Plastic pipes vs copper - flow

[frediaz]

Plastic pipe manufacturers claim that, because fewer bend and straight joints are needed than with copper pipes, there is less loss of flow rates than with the latter on an average run. Then the copper pipes have better flow and I do not know if the ID being a bit larger (thinner wall) makes a lot of difference.

Does anybody know if tests or calculations have been done by anybody to determine who wins on the flow rates?

This is for a hot and cold water installation.

 

[Bahco]

I think you may be worrying a bit too much.

You probably wouldn't notice any difference either way unless it was a 100 meter run.

 

[Doctor Drivel]

They never tell you the plastic pipe inserts reduce the bore of the pipe and that these are points where crud can build up.