How do plastic and copper plumbing systems compare?
Search any plumbing-related forum and you’re sure to find heated debate on plastic push fit vs copper plumbing systems. It’s a subject that every installer has an opinion on (and is keen to share!), usually preferring to use one material over the other, but not always considering that the two can be used together.
Combine plastic and copper plumbing systems for versatility
As a manufacturer of plastic plumbing systems, it’s clear which one we champion, but one of the many benefits of our HepO push-fit plumbing system is that it can be used with copper, which makes it a versatile option for small or large-scale plumbing jobs.
Connecting plastic and copper plumbing systems with HepO couldn’t be easier. Simply follow our step-by-step guide below.
Connect plastic and copper plumbing with Hep₂O
HepO fittings have been designed to form reliable joints with metric copper pipe which conform to BS EN 1057 – R250.
Step 1Measure the pipe, allowing sufficient length for insertion into the fitting, and mark with a pencil.
Step 2Cut the copper pipe with a wheel cutter.
Step 3Carefully inspect the pipe ends for burrs or swarf.
Step 4Push the pipe firmly into the fitting.
Step 5Tug back on the pipe to ensure the grab-ring engages correctly and prevents the pipe from withdrawing.
With a little extra care, it’s also possible to connect a 10mm BS EN 1057 – R220 copper pipe into Hep₂O fittings. R220 pipe is particularly ‘soft’ and therefore susceptible to becoming misshapen or dented if it is not handled with care.
Pay particular attention to the cut end, looking for any signs of damage. R220 copper pipe should be cut with a mini wheel cutter, and then a chamfer should be filed on the pipe and any copper filings rinsed away, and the pipe dried off. HepO can also be connected to ¾” Imperial copper pipe using a special O-ring straight adaptor (HD3A/22) which accepts 22mm copper pipe at one end and ¾” Imperial copper pipe at the other.
Watch our short video below to see how this can be done.
When should you use plastic, copper or a combination of both?
Which system to use depends on what you’re trying to achieve. Our guide below should help you make a decision:
