Material guide
Which pipe for which job?
PPR-C, PB, PE-RT and PVC each shine in a different application. Use the quick-pick, then dive into the full property matrix.
Quick pick — by use case
Tap a scenario to see which system we recommend.
Continuous service ≤ 70°C
Property matrix
All four pressure systems plus PVC drainage, side by side.
| PPR-C | Blue Fusion | PB | PE-RT | PVC-U | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Polypropylene Random Copolymer | PPR-C Blue Fusion (PN20+) | Polybutylene-1 (PB) | Polyethylene of Raised Temperature resistance | Unplasticised PVC (TYPE-1) |
| Reference standard | TS EN ISO 15874 / DIN 8077-8078 | TS EN ISO 15874 | DIN EN ISO 15876 | TS EN ISO 22391 / DIN 16968 | TS EN 1329-1 |
| Pressure class | PN16, PN20, PN25 | PN20+ | PN16, PN20 | PN6, PN8 | Gravity drainage |
| Max continuous temp | 70 °C | 70 °C | 82 °C | 70 °C | 60 °C |
| Short-term peak temp | 95 °C | 95 °C | 95 °C | 95 °C | 80 °C |
| Min service temp | 0 °C | 0 °C | -15 °C | -25 °C | 0 °C |
| Linear expansion α | 0.15 mm/m·K | 0.15 mm/m·K | 0.13 mm/m·K | 0.19 mm/m·K | 0.08 mm/m·K |
| Density | 905 kg/m³ | 905 kg/m³ | 935 kg/m³ | 940 kg/m³ | 1400 kg/m³ |
| Thermal conductivity | 0.24 W/m·K | 0.24 W/m·K | 0.22 W/m·K | 0.4 W/m·K | 0.16 W/m·K |
| Joining method | Heat fusion (260°C / DVS 2207) | Heat fusion (260°C / DVS 2207) | Push-fit / electrofusion | Compression / press-fit (multilayer) | Push-fit gasket / solvent weld |
| Service life | 50 years (at 70°C / PN16) | 50 years (high-flow lines) | 50 years (potable + heating) | 50 years (underfloor heating) | 50+ years (indoor stacks) |
Strengths & limits
PPR-C
Strengths
- Smooth inner wall, no scaling
- No corrosion or galvanic reaction
- Simple heat-fusion joints — no o-rings
- Long service life under pressure
Limits
- Higher linear expansion than metal — needs anchors/loops
- Cannot handle continuous service > 70°C reliably
Blue Fusion
Strengths
- Thicker wall than standard PPR-C
- Blue colour-code prevents site mix-ups
- Same fusion equipment as PPR-C
Limits
- Higher cost per metre vs standard PPR-C
- Same temperature ceiling as PPR-C
PB
Strengths
- Most flexible of the four — tight bend radius
- Push-fit joins reduce site labour
- Better creep resistance than PE-X at high temp
- Quietest material under flow
Limits
- Higher raw-material cost than PPR-C
- Push-fit joints need correct insertion depth
PE-RT
Strengths
- No cross-linking step — fully recyclable
- Multilayer (PE-RT/AL/PE-RT) gives oxygen barrier + shape memory
- Best low-temperature flexibility of the four
Limits
- Lower pressure class than PPR-C / PB
- Multilayer needs press-fit fittings — different SKU set
PVC-U
Strengths
- Lowest expansion of the four — closest to metal
- Excellent chemical resistance to lime/soap/detergent
- Light, fast to install (push-fit or solvent)
- TYPE-2 thick-wall option dampens drainage noise
Limits
- Brittle below 0°C — needs insulation outdoors
- Not suitable for continuous hot-water service
- UV exposure causes colour fade and embrittlement