ supplydifferent size ranges.

Pipes are available as straight lengthsor coils. Coiled pipes are supplied inlonger lengths, which can be threadedin continuous runs through the fabricof a building reducing the number ofjoints required.

A wide variety of fittings are availableto cater for all installation requirements.Manufacturers also offer their ownrange of accessories such as conduitpipe, pipe clips, pipe clip spacers, coldforming bends, pipe cutters etc.The manufacturers’ brochures shouldbe consulted for the full range offittings available for each system andtheir compatibility with other systems.

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JOINTING SYSTEMSA variety of jointing systems areavailable for plastic pipe systems.Care should be taken to ensure thatthe correct jointing mechanism for thesystem is used.To ensure the jointingsystem is compatible, the relevantmanufacturer’s literature should beconsulted.The most common jointingsystem in the UK for domesticapplications is the push-fit. A supportsleeve is inserted into the pipe endand the pipe simply pushed firmly intothe fitting to an insertion mark orspecified depth. A quick tug back onthe pipe ensures the joint is secure.Push fit joints incorporate a rubber sealand a gripping mechanism to providea secure mechanical connection.Theyare generally ‘demountable’ either byunscrewing or by using a special tool.

Other systems include• Mechanical compression jointing

the fitting compresses the pipeensuring the tightness of the jointwithout the use of any sealingmaterial. Special tools are sometimesrequired and a support sleeveshould always be used.

• Press fit jointingincorporating a metal outer sleeveand plastic or metal body withintegral inserts.Using a special power tool theouter sleeve is pressed to grip thepipe to the fitting body.

• Fusion jointingthe pipe and fitting are heated untiltheir surfaces melt.The two moltensurfaces are brought togetherand joined. As they cool the twosurfaces fuse together. Special toolsare required.

• Electrofusionsimilar to the above but electrofusionis used to melt the surfaces.

INSTALLATION

GeneralGeneral information on installingplastic pipe systems is given below.However, the manufacturer’s installa-tion instructions should always befollowed for each specific system.Many manufacturers run their owntraining schemes, and informationon these can be obtained directfrom the manufacturer.

Pipe CuttingPipes should be cut using themanufacturer’s recommended pipecutter. A hacksaw or craft knife shouldnever be used since this can leavea roughened or out-of-square end.The cut pipe should be checked forburrs or scoring and any roughness,grit, dirt or swarf should be removedprior to jointing.

JointingThe widely used push fit joints aremade by first inserting a pipe supportsleeve into the pipe. It is essential touse a support sleeve in order to makea good joint.The support sleeve mustbe pushed fully into the pipe end.The pipe is then pushed firmly intothe fitting.To ensure the pipe has beenpushed to the full socket depth, ensurethe insertion depth marks on the pipealign with the outer end of the fitting.

If insertion marks are not marked onthe pipe or the pipe is being installedin an area where the marks are notclearly visible then the insertiondepth can be marked on the pipein advance of jointing using a suitablemarker. Manufacturer’s literatureshould be consulted for the correctinsertion depths. Most push fit jointsare capable of being rotated anddismantled.This enables the jointsto be re-aligned or dismantled afterinstallation and some or all of thecomponents may be re-used inre-assembly.The manufacturer’sinstructions should be followedand in some cases a special toolmay be required.

For other jointing techniques themanufacturer’s literature shouldbe consulted.

CONNECTIONTOOTHER SYSTEMSMany plastic pipe systems, especiallythe push fit ranges, can be connectedto other pipe materials.

Copper pipeThe copper pipe should be cut square,using a wheel cutter. Before jointingensure the pipe ends are free fromburrs or swarf and undamaged ordented. Where specified by themanufacturer an appropriate copperpipe end-protector should be inserted.Connection to metric copper pipe toBS EN 1057 (Copper and copperalloys. Seamless, round copper tubesfor water and gas in sanitary and heatingapplications) can be made using mostpush fit connectors. Connection toother copper pipe sizes will requirea change of ring seal in the fitting oruse of an appropriate adaptor. Whereflexible pipe is suitable for jointing tocompression fittings a pipe supportsleeve should always be used in theflexible pipe.

