Plastic piping offers a lot of benefits over traditional metal pipes. It’s cheaper, more flexible, easy to install and far less likely to be stolen from a building site. These are just some of the reasons why plastic piping has become so popular over the past few decades. When it comes to selecting the type of plastic piping that would best suit your project, you have several options that you should consider.

CPVC

CPVC or chlorinated polyvinyl chloride piping is often used for water and waste applications. Its ability to remain stable at higher temperatures and its chlorine resistance makes it useful for both hot and cold water transport and is also commonly used in fire prevention sprinkler systems.  CPVC is an inexpensive option, and both the piping and fittings are very easy to get hold of, so if you find you’re missing a vital fitting, you’ll be able to pick one up locally very quickly, without holding up your work too long. However, while CPVC is cheap, it is not very flexible, so you tend to use more fittings which increases both the expense of your installation and the risk of leaks.

PEX

PEX or cross-linked polyethylene has gained popularity since it was first introduced back in the 80s. Often used in heating systems, PEX is a flexible piping and most types expand in cold temperatures rather than cracking, making it a reliable option in colder climates. There are three types of PEX piping, PEX-A, PEX-B and PEX-C. PEX-A is the most flexible and the most expensive of the three types. PEX-B is slightly less flexible but a little cheaper than PEX-A and PEX-C is the cheapest option but it doesn’t have the same frost resistance as the other types and it’s also the least flexible. PEX can be a good option, but it does need specialised tools for fitting and using these tools requires some training.

PP-R

PP-R is another type of plastic piping developed in the 80s. It was first used in industry as it can be safely used to carry chemicals but it is now also used for heating systems as it can withstand high temperatures. The fittings require a fusion welder, so this is the trickiest of the three types of piping to install. However, PP-R does have some distinct advantages. It is very strong, it is resistant to damage from freezing and impact and unlike PEX and CPVC, it also remains stable when exposed to UV rays making it suitable for outdoor use.

Ease of purchase of all plastic piping

Elysee stocks all these types of plastic piping and more. You’ll find piping of all sizes and all the fittings you’ll need too. Elysee products are made from the highest quality materials and you’ll find buying our products so quick and easy. Visit our online catalogue to find everything you need for your next piping project or get in touch if you require any advice or have any questions regarding our products.