Pressure Plastics Explained

Choosing the Right Pipework Materials & Systems from PIPEKIT

Pressure plastic systems are at the heart of modern mechanical, civil, and industrial installations. They offer durable, corrosion-free, lightweight alternatives to metal, making them essential for
efficient and sustainable pipework.

Our guide highlights the brands we supply, explains each system’s benefits, uses & certifications to help you choose the right system for your project.

What PIPEKIT Supplies

PIPEKIT provides one of the UK’s most extensive ranges of pressure plastic systems, fittings, and accessories for contractors, engineers, and specifiers.

Our core brands include Georg Fischer (GF), Durapipe SuperFLO, Geberit FlowFit & Astore.

We stock systems across all major materials, including PVC-U, ABS, PE, PP, PVC-C, and PVDF ensuring we can supply a tailored solution for water, HVAC, process, and industrial applications.


Key Benefits of Pressure Plastics

  • Lightweight & Easy to Handle: Reduces labour and installation time.
  • Corrosion & Scale Resistant: Long service life even in aggressive environments.
  • No Hot Works: Safer installation, ideal for occupied or live environments.
  • Smooth Bore: Promotes energy-efficient flow and reduces pressure losses.
  • Low Thermal Conductivity: Minimises condensation on chilled water systems.
  • Sustainable: Recyclable materials with lower embodied carbon than metal.

Pressure Plastic System Types and Applications


PVC-U (Unplasticised PVC)
A cost-effective choice for low-pressure cold-water, process, and drainage systems. PVC-U is lightweight, easy to solvent-cement, and highly chemical resistant that is ideal for industrial and commercial cold-water services.

PE (Polyethylene – MDPE/HDPE)

Flexible, impact-resistant, and suitable for buried mains, water distribution, and irrigation. PE is joined by butt or electrofusion, creating strong, leak-free joints. Many PE ranges are WRAS-approved for potable water.

ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)

Lightweight, strong, and designed for chilled water, cold water, and HVAC systems. Systems like Durapipe SuperFLO are solvent-welded (no hot works) and corrosion-resistant. Their low thermal conductivity limits condensation in building services.

PP (Polypropylene)

Chemical resistant and durable, PP is ideal for chemical processing, industrial cooling, and waste systems. It’s joined using socket, butt, or infrared fusion, ensuring consistent, homogeneous welds.

PVC-C (Chlorinated PVC)

A higher-temperature variant of PVC-U, used for hot and cold potable water and certain industrial processes. Combines corrosion resistance with easy solvent-weld installation.

PVDF (Polyvinylidene Fluoride)

For chemical, pharmaceutical, and high-purity systems, PVDF offers unmatched resistance to heat, pressure, and aggressive media.

MLCP (Multi-Layer Composite Pipe)

Combining aluminium and cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) layers, MLCP systems like Geberit FlowFit offer the best of both worlds, the flexibility of plastic and strength of metal.

  • Minimal thermal expansion and high pressure tolerance
  • Ideal for heating, cooling, and potable water
  • Press-fit connection technology for rapid, secure installation
  • Lightweight and easy to form, reducing fittings on site

Pre-Insulated Pipe

Available across materials for district heating, cooling, and buried chilled water applications where thermal efficiency and speed of installation are key.

ABS

ABS

PE

PE

PVC-U

PVC-U

PP

PP

Leading Brands PIPEKIT Supplies

Durapipe SuperFLO

A trusted ABS pressure system engineered for chilled and cold-water distribution in commercial and industrial environments.

Benefits:

  • Lightweight and corrosion-free
  • Solvent-weld jointing – no hot works
  • Rated up to 16 bar (varies by size)
  • WRAS-approved potable variants
  • Excellent for HVAC and refrigeration systems

Commonly used in data centres, hospitals, universities, and plantrooms.

Geberit FlowFit

The latest generation of press-fit polymer piping, Geberit FlowFit replaces Mapress and Mepla in many modern installations.

Benefits:

  • Fast, secure press-jointing with smart visual indicators
  • Suitable for hot and cold potable water, heating, and cooling systems
  • Lightweight polymer design for faster installation
  • Full WRAS and KIWA approvals
  • System-designed fittings and tools for reliability

FlowFit delivers the clean aesthetics and high performance required in commercial and residential building services.

Georg Fischer (GF Piping Systems)

A global leader in thermoplastic piping, GF provides PE, PP, PVC-U, and PVDF systems supported by advanced fusion technologies.

Benefits:

  • Industry-leading butt, socket, and electrofusion options
  • ISO and WRAS-certified manufacturing
  • Leak-free, permanent joints for buried and industrial systems
  • Extensive technical and on-site support

Perfect for water mains, industrial processes, and chemical handling systems.


Uponor

Specialist in pre-insulated, flexible pipe systems for district energy and potable networks.

Benefits:

  • Reduces heat loss in heating/cooling distribution
  • Fast to install with minimal trench depth
  • Compatible with renewable energy systems (heat pumps, biomass)
  • KIWA, DVGW, and CE-certified
Durapipe SuperFlo ABS Imperial

Durapipe SuperFlo ABS Imperial

Geberit FlowFit

Geberit FlowFit

Georg Fischer PVC-U Imperial

Polypipe MecFlow Fusion

Certifications and Standards

PIPEKIT’s brands hold leading UK and international certifications:

  • WRAS (Water Regulations Approval Scheme): Potable water suitability for systems like MecFlow, FlowFit, Philmac, and SuperFLO.
  • KIWA/ DVGW / ISO: Recognised European standards confirming material and manufacturing quality.
  • ISO 9001 & 14001: Quality and environmental management certification (GF, Aliaxis).


Specification & Procurement Checklist

Before ordering from PIPEKIT or specifying a system, confirm:

  1. Material and manufacturer (e.g., Polypipe MecFlow Fusion, GF PE100 SDR11).
  2. Certification (WRAS, KIWA, ISO).
  3. Operating pressure and temperature.
  4. Jointing method and tooling required.
  5. Support spacing and expansion details.
  6. Testing and acceptance criteria.
  7. Compatible valves and accessories.

PIPEKIT’s technical team can verify specifications and provide certification documents for tender or approval.

Buying Tips

  • Choose systems based on performance and certification, not just price.
  • Request WRAS/KIWA certificates early for specification compliance.
  • Consider prefabrication services PIPEKIT can supply pre-assembled sections to reduce site work.
  • Take advantage of our stock and reliable delivery across core pressure plastics ranges.


Why Choose PIPEKIT?

PIPEKIT offers expert guidance, trusted brands, and full system compatibility from a single source. Whether you’re installing a chilled-water loop, buried water main, potable plumbing network, or industrial process line, we can supply the certified products and technical support you need for a safe, efficient, and compliant installation.

For quotes, technical data, or certification requests, contact:

📧enquiries@pipekit.co.uk | 🌐 www.pipekit.co.uk