A few years ago metals, concrete and ceramic are the materials used for residential plumbing pipes. Still, metals pipes are used in the many homes. Medal pipes are hard to fix and the pipes need to be threaded or welded and tubing. After the introduction of the plastic plumbing system pipe, it made plumbers’ job easier. Some of the plastic pipes are,
Types of plastic pipes:
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC): PVC is a popular material for modern plumbing system pipes and it is a white or grey pipe used for high-pressure water. PVC pipes are commonly used in the main supply line into the house. PVC pipe price is low when compared with another type of plastic pipes.
Chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC): CPVC is the same as PVC but CPVC is treated with chlorine that process is called chlorination. Chlorinated polyvinyl chloride is easily shaped and more flexible than PVC. It can stand up to higher temperatures and pressure and these properties make CPVC more popular for industrial applications. This pipe is used to carry residential drinking water.
Crossed-linked polyethylene (PEX): it is the most popular plastic pipe and it is commonly installed in place of copper pipes. Crossed-linked polyethylene is installed to deliver hot and cold water especially for drinking water and it is also a popular choice for appliances such as boilers. It is flexible, ease of fitting, low cost and also the ability to maintain water pressure. Its pipes are available in blue, white and red. The red color pipe is used for hot water, blue for cold water but there is no difference in the material.
High-density polyethylene (HDPE): it is one of the toughest plumbing systems. It works well for all plumbing uses and it is durable resists corrosion and flexible. It is available in long lengths and the joints are made using heat fusion that is leak-proof. High-density polyethylene conserves water pressure because it creates minimal friction that reduces water pressure.
Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS): waste, drainage and vent pipes application for this black pipe materials. It is heat-resistant and impacts, thus making it ideal for outdoor use.
Grey polybutylene (PB): it is another type in plastic pipes. Grey polybutylene is still be found in some homes because it tends to split and leak. It is used in new installations and the PB pipe can be replaced with a reliable material like CPVC or PEX.
Advantage of using plastic pipes:
Corrosion-resistant: A plastic pipe is not easily corroded by the water and common household chemicals.
Low heat conductivity: A plastic pipe does not conduct head so it can maintain the temperature of the water it carries.
Non-reactive: plastic pipes can be connected with the same material or with metal pipes without the risk of damaging chemical reactions.
Easier installation: plastic pipes are light and easy to handle so it is easy to install. When in the installing process PVC joint is used to connect the pipes to continue the water flow.
A plastic pipe offers you many advantages when compared to the metal pipes. Polyvinyl chloride is the most popular pipe material. Most of the peoples are familiar with this material because the PVC pipe price very cheap and also it is more flexible than other pipes.
