All you need to know about Hep2O push-fit plastic plumbing pipe

4
min read time
2021-01-06 23:00:00


A question plumbers often ask us is the difference between Standard and Barrier pipe. Our push-fit plastic plumbing system Hep2O is available in straight lengths or coils in both Standard and/or Barrier pipes, both of which are accepted by British Gas/Scottish Gas Central Heating Care Contracts. In this post, we take a look at the key features of each.

How is straight pipe available and when should you use it?

Straight lengths of Hep 2O Standard and Barrier pipe are supplied in 3m lengths in 15mm, 22mm and 28mm diameters. Straight pipe is just as flexible as coiled pipe and is primarily intended for exposed pipework where neatness is vital or where only a short length of pipe is required.

 

The difference between Polybutylene (PB) and Cross-linked Polyethylene (PEX) pipe

Hep2O and competitor pipe rolled out

There are two main pipe materials on the market, Polybutylene (PB) and Cross-linked Polyethylene (PEX) and both have different properties.

PEX pipe is relatively stiff and when taken from the coil retains a spring-like quality, which can make it difficult to work with, particularly on long runs and when cabling through joists or floors.

Polybutylene, in comparison, is cured on massive drums, and the plastic memory means that when you uncoil it lays flatter, as seen in the image below. It’s also very flexible, so easy to work with in all situations. Hep 2O pipe is all PB.

 

 


Hep2O pipe (left) comes off the coil straight

 

What’s the benefit of Hep2O pipe coil?

A unique characteristic of Hep 2O pipe coil is its remarkable ability to remain straight once uncoiled, unlike some other plastic materials which act like a spring and makes handling so awkward that two men may well be required to carry out a relatively simple job. Hep 2O pipe is much easier to handle and much easier to cable because of its inherent tendency to stay where it’s put.

Coiled Hep 2O pipe is supplied in 25m to 100m coils, in 10mm, 15mm, 22mm and 28mm diameters, in a SmartPack™ dispenser.

• Choice of Standard or Barrier pipe
• Uncoiled pipe retains its flexibility
• For installations into screed, use the Hep 2O ‘Pipe-in-Pipe’ system. This incorporates Hep 2O Barrier pipe in a pre-sheathed conduit as seen below.

 

Red-and-blue-pipe

 

Hep2O Pipe-in-Pipe is supplied in coils with a choice of red or blue conduit

Features of standard pipe

  • Suitable for domestic hot/cold water and heating applications
  • When used for heating, a suitable inhibitor such as Sentinel or Fernox MB1 should be used

 

Features of barrier pipe

  • Designed for central heating systems
  • Incorporates an oxygen barrier to inhibit oxygen permeation
  • Use of inhibitors are recommended as corrosion can occur in all types of system regardless of pipe material
  • It May also be used for domestic hot and cold water services

Note: Hep 2O pipe is NOT suitable for conveying gas, oil or underground supplies.

 

Still have a question about Hep 2O? Drop us a line and we’ll get back to you. 

 

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