Chrome plated copperand stainless steel pipePush fit fittings are not suitable foruse with chrome plated copper pipeor stainless steel pipe due to thedifferences in surface hardness ofthe materials. Compression fittingsor suitable adaptors should be used.

Incoming service pipesThe manufacturer’s recommendationsas to the correct method of jointingto incoming service pipes shouldbe followed.

Appliances, taps, ancillaries,storage vessels, radiators etc.The manufacturer’s advice should besought. Most systems will include asuitable adaptor or connector fittingfor any required connection.

Connection to boilersand heatersDirect connections to BS 7291Class ‘S’ pipes can be made whereboilers incorporate a high limit cutout thermostat and a pump overrundevice and have connections outsidethe boiler casing 350mm from theheat source. If any of the above criteriafor direct connection to a boiler cannotbe met a minimum one metre runof copper pipe should be installedbetween the boiler and the start ofthe plastic pipe system. In all cases(including instantaneous water heaters,caravan heaters etc.) care should betaken to ensure that the applianceshave the appropriate thermostaticcontrols and cut outs to ensure thatoperating conditions do not exceedthe temperature and pressure limitslaid down for Class ‘S’ pipes.

For any type of back boiler, all waterconnections should be extended fromthe appliance to the outside of thefireplace opening in copper tube. Ininstances where the heat output maybe uncontrolled a minimum one metrerun of copper pipe should be usedbetween the boiler and the start ofthe Class ‘S’ plastic pipe system.

Any gravity circuit of a solid fuel boilershould always be installed in copper.

BendingA bend is made by installing a fixing atone end and gently curving the pipeby hand (using an appropriate toolwhere necessary) to the requiredshape, and then installing a secondfixing at the other end. Alternatively,bends can be supported with anappropriate bend former. Care shouldbe taken not to bend the pipe beyondits recommended bending radius asthis can cause kinking. Pipes that havebeen damaged during bending shouldnot be used. Details of the bendingradius can be obtained from themanufacturer’s literature. It is generally12 times the pipe diameter forunsupported pipe and 8 times thepipe diameter for supported pipe.

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FixingPlastic pipe systems manufacturedin PB or PEX in diameters less than32mm are not self-supporting andmust be adequately supported inaccordance with the support centresdetailed in BS 5955:Part 8:2001.

Where piping is adequately supportedor is run within concealed spaces(e.g. through suspended timber floors),clips can be reduced or omittedprovided that:

• The pipe will not be subjectedto vigorous movement.

• The pipe does not form part ofan open vent provided for safeoperation of a heat source, boileror hot water vessel.

• The pipe does not form a distributionpipe or circuit where effective airventing might be impaired by poorpipe alignment.

• Hot pipes will not touch cold pipeor vice versa.

• There is no risk pipe will come intocontact with sharp, abrasive or otherpotentially damaging surfaces.

• There is no risk pipe will comeinto contact with hot surfaces ortransmitted heat that may melt thepipe e.g. inset lighting.

• There is no risk the pipe will comein contact with materials that maysuffer damage or discoloration fromtransmitted heat.

The inherent flexibility of plastic pipesystems means that there is generally noneed to make any special provision forthermal expansion. Each manufacturersupplies the appropriate fixings fortheir pipe and these should beinstalled in-line with each individualmanufacturer’s guidelines.

The screw-in type fixing may be usedwith a spacer, which provides a greaterspacing between the pipe and the fixingbackground.This allows for differentpipe fixing centres, which can be usedto enable pipe cross-overs or theinstallation of thermal insulation.

For other pipe materials, including MLC’s,and larger diameters the manufacturer’sliterature should be consulted.

Pipe routingThe flexibility of these systems allowspipes to be threaded through thefabric of the building: – through studpartitions, dry walling, steel structuralmembers and drilled holes in joists.

