Fitting flow and return plastic pipes

[Specs75]

Hi, I have a 4 bed bungalow and a looking to change from electric storage heaters to oil fired central heating. I'm keen to put in plastic pipe (22mm) for flow and return as there's plenty of space under the house (suspended chipboard floor) and the plumber tells me this will save me a fortune. How do I go about getting them through the joists 10 radiators max hoping for an oil combo boiler. All advice greatly appreciated

 

[PrenticeBoyofDerry]

You must comply to building regulations that are stated in Part A of the building regs, with regards to keeping structure of the joist stable. A quick guide is here:
//www.diynot.com/wiki/Electrics:route
It applies to both pipework and electrical cable with regards to the notching and holing to keep a maintained structural strength of the joist.

 

[Specs75]

Thanks for your response.

Would clipping to the bottom of the joists be the best option? Also with plastic pipe work should I insulate?

 

[PrenticeBoyofDerry]

You can clip them to underside of joists, but what you must not do is notch the underside of the joist out, as this will weaken it.
If the pipes are routed outside of the thermal envelope, then yes they should be insulated.

 

[Specs75]

Thanks for getting back to me, will clip to the underside of joists. They're in good condition. What would you recommend for insulation?

 

[PrenticeBoyofDerry]

Just the normal pipe insulation, climaflex stuff or similar foam products.

 

[chappers]

plumber tells me this will save me a fortune.

Depends on how many fittings you need, whilst copper is quite expensive, so are push fit fittings.
Labour a bit less with plastic as easier to route etc.