1. Polypropylene Random (PPR PN20) Systems
PPR pipes use thermal socket fusion at 260°C to melt the pipe and fitting into a single homogeneous joint. Once cooled, the joint is chemically bonded with zero gaskets or O-rings to degrade over time.
- Pros: Impervious to scale buildup, zero chemical corrosion from chlorination, extremely cost-effective for main riser vertical columns.
- Considerations: Requires expansion loops every 6 meters to accommodate thermal elongation under hot water distribution.
2. Multilayer PEX-AL-PEX Systems
PEX pipes incorporate an internal aluminum core sandwiched between cross-linked polyethylene layers. They can be bent smoothly by hand, reducing the number of hidden elbow fittings by up to 60%.
PEX is ideal for individual apartment manifold runouts cast directly inside lightweight screed floors.
