Ethan Clarke
Plastic clips are often used with copper pipes to provide support and prevent movement and potential damage, which can lead to leaks or breaks. While copper pipes have anti-microbial qualities and are highly resistant to rust, plastic plumbing systems offer advantages such as ease of installation and a five-layer barrier system that reduces noise and potential air ingress. It is important to note that pipes need to be loose within the clips to allow for expansion and contraction, and dissimilar metals should not be used together to avoid corrosion.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic clips with copper pipe usage | Plastic clips can be used with copper pipes |
| Plastic plumbing systems vs. Copper pipes | Plastic plumbing systems are progressing much faster than copper pipes |
| Copper pipes | Copper pipes have anti-microbial qualities and are biostatic |
| Plastic pipes | Plastic pipes can be easily demounted and reconnected with residual water in the pipe |
| Plastic plumbing systems | Plastic plumbing systems are easier to install than copper pipes |
| Plastic plumbing systems | Plastic plumbing systems have a similar lifespan to copper pipes |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic clips can be used with copper pipes
While copper pipes and fittings have multiple performance benefits, such as being biostatic with anti-microbial qualities, plastic plumbing systems are also progressing much faster than their copper counterparts. Plastic pipes can be easily demounted and reconnected with residual water in the pipe, whereas the heat of soldering wet copper pipework creates steam in the pipework, which is dangerous for the installer. Plastic plumbing systems also have a five-layer barrier system that insulates the water, reducing the risk of air ingress into the system and minimizing expansion and contraction, which reduces the noise the system makes.
Additionally, plastic plumbing is generally easier to install than copper. Plastic push-fit fittings only require a pipe cutter to make a watertight connection, whereas copper pipes need to be fluxed, de-burred, and cleaned before and after soldering. Some places also require a hot work permit for using the tools needed for copper pipes, which can be avoided by using plastic plumbing systems. Despite the common perception that copper pipes are more durable, both copper and plastic plumbing systems are advertised as having similar lifespans, depending on factors such as water type, installation quality, and usage.
However, it is important to note that when using clips with copper pipes, the pipes should not be fastened too tightly, as this can restrict their ability to expand and contract, potentially causing noise issues. It is also recommended to avoid using dissimilar metals together, as this can cause corrosion.
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Copper pipes are anti-microbial
Plastic clips can be used with copper pipes, as can copper clips or copper/plastic-coated strapping. However, it is important to ensure that dissimilar metals are not used together as this can cause corrosion. For example, steel clips should not be used with copper pipes.
Copper's antimicrobial effects are attributed to the release of ions that cause the microbe's cell wall to break down. Copper dissolves from the surface upon contact with the microbe, releasing oxidising ions that pull electrons from the atoms that make up the microbe's cell wall, killing it generally within a few hours. In addition, copper can alter the 3-dimensional structure of proteins, so that they can no longer perform their normal functions, resulting in the inactivation of bacteria or viruses.
Copper's antimicrobial properties are still under active investigation, with researchers seeking to better understand its antimicrobial mechanisms. However, copper is known to be effective in killing a wide range of bacteria, including E. coli, Salmonella, and MRSA, with many strains breaking down within just a few hours of contact with the metal. Copper is also effective against viruses, with one study finding that copper coatings on handrails and exit doors in buses, trams, and trains killed 99.9% of bacteria and viruses within two hours.
Thanks to its antimicrobial properties, copper is used in a variety of applications beyond plumbing, including healthcare settings, public transport, and the coating of ships to prevent the growth of organisms such as barnacles. In healthcare, copper is used to coat high-touch surfaces such as bed frames, doorknobs, and taps, helping to reduce the spread of infections and providing fast-acting resistance against common healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) such as MRSA and Clostridium difficile.
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Plastic pipes are easier to install
Plastic pipes are a common feature in plumbing systems and have been for decades. They are made from materials such as Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride (CPVC), Cross-linked Polyethylene (PEX), Polybutylene (PB), or High-Density Polybutylene (HDBP). Plastic pipes are known to be versatile, durable, leak-proof, easy to transport, and easy to install.
