When it comes to pipes, there are a number of factors to take into account when deciding which type to use. The majority of pipes nowadays are made from copper or plastic.
Copper pipes
Copper pipes have been used for many hundreds of years. In fact, the Ancient Egyptians are known to have used them in plumbing systems within tombs. Copper pipe replaced lead in the UK from the 1970s onwards because of concerns about possible poisoning.
Copper is a popular choice because of its antimicrobial properties, its availability, durability, and flexibility. Additionally, it is often favoured for domestic water systems, both hot and cold, because of its corrosion resistance and ability to withstand extreme heat.
The main negatives are that they are more expensive than other types, and can occasionally cause water to taste strange.
Plastic pipes
Plastic pipes are used extensively in modern systems. The most common are those made from Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC). These are affordable, versatile, corrosion-resistant and lightweight. PVC pipes are a popular choice for sewage, drainage, irrigation and potable water systems.
PVC pipes are not suitable for use in hot water delivery or heating systems because they can soften and lose shape when they get too hot. Additionally, they are not great from an environmental perspective.
Pipe fittings and joining pipes
There are a number of specialists in copper pipe fittings and special products for joining pipes together. Many of these have useful online resources such as the examples seen here: https://watkinspowis.co.uk/products/copper-pipe-fittings-and-press-systems.
So, which should you use?
When choosing whether to use copper or plastic pipes, you need to consider the application, exposure, and cost. For hot water systems, copper pipe is generally regarded as the best choice, whilst plastic pipes are preferred for cool water systems.