Specialist Plastics

Our Specialist Plastics range brings together high-performance plastic pipework systems designed for applications where standard materials simply aren’t suitable. From hot and cold potable water to aggressive chemicals, laboratory waste and industrial effluent, these systems are engineered to perform reliably under demanding conditions.

Because these products are designed for specialist applications, we always recommend speaking to our technical team before ordering if you’ve not used them before. Please note that all products in this category are non-returnable.

At Pipestock, we supply fully matched systems - pipe, fittings, valves and accessories - from industry-leading manufacturers, ensuring compatibility, compliance and long service life across every installation.

Specialist plastic pipework is chosen where performance, safety and durability are critical.

Typical applications include:

• Hot and cold water distribution
• Chemical processing and dosing
• Laboratory drainage and waste
• Industrial effluent and treatment systems
• Pharmaceutical, healthcare and education facilities
• Food, beverage and brewing processes
• High-temperature or corrosive environments

Unlike standard plastics, these materials are selected for their temperature resistance, chemical compatibility, pressure capability and long-term reliability

The HTA Hot & Cold Water system is a fully integrated CPVC (chlorinated polyvinyl chloride) pipework solution designed specifically for potable water distribution in residential and commercial buildings.

Manufactured by Durapipe, HTA is a proven alternative to copper, offering excellent thermal performance without corrosion, scaling or the need for hot works.

Key Benefits of HTA:

• Designed for hot and cold potable water
• Temperature range from 5°C to 90°C
• Pressure ratings up to PN25 (size dependent)
• WRAS approved for drinking water
• Lightweight and fast to install
• Smooth, limescale-free bore
• No corrosion, pitting or degradation
• Solvent-welded joints - no heat or electricity required

HTA systems are widely used in homes, schools, hospitals, hotels and commercial buildings where reliability, hygiene and ease of installation are essential.

Vulcathene laboratory drainage is the global benchmark for chemical waste management in laboratories. With over 65 years of proven performance, it is trusted by schools, universities, hospitals and research facilities worldwide.

Manufactured from co-polymer polypropylene with carbon black UV stabilisation, Vulcathene is engineered to safely handle aggressive laboratory waste streams.

Why Choose Vulcathene?

• Exceptional resistance to acids, alkalis, solvents and chemicals
• Mechanical and electrofusion (Enfusion) jointing options
• Nominal sizes from 38mm to 152mm
• Operating temperatures from -20°C to +100°C
• Anti-siphon traps to prevent harmful fumes
• Demountable mechanical joints for easy modification
• British Board of Agrément approved
• Manufactured to ISO 9001 & ISO 14001

Vulcathene systems are purpose-built for safety, compliance and long-term performance in demanding laboratory environments.

For hot, aggressive and corrosive fluids, Corzan CPVC offers a dependable and cost-effective industrial solution. Supplied as a fully matched system by Pipestock, Corzan CPVC is engineered to outperform metal in chemical and high-temperature applications.

Corzan CPVC Highlights:

• Operating temperatures up to 95°C
• Pressure ratings up to 16 bar
• Excellent chemical, corrosion and abrasion resistance
• Lightweight and easy to install
• Smooth bore for improved flow and efficiency
• WRAS approved and WRc tested
• Solvent-weld jointing for strong, permanent connections

Corzan CPVC is commonly used in chemical processing, industrial water services, waste treatment and process lines where metals would corrode or fail prematurely.

Our polypropylene pipework systems are designed for the safe conveyance of hot, aggressive and chemically corrosive fluids across a wide range of industrial environments.

Available in PP-B, PP-H and PP-R grades, these systems offer outstanding chemical resistance, flexibility and long-term reliability.

Key Features of Polypropylene Systems:

• Sizes from 16mm up to 400mm (metric and inch)
• Pressure ratings up to 10 bar (temperature dependent)
• Operating temperatures up to 100°C
• Socket fusion, electrofusion and butt fusion jointing
• Smooth bore for low pressure loss
• High impact resistance, even at lower temperatures
• Maintenance-free and corrosion-proof

Polypropylene is widely used in chemical processing, effluent treatment, pharmaceuticals, water treatment, brewing, food production and specialist industrial installations.

Across all specialist plastics ranges, Pipestock supplies complete systems, including:

• Pressure pipe
• Plain and threaded fittings
• Valves and strainers
• Fusion and solvent jointing accessories
• Installation tools and system supports

Using fully matched components ensures system integrity, compliance with standards and long-term performance.

• Specialist products - technical advice recommended
• All products in this category are non-returnable
• Chemical compatibility and application suitability should always be confirmed before installation

If you’re unsure which system is right for your application, our experienced technical team is on hand to help. Whether you’re specifying a laboratory, designing a chemical process line or upgrading a hot water system, Pipestock’s specialist plastics range offers reliable, proven solutions for the most demanding environments.

• What plastic pipe is best for hot water?
  • For hot water applications, CPVC pipe systems are the most reliable choice. Systems such as HTA CPVC are specifically designed for domestic and commercial hot and cold potable water, offering excellent temperature resistance (up to 90°C), WRAS approval and long service life without corrosion or limescale build-up.
• Which plastic pipe is suitable for corrosive chemicals?
  • For corrosive or aggressive chemicals, CPVC (PVC-C) and polypropylene (PP) are the preferred materials. Corzan CPVC is ideal for hot, pressurised chemical systems, while PP-B / PP-H polypropylene offers outstanding chemical resistance for a wide range of industrial process fluids, acids and alkalis.
• What pipe system is used for laboratory drainage?
  • Laboratory drainage systems typically use Vulcathene pipework, which is purpose-designed to safely convey chemical waste, acids, solvents and laboratory effluent. Vulcathene systems offer exceptional chemical resistance, specialist traps and fittings, and proven performance in schools, hospitals and research facilities.
• What is the difference between CPVC and polypropylene pipe?
  • CPVC is commonly used for hot water and pressurised chemical systems, offering excellent temperature and pressure performance with solvent-welded joints. Polypropylene (PP-B / PP-H) is often chosen for industrial chemical process lines, using fusion welding methods and offering exceptional chemical resistance and flexibility across larger pipe sizes.
• What plastic pipe can handle heat and chemicals?
  • For systems carrying both heat and aggressive chemicals, Corzan CPVC and polypropylene pipe systems are proven solutions. CPVC is ideal where higher pressures are required, while polypropylene excels in chemically aggressive environments where fusion-welded joints and high flow rates are needed.