PLastic v copper

[steve.c]

I am planning on replacing my central heating next year and will be doing rads and water pipes myself. Apart from fittings being more expensive are there any negatives to using plastic piping as opposed to copper and will this lessen the chance of boiler problems after installation due to flux residue etc. in pipework. I am on a tight budget and don't really want the expense of having the new system powerflushed.

 

[breezer]

i believe you only powerflush old systems, not new pipework

 

[Rob]

you can get light cleansers for new systems which will remove flux residue etc. Followed by a good quality inhibitor. Use good rad valves not cheap ones and you shouldnt ever have to worry about corrosion problems.

 

[ChrisR]

I have more concerns about pushfit connectors than plastic pipe. Who knows how long the one O ring is going to last? The retaining rings snap too..

Don't heat the water without a system cleaner or inhibitor in it, or you're likely to coat the h/ex in limescale.

 

[Agile]

It is even more important to properly flush new systems than old ones! It should be done in accordance with BS7592:1992

The right chemical has to be used such as Sentinel X300.

The only difference is that if the new boiler is working to heat and circulate the chemicals then a power flushing pump does not have to be used as there is no sludge to remove .

Tony

 

[Softus]

The right chemical has to be used such as Sentinel X300.

Sentinel ® X300™ ??

 

[Nige F]

I got a 50 gall. drum of Sentirel Xy3001.............going cheap

 

[steve.c]

Thanks everyone for advice. Will go for copper and use correct cleaner and inhibitor.

 

[Soggy_weetabix]

I have more concerns about pushfit connectors than plastic pipe. Who knows how long the one O ring is going to last? The retaining rings snap too..

Don't heat the water without a system cleaner or inhibitor in it, or you're likely to coat the h/ex in limescale.

Hear hear.

How long is a combi installed before it leaks from the o rings that were designed to last 'a lifetime'

Never use push fit on unexposed pipework.

David