Threading through joistsPipe systems using traditional materialsare installed by notching joists, whichmeans that pipes are located veryclose to the underside of floorboards.This can result in damage to pipe duringsubsequent floor laying or partitionwall fixing.The thermal movement ofpipe against notched joists gives rise tonoise and difficulties in fitting insulationwhere required.

Flexible pipe can be threaded throughholes drilled in the joists allowingpipework to be installed from below,after the flooring has been laid.This has important health and safetyadvantages enabling more accuratesetting out for ‘second fix’ connectionsto appliances and easier insulation.

Traditional timber joistsHoles must be located in the correctzones of the joist span, which is differentfrom the notching zone.The permittedzone for holes is between 0.25 and 0.4of the joist span (see diagram above)

Within the drilling zone, the holesmust be located on the central axisof the joist, with the centre linesspaced no closer than three times thelargest diameter apart.The maximumsize of hole must not exceed onequarter of the joist height.

Once the drill positions have beendetermined and marked on the firstjoist, a batten can be used as a quickmeasuring template to transfer theposition of the hole to other joists.

Holes can be drilled by using a drillwith an angle chuck (suitable eyeprotection should be worn). Whenthe holes have been drilled, the flexiblepipe can be threaded into position.

When pipework is installed in notchesin the joists, structural timbers shouldbe notched only with the permissionof the architect or a structuralengineer and should be in accordancewith BS 6700:2006.

Threading throughengineered joistsPlastic pipe systems are ideal inbuildings incorporating engineered ‘I ’section composite timber joists,The piping can be installed throughholes in the web section withoutdamaging flange members.

Threading through steelstructural membersIn fabricated steel framing systems,plastic pipes can be simply threadedthrough the open webs of theframework. Some mechanical protectionshould be provided to prevent chaffingof the pipe walls where these rest onthe steel members.

Laying pipes in concrete floorsUnlike metal pipes, plastics are notaffected by cement, limes, mortars,concrete and general corrosion.They can therefore be installed directlyin screeded floors. However, accountshould be taken of the requirementsof the Water Regulations, whichrequire distribution pipework to beaccessible to facilitate its repair andreplacement.The pipe-in-conduitsystems supplied by many manufacturersare ideal for installation directly intoconcrete floors.

They consist of a flexible plastic piperun inside a slightly larger conduit pipe.This prevents the need for expensivepipe ducting systems that requirecontinuous timber access boarding.

The conduit system should be installedso that the pipe within the conduitmay be removed for replacement, bydisconnecting the exposed ends andwithdrawing it through the conduit.For further installation recommendationsrefer to the manufacturer.The systemshould be pressure tested before thescreed is laid.The thickness of thescreed will depend upon the loadingrequirements of the floor and thescreed should be laid in accordancewith the relevant requirements of BS8204-1:2003 (screeds, bases and in-situfloorings. Concrete bases and cementsand leveling screeds to receivefloorings. Code of Practice.)

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Drilling limits within the drilling zone

Maximum dia. of hole = Joist height x 0.25

Minimum distance between hole centres = Largest hole dia. x 3

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2

1

Drill Zone

Joist

Height

EQEQ

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Installing pipes in walls10mm plastic pipe systems can beaccommodated behind ‘dot and dab’plasterboard walls to give a pipe freeappearance within the room. Wheninstalling pipes in dry lined walls careshould be taken to avoid running thepipework along any obvious fixingzone i.e. at skirting level or wherecurtain rails may be fixed. Lateral pipesshould be run horizontally in line withplasterboard penetrations and radiatordrops should be run vertically, side byside, at one end of the radiator position.

Plastic pipe systems can be easilythreaded through studwork and withinwall systems during construction.This method is often used for runningfeeds to radiators or where concealedplumbing is required. Unlike pipesystems that use traditional materials,plastic pipe systems can be easilywithdrawn, in-line with BuildingRegulations.

