Install multilayer composite pipe yourself

Unfortunately, I had to find that you can find very little (current) information here under search terms like multilayer composite pipe, plastic pipe, Eurocone, etc. Therefore, after reading a lot in the forum, I am also starting my first thread. I want to buy a house and renovate it. Since every euro saved can be reinvested in comfort, I want to do as much as possible myself. Although I have not trained in a craft profession, I do have some skill and a lot of competent help in my circle of friends (except on this topic).

In my research on saving potential for water pipes, I came across multilayer composite pipes and screw fittings. These seem easy to work with and require only little tooling. However, I also find few experience reports on this. I would have to renew all water pipes in the house and would like, if reasonable, to completely avoid copper, since I cannot solder fittings. Or maybe copper only in the utility room, on the supply line, heating, etc., and from there continue with multilayer composite pipe.

As concrete questions, these occur to me (for now):

[*]How big is the actual saving potential? Is the effort worth it, since fittings apparently are significantly more expensive, but you can almost entirely save on labor costs.
[*]How well does processing work for an amateur with manual skills? Time should not be the critical point; I will allow myself that if necessary.
[*]What are the personal experiences regarding durability? I know no one has been using it for 50 years, but how long have you had multilayer composite pipe and how many or what problems occurred?
[*]Are there systems that are recommendable and which ones would someone directly advise against?

Aren't the pipes already laid as composite pipes and PRESS fittings by default? I haven't seen any screwing in our two houses over the past years. "Merely" connecting and pressing - nothing more.

Copper pipes can be connected with press fittings. The pliers can be rented or borrowed from the friendly dealer.

Regards

I have exactly the same pipe here and haven’t dared to try it yet. I also ordered a box of screw fittings for it. I’m just still hoping to find a craftsman who wants to do it, but at the moment nobody is rushing to take the job, to put it positively. What I don’t quite understand yet is whether you really don’t need any sealing grease/hemp or the like anymore, but just screw it together? Because then I would definitely trust myself to do it... It’s definitely more appealing to me than copper pipes pressed, because aluminum composite pipe doesn’t have a thousand press fittings that can leak. When my heating was installed with copper press pipes, two of the connections immediately leaked when pressure tested and quite a bit of water came out. You have to patch around every corner. So I would be happy to hear about any experiences with this system. If anyone has any, just send them my way.

Moin Moin

First of all, the contract with your supplier basically states ... installation, maintenance, and modification of the systems must be carried out by an installation company approved by the association.....

It is always not so funny when the supplier simply removes the meter due to defects in the installation/ lack of safety devices.

The potential savings range from a few hundred euros or also up to the lower single-digit k€
to additional costs that can quickly reach the five-figure range.

Almost everyone can manage to screw on a clamping ring fitting, for example, but what about the necessary dimensioning, shut-offs, and safety devices? What is your level of knowledge in this regard?

I know lines that are about 30 years old. So far without problems.

Basically, one can recommend anything with a DIN DVGW test mark.

I advise against screw fittings = detachable connections in flush-mounted installations.

That installation companies are not scrambling for orders when pipes and fittings are already present at the construction site does not surprise me. However, the approach to have these works carried out is correct.

Olli

I would also prefer to have it done by someone else. Especially with [Unterputz]. If you have water damage, you will probably have a problem with the insurance because it was not installed by a professional. I would always rather outsource risky trades than do it myself. Unfortunately, you can quickly save money in the wrong place.