Is it common practice to use plastic pipes for radiators?

Traditionally, copper and steel were favoured for heating pipework, however, plastic pipes are growing in popularity. But, is it common practice to use plastic pipes for radiators?

The good news is plastic pipes are indeed safe to use in domestic hot and cold water supply and central heating systems.

Why use plastic pipes for radiators?

So why are plastic pipes being chosen over metal pipes?

• The flexibility of plastic pipes makes them easier to handle and install. It also allows the pipes to curve, which means fewer joints and a reduced risk of leaks
• Plastic pipes are durable, being more corrosion-resistant than copper
• Plastic doesn’t conduct heat, therefore reducing the amount of heat that’s lost as the water travels down the pipes
• Plastic pipes are less expensive than copper or stainless steel

While it’s now common practice to use plastic pipes for radiators, they’re not as strong as copper or stainless steel and do have a shorter lifespan. Copper pipes normally last for 70-80 years, while plastic pipes will generally need to be replaced after 50-70 years.

Safety note

While plastic pipes are safe to use for radiators and central heating systems, it’s recommended that copper pipes should be used within 1-1.5m of the boiler for safety reasons.

Please refer to the boiler manufacturer’s installation guide to understand the specifications for your particular model.

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