PaintingMost plastic pipe systems can bepainted if required. It is preferableto use emulsion paints but oil basedgloss paints in conjunction with anundercoat can be used. Cellulosepaints, or other coatings which containsolvents, should never be used. Beforepainting ensure the surface of the pipeis clean, dry and free from grease andsilicone compounds.

If repainting is required, chemical paintstrippers and hot air guns should notbe used.

Woodworm/Timber TreatmentAqueous based solutions are generallyacceptable when treating timber forwoodworm or timber rot. However,care should be taken to protect andcover the pipes and fittings beforespraying. It is preferable to carry outany spraying prior to installation of thepipework. Solvent based treatmentsshould not be used.

Electrical bondingThere is no risk of electric shockfrom plastic pipes, as they do notconduct electricity.(see www.plasticpipesgroup.comBulletins Index - earthbonding)

Where the pipe forms a break in thecontinuity of existing metal pipe, whichmay have been used for earthing orbonding, the electrical continuityshould be reinstated.The bonding leadshould be fixed permanently to bothends of the existing metal pipework.

InsulationThe inherent resilience and flexibility ofplastic pipes offer considerably increasedresistance to damage from freezing.

The pipe walls are able to deformunder pressure from the internalexpansion and will resume theiroriginal shape without damageafter thawing.

However, plastic pipes do not provideany resistance to freezing which mayprevent the system from functioningand can cause damage to metallicparts of the system.Therefore it isalways advisable to provide insulationin accordance with the BuildingRegulations in situations where thereis any likelihood of freezing.

Wall and floor penetrationsPipes which pass through blockwork,brickwork, solid floors, concrete,steelwork and similar abrasiveconstructional elements should beprotected from mechanical damage bythe use of a plastic sleeve.This sleeveshould project at least 3mm beyondthe wall etc. at either end.The use ofa protective sleeve is particularlyimportant if there is any likelihoodof structural movement.

Whenever the pipe passes througha firewall or floor where firestoppingis required, the fireseal should bewrapped in foil or otherwiseprevented from contact with the pipe.Proprietary foil clad intumescentproducts are available from a numberof manufacturers.

Pressure testingWhen the installation is complete,pressure testing of the pipework andfittings in accordance with theguidelines laid down by the WaterSupply (Water Fittings) Regulations1999 and as recommended in BS6700:2006 must be carried out.This should always be carried outbefore the next building process coversthe pipes e.g. screeding of floors orlaying of floorboards.These regulationsstipulate a minimum pressure conditionfor testing that may be below individualmanufacturer recommendations.

Care should be taken to ensure thatthe pressure used does not exceedthe figures recommended by themanufacturers for other components ofthe system such as pumps, cylinders etc.

Corrosion InhibitorsCorrosion Inhibitors should be used inall heating circuits in the normal wayto prevent corrosion of steel radiatorsand other vulnerable components.Most proprietary anti-corrosioncompounds and central heatinganti-freeze admixtures used at thenormal recommended levels do notaffect the majority of plastic pipe systems.

FlushingOnce a central heating systeminstallation is complete it should beflushed and filled in accordance withBS 7593:1992 (Code of practice forthe treatment of water in domestichot water central heating systems).

DisinfectingOnce the system has been tested andapproved the potable system shouldbe disinfected in accordance withBS 6700:2006.

SYSTEM DESIGNThe use of plastic pipe systems doesnot impose any constraint on thedesign of hot and cold water orcentral heating systems.

Plastic pipe systems can be used inexactly the same way as those utilisingtraditional materials, however theflexibility of most plastic pipe providesa wider and more flexible range ofdesign options.

Many manufacturers supply manifoldsfor use on central heating systems.These provide an opportunity formodular system design. One manifoldis used in the flow pipework, and asecond, matching unit, is provided inthe return line. Individual manifolds canbe joined together to provide multipleflow/return circuits.

