Shower pipes

[PLUMBBUDDY]

Hi all, im going to fit a surface thermo mixer shower and pump with chrome pipes coming down from the loft. I am planing to use plastic pipe for the rest of the fitting,

1. What is the best way to connect chrome plated copper to plastic, i was going to use compression or push, (hep02 sayes its not to be used with chrome plated copper).

2. can i use compression fittings on plastic pipe, (i have been told to fit gate valves near the pump).

 

[JPC]

can us the compression type.

 

[Bahco]

Make sure you use the pipe inserts when using comp fittings on plastic pipe.

 

[brumylad]

you could remove the chrome on the end of the pipe too

 

[Slugbabydotcom]

(hep02 sayes its not to be used with chrome plated copper).

Just want to back this up cos I've seen one blow off and flood a house before. The grab rings just slip off the chrome. Insurance wouldnt pay out as it was 'dodgy' plumbing rather than a burst pipe

 

[PLUMBBUDDY]

Thanks for your input, BUT after looking into it im going with good old copper. (that will put a smile on Kevs face),

1. Its cheeper than plastic.

2. The pump instructions say to keep all bends/joins 'as free flowing as possible'

Why do people use plastic pipe? I can see it would have its place to bend aronud things, BUT copper is cheaper, and with solder/compressinon joints will last longer. And from what i can tell, easier to do smooth 90o bends.

Thanks.

 

[Slugbabydotcom]

Why do people use plastic pipe?

Takes a fraction of the time to put in..... time = money
No fire risk
Doesnt matter if theres water in the pipe when you join it back up
Less joints making it cheaper than copper for long runs
Takes a 'knock' better than copper
Doesn't react with concrete
Joints are easily de-mountable and re-connectable
You can thread it through joists like a cable
etc etc

Admittedly there are one or two downsides but these are far outweighed by the plus's
I still use copper for 'show pipework' and where theres a lot of copper already
Of course you can't use plastic on gas [had to mention that cos there are people who are daft enough to try]

 

[kevplumb]

when did they stop using plastic for gas

i may have a problem here

 

[Slugbabydotcom]

Er actually they didnt stop using it for mains but thats a different jackanory