The ease of installation of plastic pipes is further enhanced by the fact that they require fewer tools and specialist equipment. Plastic push-fit fittings, for example, only need a pipe cutter to create a watertight connection, whereas copper pipes demand fluxing, deburring, soldering, and cleaning. The convenience, reliability, and compatibility of plastic fittings make them a preferred choice for modern plumbing installations.
Plastic pipes also offer a safer option as they do not require the use of a soldering iron, which can pose a danger to the installer. Additionally, the heat of soldering wet copper pipes can cause steam in the pipework, creating another potential hazard. Plastic pipes are also more durable than copper pipes due to their resistance to corrosion, scale buildup, and chemical reactions, which can compromise the integrity of traditional copper systems.
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Plastic pipes have a five-layer barrier system
Plastic pipes have gained massive popularity in recent times due to the advantages they offer over other types of pipes. They come in different types, including PVC, PEX, PB, and PE pipes, each with distinct features. One of the key benefits of plastic pipes is their five-layer barrier system, which provides superior insulation and reduces the risk of air ingress into the system.
The five-layer barrier system in plastic pipes, such as those offered by JG Speedfit, offers significant advantages over copper pipes. This system insulates the water, allowing for natural temperature changes without affecting the pipe itself. As a result, only the metal fittings attached to the pipe undergo expansion and contraction, reducing any potential noise from the system.
The five layers in plastic pipes serve multiple purposes. The inner layer is typically made of a thermoplastic material, such as polyethylene (PE), which ensures a smooth interior finish for good flow characteristics. This layer is crucial for conveying substances like liquids and gases (fluids), slurries, and powders. The subsequent layers provide structural support and protection against corrosion and leaks.
One of the critical functions of the five-layer barrier system is to prevent the entry of undesired contaminants into the pipe. For example, in hydronic water-carrying heating systems, the barrier prevents oxygen from penetrating the material and entering the water system, reducing the risk of corrosion. This barrier is usually made of resin material bonded between the outer and inner layers of the pipe.
The five-layer barrier system in plastic pipes offers enhanced protection, durability, and performance compared to traditional copper piping. It is worth noting that while plastic pipes have made significant advancements, copper pipes still have their advantages and die-hard fans due to their biostatic properties and antimicrobial qualities.
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Copper pipes are highly resistant to rust
However, copper is not entirely corrosion-proof. It can corrode under certain conditions, such as when exposed to certain types of soil, aggressive water in the soil, or galvanic corrosion from dissimilar metals. For example, if the naturally protective film on the surface of copper, which often consists of reddish-brown cuprous oxide (Cu 20), is destroyed and cannot be repaired, copper will corrode. Additionally, the chemical reaction between water containing certain compounds and copper pipes can result in corrosion.
The corrosion of underground copper pipes can be aggravated by faulty design and workmanship, such as not allowing for thermal expansion and contraction when copper water tubes pass through a concrete slab. Buried copper water lines can also corrode due to ground conditions, such as highly acidic or alkaline soil. In such cases, it is recommended to install copper pipes through a plastic transit, such as PVC tubing, as plastic is not affected by acidic conditions.
While copper pipes have their advantages, plastic plumbing systems have progressed much faster than copper pipes in recent years and offer multiple performance benefits. Plastic pipes are easier to install, can be demounted and reconnected with residual water in the pipe, and have a five-layer barrier system that insulates the water, reducing the risk of air ingress into the system.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, plastic clips can be used with copper pipes. Plastic clips are versatile and can be used with various pipe types. However, ensure that the pipes are not dissimilar metals, as this will cause corrosion.
Plastic plumbing systems are easy to install and maintain. Plastic pipes can be demounted and reconnected with residual water in the pipe, whereas copper pipes require more complex processes like fluxing, de-burring, and cleaning.
Copper pipes have anti-microbial qualities and are biostatic, preventing the growth of organisms such as bacteria. Plastic plumbing systems, while progressing rapidly, may not offer the same level of durability and performance benefits as copper pipes in certain situations.