Pipe SizingIn small, simple installations such asthose in single dwellings, pipes can besized on the basis of experience andconvention. In these cases it should benoted that although the nominalinternal diameters of plastics pipesystems are often slightly less than thatof the equivalent traditional material,this slight reduction has no significanteffect on capacity.The plastic pipesystems will maintain their internaldiameter throughout their working life,whilst traditional metal systems aresusceptible to deposits of fur and scale.Similarly, the smooth internal surface ofthe plastic pipe systems and the easewith which they can be formed into longradius bends reduces frictional losses.

In all other cases the probable flowrates and pipe sizes required should becalculated using a recognized methodsuch as that in BS 6700:2006, Annex Dand BS 5955:Part 8:1990.

The Plumbing Engineering ServicesDesign Guide published by theInstitute of Plumbing providesguidance on pipe sizing.

Heating DesignDomestic central heating systemsshould be designed in line withconventional practice.The heatingdemands for particular rooms canbe calculated as detailed in the CIBSE(Chartered Institute of Building ServiceEngineers) Guide Part A.To calculatethe pressure drop in the pipesconnected to each radiator, the totallength of pipe is defined as the sumof the lengths of flow and return pipesfrom the manifold to the radiator.

Expansion ControlIn typical domestic applications, specialprovision for thermal movement is notnormally required, as expansion isabsorbed by the natural flexibility ofthe pipe. However, reference shouldalways be made to individualmanufacturer’s instructions.

Where long runs of pipe are to beinstalled, provisions are required tocontrol thermal movement and retainthe proper alignment of the system.It is important to assess the amountof thermal movement on each piperun or pipe section.

*Proprietary guide brackets, which allowthe pipe to slide within them duringthermal movement, and anchor points arerequired to control thermal movement.Anchor points should be formed atcouplings or tees. An anchor point canbe formed by locating two guide bracketsdirectly against the opposing socket faceof the fitting.Where expansion movementon a pipe section is only acting in onedirection, a single guide bracket maybe used to form an anchor point.The maximum distance between anchorpoints should not exceed 6m. If it isnecessary to form an anchor point nearan elbow, then an additional couplingshould be installed.

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Health and SafetyPrior to installing plastic pipe systemsit is important read the relevantmanufacturer’s health and safetyand installation guidelines.

LimitationsIn general, plastic pipe systems shouldnot be used for pipelines carryingsteam, gases, fuel oil, petroleum orwater containing high levels of chlorinesuch as swimming pool installations.When in doubt or for particularrequirements, the advice of themanufacturer should be sought.

Plastic pipe systems should not beused for the primary circuit of solarheating systems where the temperaturecannot be thermostatically controlled.

In general plastic pipe systems shouldnot be installed in locations wherethey are likely to be exposed toexcessive levels of ultra violet light,such as in direct sunlight or whereartificial sources of UV are in use.If such exposure is unavoidable,the pipes should be encased in aprotective ducting or similar.

Continuously operatedre-circulating systems (Secondaryhot water circulation/Ringmain installations)A continuously operated re-circulatingsystem is a water-replenishedcirculating system which is maintainedat a constant high temperature toprovide a constant source of hot water.Continuously operated re-circulatingsystems are used to distribute constanthot water to draw off points that maybe distant from the heat source or hotwater storage vessel. Continuouslyoperated re-circulating systems arevery different from conventional hotwater supply and central heatingsystems found in domestic properties,for which our products have beentested to, under either BS 7291 2010Class S or WRAS approval standards,and for this reason these productsmust not be used on any continuouslyoperated re-circulating systems as theyare not approved under the currentversion of these standards.

Manufacturers own technicalinformation should always beconsulted as specific productlimitations may apply.

Provision for pipe expansion should beincorporated between each anchorpoint.There are two ways of allowingfor pipe expansion - Flexible arm orExpansion loop.

Flexible arm: this needs to be longenough to allow the pipe to flex naturallywithout causing any damage.

