PPR Hot Water Pipe Failures
Why Do PPR Hot Water Pipes Fail?
PPR (polypropylene random) plastic pipe systems – often known as “green pipe” – have been widely used for hot and cold water in apartments, hotels, hospitals and other commercial buildings. When they’re designed and installed properly, they can perform well.
However, in New Zealand and overseas there have also been many cases of leaks and bursts, especially on hot water ring mains / recirculation lines.
The short version: it’s usually a long-term combination of excessively hot water and poor installation, not just “bad pipe”.
THE TECHNICAL ISSUE
Most town water is treated with chlorine (or similar disinfectants) to make it safe to drink. That’s not a problem at cold or moderate temperatures. Issues tend to develop when the system combines:
Hot water (often 60–70 °C)
Continuous recirculation (water pumping around 24/7)
Chlorinated water inside the pipe
Over many years, this environment can slowly attack the inner wall of PP-R pipe. The plastic loses flexibility, becomes brittle, and fine cracks begin to form under pressure. Eventually those cracks grow into splits or leaks, often running along the length of the pipe.
hOW WE CAN HELP
That typically involves:
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Reviewing temperatures, pressures and recirculation settings
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Cutting out samples to check the condition of the pipe.
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Weighing up targeted repairs, partial replacement, full re-pipe or pipe relining.
A proper investigation will give you a clear picture of risk and help you plan the most cost-effective long-term fix.
I enjoy working with MacMillan Plumbing and Gas as they help us with budgeting from initial design when we need to give budgets to our clients. We can then submit our price with more confidence than using Sq. m rates. Come construction time, there are no surprises to budget as we have proactively already ticked this box.
You (MacMillan) guys run a top class outfit and it’s a pleasure doing business with you all!
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