LaRue Posted July 29, 2007 Share Posted July 29, 2007 Started renovation of cottage in auvergne and am undecided whether to use copper or per for internal use. The house will be empty for most winters so I'm seeking advice as to which is safer/more reliable against freezing damage although system will be drained as far as possible. Also, is it recommended to empty the hot water tank? Does anyone have experience of leaving electric heaters on auto throughout the season.[8-)] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave&Olive Posted July 29, 2007 Share Posted July 29, 2007 hi ok Just hope the Copper would beat the Perv everytime .........sorry Dave Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dick Smith Posted July 29, 2007 Share Posted July 29, 2007 I wondered that - just what sort of shape is pervy copper? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave&Olive Posted July 29, 2007 Share Posted July 29, 2007 [quote user="Dick Smith"]I wondered that - just what sort of shape is pervy copper?[/quote] better known as a BENT COPPER ouch!! Dave Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dick Smith Posted July 29, 2007 Share Posted July 29, 2007 .[:D] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dick Smith Posted July 29, 2007 Share Posted July 29, 2007 LaRue - a serious answer to your question.You don't say where you are - which makes a very great difference. [edit - just seen that you have - what are the winters like in the Auvergne?]We are in the same position in Normandy. We have copper pipes (artisan installed) with simple lagging, and have never (so far) had a freeze. We 'winterise' by emptying the chauffe eau and turning the water off at the mains in the road. We don't put antifreeze into toilets etc., but in some areas you might need to.You may find that leaving electric heaters on for a period of more than a few days when you are not in residence will invalidate your insurance - best to check, or get someone to come in a few days before you arrive and switch on. Some people have advocated leaving central heating on, on a 'frost' setting - but we don't have CH, so I have no experience of that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave&Olive Posted July 29, 2007 Share Posted July 29, 2007 hi ok now we have had the funnys lets see if we can help... I am not a lover of plastic it has not stood the test of as time yet ( old school maybe me ) ok turn off at the main, drain down your hot water tank put antifreeze in the heating system and tennis balls in the boggs Dave maybe talking sence at last ..3 glasses and 2 sips Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dick Smith Posted July 29, 2007 Share Posted July 29, 2007 Dave - nice to chat again - I've never seen the point of the tennis balls. If the water in the pan freezes it has plenty of room to expand, surely? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nick Trollope Posted July 30, 2007 Share Posted July 30, 2007 Quite, but recovering a tennis ball after you forgot it was there is soooo much more fun. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nick Trollope Posted July 30, 2007 Share Posted July 30, 2007 Oh yes, PER V Copper.PER every time for me, I'm afraid Dave, but then I never attended the old school.It is quick, reliable and (if you take time into account) and any idiot can do it (I cite myself as a prime example, having done about 6 complete "replumbs").This is a bit like the wood v metal stud debate.....I'm a modern man, me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LaRue Posted July 30, 2007 Author Share Posted July 30, 2007 Thanks for the advice ,have decided in the absence of evidence to contrary , to stick with copper Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Poppy Posted July 30, 2007 Share Posted July 30, 2007 We are usually very conservative but installed PER 10 years ago and can report no problems at all. We put it in the gain which obviously hasn't had to be actioned but there if necessary. This facility isn't available with the copper and maybe a godsend with complete tiled walls showers etc Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stewart Posted July 30, 2007 Share Posted July 30, 2007 mmmm, I've never had a joint in a copper pipe, erm,,, undo itselfe!!! but to date i've had 3 plastic fittings fail, the last one was on a loft conversion that 12 months after completion my clients went away for a weekend, during that time the water board had finished the renewal of the water main in the road, i'll guess due to a surge in pressure or air locked in the pipework the fitting was torn from the pipework on the cold feed to the loft, hey presto, a claim on my liability insurance of £ 14,450 it was clearly installed corectly as the pipe end had deep laserations where it had been ripped out! Plus i've got a feeling that the rubber sealing ring will break down far quicker than copper and solder! It is a DIY alternative, very quick and easy, but i'd not use the stuff again! Stewart. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nick Trollope Posted July 30, 2007 Share Posted July 30, 2007 [quote user="LaRue"]Thanks for the advice ,have decided in the absence of evidence to contrary , to stick with copper[/quote]Probably a good move.Problem for me is I never learnt to braze, but I never fail to be impressed by proper French plumbers who make all their own joints..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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