ᐅ Installing Multilayer Composite Pipes Yourself

Unfortunately, I noticed that searching for terms like multilayer composite pipe, plastic pipe, Eurocone, etc., yields very little (current) information. After reading a lot in the forum, I am now starting my first thread.

I want to buy a house and renovate it. Since every dollar saved can be reinvested into comfort, I want to do as much as possible myself. Although I do not have a professional trade background, I have some skills and a lot of competent help from friends (except on this topic).

During my research on saving potential for water pipes, I came across multilayer composite pipes and screw fittings. They seem easy to work with and require only a few tools. However, I found few experience reports on them. I need to replace all water pipes in the house and would prefer, if reasonable, to avoid copper entirely, as I cannot solder fittings. Or maybe use copper only in the utility room, for the supply line, heating, etc., and continue from there with multilayer composite pipe.

Some specific questions I have (for now) are:

• How big is the actual savings potential? Is the effort worthwhile, since fittings apparently cost significantly more, but labor costs can almost be completely avoided?
• How well does installation work for a layperson with some practical skills? Time is not critical; I can take as long as necessary.
• What are personal experiences regarding durability? I know no one has been using them for 50 years, but how long have you had multilayer composite pipes installed, and what problems, if any, did you encounter?
• Are there systems you recommend or any that you would advise against?

Aren’t the pipes already typically installed as composite pipes with PRESS fittings? In the last few years, I haven’t seen any screw connections used in our two houses. It’s just a matter of pushing them together and pressing – nothing more.

Copper pipes can be connected with press fittings. The press tool can be rented or borrowed from a local supplier.

Regards

I have the exact same pipe here but haven’t dared to work with it yet. I also ordered a box of compression fittings for it. I’m still hoping to find a tradesperson willing to do the job, but at the moment, there’s not much interest in the contract, to put it mildly. What I don’t quite understand yet is whether you really don’t need any sealing paste, hemp, or similar anymore and just screw it together? Because if that’s the case, I could definitely handle it... It’s certainly more appealing to me than pressed copper pipes, since aluminum composite pipes don’t have hundreds of press fittings that can leak. When my heating system was installed with copper press fittings, right away two of the connections leaked during pressure testing and quite a bit of water came out. You have to make joints at every corner. So, I’d also appreciate any experiences with this system. If anyone has any, please share.

Hello,

First of all, the contract with your utility provider essentially states ... installation, maintenance, and modifications of the systems must be performed by a certified installation company approved by the association...

It’s never fun when the utility provider removes the meter due to defects in the installation or missing safety devices.

The potential cost savings range from a few hundred euros to a low four-figure sum, but additional costs can quickly reach five figures.

Almost anyone can manage to screw on a compression fitting, for example, but what about the necessary sizing, shut-off valves, and safety devices? What is your level of knowledge on this?

I know of piping systems that are about 30 years old, and they have had no issues so far.

It’s generally recommended to use anything with a DIN DVGW certification mark.

I advise against using threaded fittings—which are detachable connections—in concealed installations.

I’m not surprised that installation companies are not rushing to take on jobs involving existing pipes and fittings in buildings. However, it is the right approach to have these tasks carried out professionally.

Olli

I would also prefer to have it done by a professional, especially for concealed installations.
If you have water damage, you will likely face issues with your insurance because it wasn’t installed by a qualified specialist.
I would always rather contract out high-risk trades than do them yourself.
Unfortunately, this is an area where cutting costs can quickly backfire.