Is plastic pipe a much better insulator than copper?

[Itrymybest...]

We have a decent Vaillant combi in the attic but it takes quite a while for hot water to flow to the taps in the kitchen (ground floor) and bathroom (first floor). Obviously this is mainly due to the distance of copper pipe, but partially due to the hot water initially heating the cold pipe. Has anyone had any experience of the difference plastic pipe (eg speedfit) makes to this?

Any experience and advice appreciated.

 

[Agile]

The heat loss is about the same but the specific heat of the copper may not be much different but as its a good heat conductor it will cool the water more than plastic at first.

You are probably thinking too deeply. The problem will be mostly the need to shift a lot of cold water from the supply pipe. Insulating the pipe will have most effect as it may stay warm from the last DHW usage.

If its oversized that greatly exagerates the problem! It should be 15 mm!

Tony

 

[corgiman]

Tony is right

You should insulate the pipe with some decent insulation

its good to keep water warm and cold

 

[big-all]

with up to the first 2m having to be copper any way the advantages would be reduced

insulation is the way to go but the only way you will notice the difference is after about 5 mins the water thats been standing in the pipe will now be comming out hot instead of warm

 

[Itrymybest...]

Thanks guys, I hoped this was the case, it's going to be a lot easier to lag the existing pipes than rip them out and start again.