A PPR water pipe is the main pipe of a hot and cold water system in homes and commercial buildings.
It keeps a clean, rust-free bore for years. Therefore, water pressure and quality stay steady at the taps.
What is a PPR water pipe?
PPR pipe is a plastic water pipe made from polypropylene random copolymer. It carries hot and cold water in homes, hotels, hospitals and factories.
Pipes and fittings join by socket fusion. The heated surfaces melt together, so each joint becomes one solid piece with no glue or thread. As a result, PPR systems rarely leak at joints and do not rust or scale.
Further reading
- Polypropylene: properties and uses (Wikipedia)
- Plastic pipework materials compared (Wikipedia)
- Plastic welding and fusion joining (Wikipedia)
Key terms explained
- PPR
- Polypropylene random copolymer, a plastic made for hot and cold water pipes. It joins by heat fusion.
- Socket fusion
- Heating the pipe end and fitting socket on a welding machine, then pushing them together so they fuse into one piece.
- PN rating
- The pressure class, such as PN16, PN20 or PN25. A higher PN has a thicker wall for hot water and higher pressure.
- Outside diameter (OD)
- PPR is sized by outside diameter in mm, such as 20, 25, 32, 40, 50 and 63 mm.
- SDR
- Standard Dimension Ratio, outside diameter divided by wall thickness. A lower SDR means a thicker wall.
- Thermal expansion
- PPR grows longer when hot, so long hot runs need expansion loops or fixed points.
Features and benefits
- Carries hot and cold water.
- Does not rust, scale or corrode.
- Fused joints with no glue or thread.
- Smooth bore for steady flow.
- Light and quick to install.
- Several PN classes for cold and hot lines.
Technical specifications
| Product | PPR water pipe |
|---|---|
| Material | PPR (polypropylene random copolymer) |
| Joint | Socket fusion |
| Service | Hot and cold water |
| Sizes | State the size in mm when you request a quote (20, 25, 32 mm and up) |
| Supplier | Sparks Plumbing Experts Ltd, Nairobi |
Sizes, PN class and colour depend on stock and maker. Tell us the size in mm and the quantity, and we will confirm.
Applications of a PPR water pipe
- Domestic hot and cold water. Supplies kitchens and bathrooms in homes and flats.
- Hotels and hospitals. Carries hot water to many outlets.
- Solar water heating. Links solar heaters to taps where temperatures suit.
- Instant and storage heaters. Connects heaters to showers and basins.
- Rising mains. Feeds upper floors in apartments.
- Underfloor heating loops. Carries warm water in heating systems where specified.
- Compressed air lines. Used in some workshops where the PPR system is rated for air.
- Industrial water. Carries process and cooling water.
- Rainwater harvesting. Carries harvested water to taps and tanks.
- Schools and offices. Supplies washrooms and kitchens.
How to choose and install
- Use PN20 or PN25 for hot water and PN16 or above for cold mains.
- Match pipe OD to the fittings.
- Allow for expansion on long hot runs.
- Protect exposed pipe from direct sun.
Related Products
Why choose Sparks Plumbing Experts
- Every common pipe materialGI, PPR, PVC, HDPE, brass and stainless fittings are all stocked, so you can match any existing system.
- Common sizes in stockMost fitting types come in several sizes, from small domestic sizes up to larger mains sizes.
- Pipes, fittings and valves togetherPipes, fittings, valves, clamps and jointing products come in one order.
- Help with thread and size standardsWe help you confirm inch and millimetre sizes before you buy, which avoids return trips.
- Visit or collect in NairobiOur store is at KCB Building, Enterprise Road, in the Industrial Area, so you can see parts before you buy or collect your order.
- Quotes your wayAsk for prices by phone, WhatsApp, email or the online quote form, whichever suits you on site.
- Over 1,600 products in one placeOur catalogue covers 55 categories, so one supplier can handle most of your parts list.
- Help choosing the right partSend a nameplate photo, a drawing or the old part, and we help you match size and specification.
- Single items or project quantitiesWe price a single replacement part just as readily as a full site order.
- Supply across East AfricaWe serve customers across Kenya, and we also supply buyers in Uganda and Tanzania.
Related products and accessories
Browse more: PPR Pipes & Fittings · Valves · Tapes · Plumbing Accessories & Tools.
Ordering from Sparks Plumbing Experts
We supply customers across Kenya, and we also serve buyers in Uganda and Tanzania. You can collect from our store at KCB Building, Enterprise Road, Nairobi, or ask us about delivery to your site. Send your quantities and specifications, and we will reply with prices and availability.
Request a Quote WhatsApp 0726 086 895
Frequently asked questions
How much PPR water pipe does a house need?
It depends on the layout. Send us the plan or a list of runs, and we will help estimate.
What details do you need to quote PPR pipes?
Tell us the size in mm, the PN class and the quantity. A photo of the old part, a nameplate or a drawing also helps. Then call or WhatsApp 0726 086 895, or use the quote form on this page.
Do you deliver PPR pipes outside Nairobi?
Yes. We supply customers across Kenya, and we also serve buyers in Uganda and Tanzania. Delivery or courier arrangements are agreed when you confirm the order.
How much does a length of PPR pipe cost in Kenya?
The price depends on the size, the PN class and the quantity. Therefore, send your list with a quote request and we will reply with current figures.
Can PPR pipes be used for hot water?
Yes. PPR is made for hot and cold water. Use a suitable PN class for hot lines, such as PN20 or PN25.
How are PPR pipes joined?
PPR parts join by socket fusion with a PPR welding machine. Threaded and brass insert parts connect to metal with a sealed thread.
Can PPR pipe be buried?
Yes, with sand bedding and protection. It is mostly used inside buildings.
Does PPR pipe need insulation?
Insulate hot lines to save energy and cold lines where condensation is a problem.
Is PPR pipe safe for drinking water?
PPR is widely used for drinking water. Use pipe made for potable water.
People also search for
PPR pipe colours
Colour varies by maker. Some use stripes to show hot or cold lines. Check the printed PN class.
PPR pipe length
PPR pipe is commonly sold in 4 metre lengths. Confirm with us.
length of PPR pipe price in Kenya
Prices change with size, model and quantity. Request a quote from Sparks Plumbing Experts for current figures.
PPR vs GI pipe
PPR does not rust and suits hot and cold water indoors. GI is stronger against knocks and sunlight.
PPR sizes mm to inches
In Kenya, 20 mm is commonly sold as 1/2 inch, 25 mm as 3/4 inch and 32 mm as 1 inch.
PPR welding temperature
Socket fusion tools usually work at about 260 degrees Celsius. Follow the machine and fitting maker instructions.
PN16 vs PN20 PPR
PN20 has a thicker wall and suits hot water. PN16 is often used for cold water.
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