Aluminum-plastic composite water piping is a multipurpose pressure piping that can be used for hot and cold water distribution indoors and outside. It is also well suited for under the floor heating and snowmelt systems. It provides the advantages of both plastic and aluminum, such as lightweight, flexibility, strength and corrosion resistance. It also can be used with both conventional and manifold plumbing systems.
Composite piping is made of an aluminum tube that is laminated to interior and exterior layers of plastic. Brass fittings, tees, elbows, and couplings are available. Fittings are available in both mechanical compression and crimping styles. In addition to domestic water supply systems, composite piping can be used for under floor heating, ice melt systems in sidewalks and driveways, air conditioning systems, geothermal heat pumps, and compressed air distribution.
Composite piping is lightweight, it weighs 41 pounds per 600 feet of ½-inch coil. It can operate at pressures ranging from 90 to 300 pounds per square inch (psi) and can withstand operating temperatures of up to 210 degrees Fahrenheit. It can be easily bent or formed by hand. It is available in diameters of between 3/8 and 1 inch.
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Aluminum-plastic composite piping is strong, flexible, non-corrosive, and can be used for applications such as radiant heating, plumbing, geothermal heat pumps and others.
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The material may be unfamiliar to building officials.
Composite piping costs between $53 and $225 per 100 feet, depending on diameter, and pressure and temperature rating. The proprietary nature of additional fittings and specialty tools may inflate system costs.
Not Applicable
Composite piping is approved by all national code bodies.
Not Applicable
Composite piping can be installed in walls, ceilings, concrete slabs and underground. The pipe's flexibility makes it easy to snake through wall studs and floor joists. The piping must be supported horizontally and vertically at 8.2 feet intervals. The aluminum inner core of the piping allows the pipe to hold its shape after it is formed. Pipe can be connected with a crimper or by compression fittings.
Ipex gives its composite piping a lifetime warranty.
Quick installation reduces labor costs, but there may not be trained labor available for installation. The material, although its cost is high, eliminates the need for pastes, solder and torches. Because no water hammer is produced, composite piping results in quiet operation. Composite piping will not corrode and resists scale buildup. Fewer leaks are possible because fewer connections are used. Composite piping can reduce hot water delivery time by up to 18% over copper piping.
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