frozen split pipes

[kellawaym]

Hey everyone, I have to re plumb a chalet in the pyreneese at 1700 meters altitude, so freezing is a problem. The mains riser pipe enters from the cellar (not insulated) floor. Is there a shut off valve that I can fit that will allow me to drain down the system at the same point so there is no water left in the pipe? Would it be worth me fitting plastic pushfit plumbing, as I understand that it wont split as copper would and if so should I also lag it and what with?

Thanks
Kellawaym

 

[oldplumber]

best practice would be to do what the locals do ie install iaw their regs, all you mention is standard practice over here any way

 

[Bernie2]

Hmm!

Forgot where I read it, but there is a good article somewhere on the web about Plumbing in mountain chalets. Might be worth a Google.

 

[WHPES]

Fit a drain cock just after the main stopcock.

 

[easyt]

Whilst plastic might not split the joints would pop. Something is likely to give. Same as alkathene pipe in UK in a hard winter I would think.