PolyPlumb Polybutylene Barrier Pipe 15mm

Polyplumb Polybutylene Barrier Pipe 15mm is grey plastic plumbing pipe in straight lengths, and it’s the size you’ll use most for radiator drops and hot and cold feeds to taps. It is sold in 1m, 2m, 3m and 6m lengths.

What Polyplumb polybutylene barrier pipe is used for

Polyplumb is used for hot and cold water and central heating, including underfloor heating circuits. The barrier version has an oxygen barrier layer within the pipe wall, which limits oxygen getting into a heating system and helps cut down on corrosion and sludge in radiators and boilers. Because it’s flexible, 15mm will snake through joists and round obstacles that would need several copper fittings.

Keep it off gas, oil and compressed air lines, solar thermal circuits and solid fuel back boiler primaries.

• 1m and 2m, for repairs and short drops
• 3m
• 6m, the longest straight length listed in 15mm

All lengths are collected from the counter. For long runs, a coil saves joints.

Use a proper plastic pipe cutter, since a hacksaw leaves a ragged, crushed end. Fit a pipe stiffener in the end before pushing it into a Polyplumb fitting, and push it right home. Marking the insertion depth with a pen is a simple check. Clip it more often than copper, since plastic pipe sags between supports, and keep it away from direct heat from boiler flues. Our Polyplumb pipe section has coils and conduit to suit.

Finding 15mm plastic pipe in Glasgow

Try Plumb Parts, 555 South Street, Glasgow G14 0QX. Hours run Mon-Fri 8am-5pm and Sat-Sun 8am-1pm. Or buy it through the website.

Specification

• Brand: Polyplumb
• Maker code: PB315B
• Material: Polybutylene with an oxygen barrier
• Connection: Polyplumb Push Fit fittings, with a pipe stiffener in each cut end
• Sizes: 15mm, in 1m, 2m, 3m or 6m lengths
• Suitable for: Radiator drops and hot and cold feeds

Common Questions

What is polybutylene barrier pipe? It’s flexible grey plastic plumbing pipe with an oxygen barrier layer in the middle of its wall. The barrier keeps oxygen out of heating water, which helps prevent rust and sludge.

Are polybutylene pipes still used? Yes, it’s widely used in UK homes for hot and cold water, radiators and underfloor heating. This PolyPlumb pipe meets Class S under BS 7291 Parts 1 and 2.

Is polybutylene piping illegal? No, not in the UK. The worries you may read about relate to old American systems, not modern pipe like this made to BS 7291.

Can you crimp polybutylene pipe? This pipe is made for PolyPlumb push-fit fittings, not crimp joints. Fit a pipe stiffener in the end and push it fully home into the fitting.

Do I need a pipe stiffener with PolyPlumb pipe? Yes, every end going into a fitting needs one, so the pipe keeps its round shape against the seal. Mark the insertion depth with a pen to check it’s gone right in.

How should I cut polybutylene pipe? Use plastic pipe cutters or shears for a square, uncrushed end. A hacksaw leaves rough edges that can spoil the O-ring.

Can PolyPlumb pipe go straight onto a boiler? No, run at least a metre of copper off the boiler before you change over to plastic. Check the boiler manual too, as some makers set their own rules.

Datasheets

• Polypipe PolyPlumb Enhanced Installation and Testing Guide (PDF)