This part of this British Standard specifies the practices to be followed in the application and installation of thermoplastics pipes and associated fittings which fall within the scope of BS 7291:2001 and are used for the distribution of hot and cold water, including drinking water, and heating systems within buildings.

Guidance is also given on acceptable methods of jointing polybutylene (PB) and crosslinked polyethylene (PE-X) pipes and associated fittings, together with recommendations on their storage, handling and transportation.

Whilst it is recognized that in the majority of installations there will be combination of plastics and metallic components, guidance is only given for those parts of the installation where thermoplastics pipes and/or associated fittings are utilized, except where a transition occurs between plastics and metallic components.