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Hi all question for the plumbers.
Background / waffle:
Installing CH at the moment. Copper works out more expensive than PEX for main circuit (drops and work on show will be copper). I have down all of my main control manifold in copper end feed but plastic will be quicker for the main loop / flow return.
Question:
Should I down-grade the expected flow rate of plastic pipe Vs copper due to the smaller ID or us this not too much of a problem?
I could up the main circuit to 28 mm but the fittings are so expensive I may well use 22 mm copper.
Can’t comment on the pipe diameter Q
But, I found pex pipe/fittings a lot cheaper on eBay than local plumb merchants (reputable manufacturer as well)
Why do the downs in copper? 22mm PEX is fine, I used the rolled stuff but the straight stuff is even easier to work with. It's better insulated too.
Yes you will get less flow with the 22mm but I wouldn't worry about it unless you're plumbing a mansion, I went from 22mm copper and 5mm microbore to 22mm and 15mm PEX with no flow issues. I got all my Speedfit stuff from Toolstation and Screwfix, if you don't need it you can easily return or exchange it and it saves faffing about waiting for delivery. I can thoroughly recommend the Speedfit shears although Lidl had the ratchet type ones which are a bit more of a faff and big pipe cutters last week for 6 quid each. Personally I'd go for the branded ones that do it in a single action as its a nice neat job.
Thanks for the re ebay. Most other stuff I have bought from bes as they hold a good stock and are quick turnaround.
Why do the downs in copper
Anything visible copper. Most of the drops will be boxed in but I don't want plastic on show.
I have the ratchet cutters etc its just considering the flow rate. The flow factors I found all referenced copper.
I did my gaff in 22mm PEX. Copper out of boiler/manifold and Copper into rads but everything else is from a roll. My only caution to say, is be careful when pulling the pex pipe around if it's rolled, it loves to pinch and score which can cause leaks on the fittings. I made sure beofre i sealed anything up that the system was pressure tested both hot andd cold..
I've got bags of fittings left over but i cant remember where i bought it all.