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Barrier Pipe

Protect drinking water through contaminated land

It’s no secret that certain pollutants can degrade standard MDPE (Medium Density Polyethylene) pipes and put your water supply at risk. Contaminated soils are often found at brownfield sites – areas which were previously used for industrial or commercial works but are no longer in use.

The government actively encourages regeneration and development projects at brownfield sites – either to build more houses, warehouses or factories – to not only make the most of disused land but to protect the greenbelt and minimise urban sprawl. But, depending on the level or type of soil contamination, the water company may specify that a barrier pipe system is used to protect drinking water from the permeation of soil contaminants through the wall of the pipe.

What is barrier pipe?

Barrier pipe is a reinforced pipe that is used to safely distribute drinking water through contaminated land.

Several types of barrier pipe exist today, including ductile iron, plastic-coated copper and multi-layer plastic pipes with a metal layer. The latter is the most common type used for water supply pipes – and the one we supply, here at Cotterill Civils.

Our barrier pipe systems have a polyethylene core, surrounded by a protective metal barrier and covered with another layer of polyethylene. These are easily distinguished by the black/brown stripes along the length of the outer plastic coating.

Why use our barrier pipe system?

Our cutting-edge barrier pipe system is designed to provide the level of protection required and approved to safeguard potable water against contaminants, typically found in brownfield sites.

As a multi-layer composite structure barrier pipe, it combines the benefits of polyethylene (PE) with the exceptional barrier properties of aluminium (Al) – making it the system of choice to safeguard potable water.

Both lightweight and flexible, our barrier pipe system is quick and easy to install – without the need for thrust blocks and to post-wrap the finished joints. The pipe can be connected using almost any installation technique with our comprehensive range of barrier pipe fittings, specifically developed to give you the assurance of a safe and durable solution that protects your drinking water supply.

Another reason why you should use our barrier pipe is that we offer competitive pricing across the board, and all our prices are inclusive of VAT. Plus, many of our products come with the UK’s longest guarantees so you can be confident that you’re receiving the best value for your money.

What are the benefits of our barrier pipe system?

There are countless ways you can benefit from our barrier pipes. Here we look at just a few of them:

  • Multi-layer pipe construction PE-Al-PE
  • Brown stripes denote a multi-layer pipe
  • Full barrier pipe system
  • Combines the flexibility of polyethylene with the barrier properties of aluminium
  • Safeguards drinking water quality
  • Easy to handle, flexible and lightweight
  • End load resistant system
  • Installation cost savings – no requirement for thrust blocks
  • No requirement to post-wrap the joints
  • Suitable for most common installation techniques
  • Suitable for new and replacement drinking water supply systems

What’s more, our PlasShield conversion kits are a great choice for contaminated ground and are fast and simple to install. Available in a choice of sizes, they convert standard fittings for use with barrier pipe and meet BS8588. And the best bit is they don’t cost a fortune. Prices start from as little as £2.70.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are barrier pipes used for?

Barrier pipe is a type of plastic pipe that’s equipped with a built-in protective layer.

Without the additional coating, oxygen and various other gases could pass through the walls of the pipe. This can contaminate the potable (drinking) water that flows through it – contributing to illnesses and causing the plumbing system to corrode.

Barrier pipes are designed to provide a high level of protection against soil contaminants that are commonly found in previously developed sites, also known as brownfield sites.

They keep air and gases out of the plumbing system to help extend the lifespan of your pipe – reducing the need for replacements. This in the long term will save you time and money.

What is the difference between a barrier pipe and an MDPE pipe?

Although barrier pipes and MDPE (medium-density polyethene) pipes are both types of water pipes, they offer several distinct differences.

For example, a barrier pipe offers an extra layer of protection than MDPE pipes – protecting water supplies against gases and other contaminants in the soil.

MDPE pipes, on the other hand, are often not strong enough to keep contaminants out, meaning they seep through and harm the water supply.

Another key difference is the cost. Barrier pipe is typically more expensive than MDPE as a result of its construction method – but you can trust that it won’t allow contaminants to pass through the pipe walls.

Are barrier pipes expensive?

There’s no denying that barrier pipes will cost more than MDPE pipes, but we can assure you that we provide some of the most competitive prices around.

All our barrier pipes and fittings are manufactured to an exceptionally high quality and meet BS 8588. They’re also light, flexible and easy to handle. And they don’t require thrust blocks or any additional equipment for the installation – saving you even more money.

For a better idea of how much you can expect to pay for barrier pipes, here at Cotterill Civils, our best advice is to scroll through our extensive collection of products and click through to find out more about their specifications.

Once you’ve calculated how many lengths you need and which pipe fittings are required for the installation, add them to your online basket. You’ll notice a subtotal (inclusive of VAT) and shipping will be calculated when you proceed to the checkout.

If you have any questions or would like to know more about the cost of our barrier pipes and fittings, speak to one of our experts on 0121 351 3230.

How long will I have to wait for barrier pipes to arrive?

The time it takes for barrier pipes to be delivered can vary depending on the brand and the time of day.

For example, our Puriton barrier pipes and fittings can take anywhere up to 3 working days to arrive. Most of our Plasson fittings will be delivered within 1-2 working days, but our PlasShield conversion kit fittings usually take 2-3 working days.

Orders received in the morning (Monday to Friday) will be processed on the very same day – ready to be dispatched sooner than orders made in the afternoon or evening.

Here at Cotterill Civils, we pride ourselves on offering quick turnaround times and will always provide an estimated delivery date at the final stage of the checkout. This way, you’ll know exactly when to expect your barrier pipes to arrive. We deliver nationwide FAST.


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