At the heart of our systems is our commitment to polybutylene pipe. Unlike a number of other plumbing manufacturers, we choose polybutylene to create the most flexible and efficient pipes and plumbing systems available. Polybutylene pipe is ideal for both hot and cold water plumbing and heating systems, offering exceptional durability and long-term performance, which has seen it become the preferred material choice for today’s building projects.

Flexible & Lightweight

The most important characteristic of polybutylene is its natural flexibility, allowing you to bend, curve and manipulate the pipe into even the tightest of spaces. Polybutylene is the most malleable plastic used in the manufacture of piping systems.

The table below shows the modulus of elasticity or 'rigidity' of polybutylene compared with a range of piping systems:

Another key advantage of polybutylene pipe is that it is extremely lightweight, particularly when compared with copper piping systems. For example, 15mm copper tube will weigh approximately 0.28kg/m, whereas 15mm polybutylene pipe weighs only 0.074kg/m, a significant difference of 75% on consignment weight when transporting materials to site.

Below is a weight comparison of 100m of 15mm tube

Durable & Environmentally friendly

Within the manufacturing cycle polybutylene doesn’t require chemical or radiation cross linking, which reduces the number of production processes, leading to faster and more efficient manufacturing.

Polybutylene has good resistance to freezing temperatures, maintaining long-term durability in heating and water applications. This, combined with the pipe’s elasticity, means that if water is subjected to freezing temperatures, the result will be a reduced possibility of burst pipes. (Special precautions to be taken in surface / underfloor heating systems. Please contact us for details).

Polybutylene pipe has low thermal conductivity. Its co-efficient of thermal expansion is 1.3 x 10-4m/m°C. It accommodates expansion by its natural flexibility.

These elasticity properties, combined with low density and low thermal expansion, mean that the pipes have no water hammer, or other noise problems, maintaining a peaceful environment for home owners.

The table below highlights the sound velocity of polybutylene pipe compared with other materials:

Our confidence in polybutylene is demonstrated by our 25 year guarantee on both the materials and manufacture of our products.