Plastic or copper? which is best?

[Rob876]

Just wondering what you plumbers out there prefer - plastic or copper?

 

[Aire]

Copper All the time. Plastic has it's uses but really most decent plumbers will only use it when they have no choice.

 

[Rob876]

Why? Surely plastic is only as good as the o-ring which will perish in time right?

 

[Riley]

Why? Surely plastic is only as good as the o-ring which will perish in time right?

So are you for or against plastic?? Sorry

 

[Ric2013]

The O-ring is EDPM and will last for ever as long as it never gets any form of grease (except silicone grease) on it. Given the brutality of life in the field and the various factors involved, I have my doubts on how long both the O-rings, and the fittings, will last.

That said, if using a bit of polybutylene means I don't have to tear up a tiled floor, for instance, I will use it. As Craig says, plastic has its uses. And let's not forget that running a new underground supply in copper is now very rare.

 

[Rob876]

That's irrelivant, though I'm for copper. Just wondering what everyone's views are, what are yours?

 

[Rob876]

I was replying to Riley

 

[Ric2013]

That's irrelivant, though I'm for copper. Just wondering what everyone's views are, what are yours?

What's irrelevant?

 

[Ric2013]

I was replying to Riley

Then hit 'reply'.

 

[Rob876]

What I think is irrelivant

 

[Ric2013]

What I think is irrelivant

Thanks: now I get your point.

 

[Rob876]

Basically plastic is quick, right?

 

[SimonG]

Copper.

But same as Craig. Plastic has its uses, but it's very rare I use it.

 

[Ric2013]

Plastic does have the advantage that in some circumstances it can be better than copper because no possibility of dissimilar metal or electrolytic corrosion. If I had to repair between two sections of lead, for example, I would have to use plastic, as using copper before lead is not allowed.

There are also times when the fact that it can be flexed after installation allow you to do things that would otherwise be impossible.

In normal circumstances, copper.

 

[Rob876]

So copper lasts longer than plastic? or they both last the the same amount of time?

 

[Riley]

Why? Surely plastic is only as good as the o-ring which will perish in time right?

I was asking because you said ”why?” to someone that said it had its uses. It seemed a leading question

 

[SimonG]

Also the main problem with plastic is people think they can just throw it in. Care needs to be taken for insertion depths and pressure testing guidelines.

 

[Rob876]

Your right mate sorry, its the cider

 

[AMGasServices]

Copper with minimal use of fitting debured and bent to perfection.

 

[Aire]

So copper lasts longer than plastic? or they both last the the same amount of time?

That would depend on the installation

 

[townfanjon]

Is this a “trick question “ ?

 

[Rob876]

Just interested in plumbers views

 

[Harvest Fields]

Just interested in plumbers views

So what is your view? You must have one as you started the thread.

 

[rpm]

Plastic is not as good as copper if the little furry critters are around

 

[Rob876]

So what is your view? You must have one as you started the thread.

Copper

 

[Harvest Fields]

Copper

I think most of us prefer copper to be honest.

 

[Rob876]

Plastic is not as good as copper if the little furry critters are around

The critters bite into plastic?

 

[rpm]

Why does this keep cropping up every year?

 

[Harvest Fields]

Why does this keep cropping up every year?

People cannot be bothered to search the old posts and see what comments were made. Or they have and are not happy with the answers.

 

[Rob876]

I only joined yesterday

 

[rpm]

I only joined yesterday

Yep some of us may have noticed.

 

[Rob876]

Another reason it will keep cropping up is as wonderful and quick plastic is, people are realising how long lasting, rigid and quality copper is.

 

[Harvest Fields]

Another reason it will keep cropping up is as wonderful and quick plastic is, people are realising how long lasting, rigid and quality copper is.

They already know mate.

 

[Aire]

Yep some of us may have noticed.

Yep, been to lots of houses near farm land etc where mice/rats have bit through plastic

Edit: I replied to the wrong comment

 

[Riley]

Lots of pro plumbers on here would agree