The best way to run any pipework in a domestic plumbing system would be to run the whole system with one piece of pipe and probably in a straight line. Now, even the non plumbers amongst us will know that it is an impossible task to do, and the pipe are going to go up hill, down dale and have loads of bends in them. This means ultimately that shorter lengths must be cut, shaped and joined together. Enfield Plumbers work with all pipe styles. Older domestic plumbing systems only used iron and lead pipes. Today, copper pipes are the preferred way of transporting water around a domestic system, and plastic pipework for waste systems.

Types:

Copper Pipes:
The copper pipe is light in weight but is really quite strong. The pipe accepts solder and is easy to bend, it will also accept a capillary, compression and even a push-fit fitting. The bending is done by using a pipe bender.

Plastic Pipes:
Plastic pipework, was initially only used for wastewater, but now there are types of plastic pipe suitable for use as hot and cold water supply pipes and also for use in central heating systems. They can join to copper pipes and are now the same standard sizes, but the wall thickness of different styles may vary. They bend and install very easily, being impact and frost resistant and never corrode. An Enfield Plumber EN2 can fit plastic pipework.

Sizes:
Copper 15mm normal outer diameter.
Smaller 10mm for monobloc taps and radiators.
Larger 22-28mm for cisterns, boilers and baths.

Note:
For a system that was installed prior to the mid 1970s it will more than likely be of imperial dimensions of 1/2, 3/4 and 1inch in diameter. It is possible to connect later 15mm pipework to half-inch imperial and also 28mm to 1 inch with standard metric compression fittings, however connections for 22mm pipe to 3/4 inch needs a 22mm compression fitting with a unique oversized olive.