Ireland's Plumbing & Heating Magazine Issue 109 Sept-Oct

COPPER PIPE

“We have everything we need in copper and it’s time for the industry to take a step forward, phasing out unsustainable, unhealthy materials.”

while offering greater choice and longevity. They have an ability to withstand extreme temperatures, pressures, and exposure to UV and oxygen, meaning they can be used for a range of purposes and across a multitude of environments. Copper is the professional choice, offering a recyclable, versatile, safe, and reliable material. When we have this, what is the need for alternative materials like multilayer composite pipe? We have everything we need in copper and it’s time for the industry to take a step forward, phasing out unsustainable, unhealthy materials. Make the right choice. Choose copper. Visit: www.cuspuk.com

contained microplastic particles, with a quarter of these containing polyethylene. Polyethylene plastic is used in multilayer composite pipes, as shown in the research by CORDIS. With a quarter of the blood samples from the study containing plastic of this kind, it begs the question of whether the water we drink from multilayer composite pipes has a part to play. So, why are we continuing to use these pipes, especially for water provision? Copper, on the other hand, is proven to support health and wellbeing with its naturally occurring antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, preventing the growth of harmful organisms and bacteria. It is a 100% natural material and therefore does not emit any harmful contaminants or synthetic compounds into drinking water and can also be used to effectively kill waterborne bacteria, such as legionella pneumophila, as it has the ability to withstand thermal shocking at 70 degrees Celsius.

life – proving that they have little to no value after use. What’s more, their lifespan cannot surpass that of copper pipe. For example, plastic pipes like multilayer composite pipe have been known to split, causing leaks, something that could be even more of a risk when used with push fit fittings. However, copper used once will be identical to that used 1,000 or 1,000,000 times. Its properties and quality do not deteriorate with use, a trait which ensures copper retains its value. This is the reason why you don’t tend to see scrap copper on a skip. It’s clear that copper is a durable building solution, so what is the need for multilayer composite pipe? VERSATILITY Pipes containing plastic, like multilayer composite pipe, cannot be used as widely as copper pipes. For example, they are unsuitable for use in any outdoor applications as the plastic can be damaged by UV radiation and they also can’t be used in steam services, solar applications, next to a boiler, or in medical gas installations. Copper pipes offer fantastic versatility and use across utilities, including water, heating, gas, and air conditioning – all

RETAINING VALUE AND RELIABILITY Due to their lack of recyclability,

multilayer composite pipes often end up on landfill or beaches at the end of their

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