Expansion loop: this is a method ofallowing for pipe expansion in the middleof a pipe section. Pipes can also be laidon a continuous support such as a cabletray.The thermal movement can then beaccommodated by the ‘snaking’ of thepipe. It is necessary to prevent upwardmovement to stop the pipe cominginto contact with pipe at a differenttemperature or electrical wiring.

Expansion loopWhere a cold water pipe is installed inhigh ambient temperature conditions,provision for thermal movement due tocontraction should also be considered.

SoundProblems with noise are frequentlyexperienced with systems incorporatingrigid metal pipes.These include waterhammer and ‘ticking’ during expansionand contraction of the metal pipe.Plastic pipe systems do not transmitnoise and with careful installation canbe installed to run almost silently.

ADVANTAGESOVER TRADITIONALMETAL SYSTEMS

Material benefitsof high performance engineered polymers

Physical• Lower weight

• Reduced risk of theft: lowerscrap value

• Impact resistant

• Reduced risk of freeze-bursting

Performance in service• Smoother bore: improved

flow/velocity

• Extra resistant to corrosion

• No scale build-up

• Lower thermal conductivity- Cooler to touch/safer

• Lower noise transmission: quieter

• Extended service life:- Class ‘S’ pipes: 50 years design life

• Lower environmental impact:- Reduced energy values

Flexibility benefits• Available in coils up to 63mm dia.

• Longer pipe runs: fewer joints

• Can be run round obstructions

• Faster installation

• Absorbs thermal expansion

Jointing benefits• Choice of jointing options

- Push-fit- Crimped- Electro-fusion

• No naked flames required

• Can be jointed to existingmetal systems

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ApplicationsPlastic plumbing systems are suitable for:

• Domestic, industrial, commercial projects

and for the following functions:

• Hot water supply- excluding re-circulating systems

• Cold water supply- including drinking water, chilled water

• Heating:- radiators, underfloor, district

Other applicationsThe flexibility and low weight of thesepipes make them ideal for use in avariety of other applications:

Boatscan be easily threaded aroundthe interior cavities and hiddenbehind bulkheads.

Caravanscan be fitted in confined spaceswithout damage to the fabric of thevehicle or adding undue weight.

Exhibitionsthe demountable joints availablewith many flexible systems makethem ideal for the temporary natureof exhibitions.

Portable buildingsplastic pipe systems comply with WaterSupply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999and allow the building to be moved withminimum disruption to internal systems.

PIPE SYSTEMMANUFACTURERS

13 Saxon Way East,Oakley Hay Industrial Estate, CorbyNorthants NN18 9EY

Tel: 0845 2419 490Fax: 0845 2419 491

e-mail: info@pipelife.co.ukweb: www.pipelife.co.uk

Dickley Lane, Lenham, MaidstoneKent ME17 2DE

Tel: +44 (0)1622 858888Fax: +44 (0)1622 858725

email: marketing@marleyext.comweb: www.marley.co.uk

Broomhouse Lane, EdlingtonDoncaster DN12 1ES

Tel: +44(0)1709 770000Fax: +44(0)1709 770001

email: info@polypipe.comweb: www.polypipe.com

Snapethorpe House, Rugby RoadLutterworth, Leicestershire LE17 4HN

Tel: +44 (0)1455 550355Fax: +44 (0)1455 550366

email: hsenquiries@uponor.co.ukweb: www.uponor.co.uk

Parsonage Way, ChippenhamWiltshire SN15 5PN

Tel: +44 (0)1249 766600Fax: +44 (0)1249 766671

email: info@wavin.co.ukweb: www.wavin.co.ukwww.hep2O.co.uk

Horton Road, West DraytonMiddlesex UB7 8JL

Tel: +44 (0)1895 449233Fax: +44 (0)1895 431358

email: info@johnguest.co.ukweb: www.speedfit.co.uk

London Office6 Bath Place, Rivington Street, London EC2A 3JE

Telephone +44 (0)20 7457 5000

email admin@plasticpipesgroup.comweb www.plasticpipesgroup.com