Since the introduction of polyethylene (PE) in the 1950s, there has been debate around whether the material provides a better alternative to metal, particularly when it comes to potable water transportation. Here, Craig Norman, Building Services Segment Lead at Aliaxis, explains why plastic piping is proving a popular choice for hot and cold-water applications.
Traditionally, metal piping has been the go-to for utility companies, specifiers and developers. However, the stronghold it once held in the market has declined in recent years, given the introduction of plastics, which offer an array of advantages such as cost and time efficiencies, along with health and sustainability benefits. But what is the impact of its use on the environment and public health?
The advantages of plastic
While ensuring the safe transportation of water is paramount, providing homes and business owners with systems that facilitate appropriate water temperature and pressure is another key consideration when it comes to property development. This requires pipework systems that are capable of excellent insulation and long-term resistance to corrosion and temperature change; making plastic a strong choice.
Although metal piping offers many of these features, cPVC or PEX alternatives are recommended, given the overwhelming benefits they have across the entirety of a project. So much so, that the Pipes and Fittings Market Report UK 2016 – 2020 [1] found that plastic piping for water supplies in new-builds was up by 60%. This is not only due to its hard-wearing qualities, but also because of its health, environmental and economic benefits.
Environmental concerns
There are plenty of logistics to consider when planning and installing new pipework systems, however, sustainability should always be front of mind when choosing materials. While the use of plastic may seem reductive as the world aims to decrease its consumption, in this circumstance, the material is the better choice in comparison.
Assessing the environmental impact of piping goes deeper than evaluating the material itself. Further thought is required around its transportation, longevity and disposal. With this in mind, a recent report from McKinsey and Company [2] found that when comparing plastics to alternative materials, they had a lower total greenhouse gas contribution in most applications across several industries, including construction.
In addition, a study from TEPPFA [3] found that in all the categories in which they were evaluated, copper piping systems had a significantly higher environmental impact than plastic solutions. As a result, it is kinder to the environment to use plastics over metals in this scenario.
Public health credentials
Another important note, in favour of opting for plastic piping and fittings, is its rust resistance. Many metals will break down following consistent exposure to water, which can lead to metal particles breaking off and contaminating a property’s water supply.
Avoiding the release of toxins into the water that occupants are consuming is paramount, due to the potential impact on public health. Fortunately, plastic materials, in comparison, remain completely intact for the long-haul, avoiding these risks. Plastic pipework, such as that produced by Aliaxis for hot and cold-water applications, is also considered safer, as smooth internal walls ensure that bacteria are less likely to develop and infiltrate the water’s supply. Notably, the plastic solutions Aliaxis provides, operate up to temperatures of 70˚C for hot and cold domestic systems, which is required to kill bacteria sometimes found in water supplies, such as Legionella, which is destroyed at 60˚C.
While metals tend to enable the transportation of water at higher temperatures, studies from Nesta [4] show that maintaining a boiler flow rate of 60-70˚C, compared to between 70-80˚C (which is currently common practice), can save households between 6-8% on gas usage, costs and emissions — ideal as the UK continues to face a cost-of-living crisis.
Simple installation
With the benefits to public health and the environment evident, it seems that the battle may already have been won. However, there are still many other reasons to opt for plastic over metal. For example, time spent on the install of pipework, and therefore labour costs can be driven down by using plastic alternatives. Not only is it cheaper to source than metal, but it is quicker to fit due to the ease of its manipulation, in turn meaning fewer joints to contend with.
The time-saving qualities of plastic piping make it a sensible choice, but its notoriously lightweight composition comes with its advantages too. Not only is the risk of injury while handling heavy metal items reduced, but it tends to be more cost-efficient to transport.
System lifespan
Ease-of-installation and cost-effectiveness is always important. However, ensuring the longevity of pipework is vital to the enduring success of a construction project. As mentioned, not only do some metals corrode over time, but they are also more susceptible to pinhole leaks and bursting during winter, whereas plastics can withstand a range of temperatures whilst resisting permanent damage.
Plastic — the ideal choice
Given its sustainability and public health credentials, Aliaxis believes that plastics hold the key to hot and cold-water solutions. Ultimately, plastic piping provides a solution that is long-lasting and doesn’t require a frequent turnover of materials that can pose harm to the environment. Not only this, but its non-corrosive qualities mean customers are assured they aren’t ingesting dangerous toxins. That is why Aliaxis is proud to provide plastic alternatives across a variety of applications, including its complete hot and cold-water offerings. This includes its HTA and SuperFlo ABS systems, as well as the newly introduced range, Fluxo.
Aliaxis offering
The Fluxo range completes the manufacturer’s catalogue of hot and coldwater solutions, which means an entire building can now be fitted using its product portfolio. Alternatively, Fluxo can be used as a stand-alone product, boasting a heat resistance of up to 70°C and pressures of up to 10 bar. While Aliaxis’ HTA and SuperFlo ABS systems are used to transport water vertically and horizontally through a building, Fluxo now acts as a ‘second-fix’, transporting water directly into appliances and sanitary ware.
Made from cross-linked polyethylene (PEX), a long-lasting alternative to copper, Fluxo is highly resistant to heat, chemicals, and corrosion, and includes an aluminium layer which creates an anti-oxygen barrier to prevent iron oxide residue forming within the piping network. It also features a smooth internal bore which prevents bacteria growth and guarantees longer consistent performance across pump and flow rates.
This new offering, alongside its existing hot and cold-water solutions, demonstrates Aliaxis’ commitment to creating world-leading fluid management solutions, which put public health and sustainability first. The additional benefits plastic piping offers, such as time efficiency, cost saving, and ease-of-application are an added bonus for those looking for reliable piping and fitting solutions for an array of building segments.
References:
1. https://www.bpfpipesgroup.com/media/22114/plastic-pipes-dominating-new-build-with-ease.pdf
2. https://www.mckinsey.com/~/media/mckinsey/industries/chemicals/our%20insights/climate%20impact%20of%20plastics/climate-impact-of-plasticsv2.pdf
3. https://www.teppfa.eu/wpcontent/uploads/LCA16_HC-Leaflet-PP-r-vs-Cu.pdf
4. https://www.nesta.org.uk/project/lowering-boilerflow-temperature-reduce-emissions/
