Traditionally, plumbing pipes are made of copper, but with the popularity of plastic, we have seen the proliferation of plastic plumbing pipes or PVC (polyvinyl chloride) in many residential and commercial areas. For this reason, you might be led to ask what the advantages of plastics pipes are when it comes to plumbing.
This is a valid inquiry as you must make sure that the materials you use in your plumbing system should be durable, safe, and effective. If you chose the wrong material, you might end up losing more rather than gaining something. However, choosing the right material will make your investment more secured.
Here is a list of the benefits that you can acquire from plastic pipes.
Obviously, PVC is lighter compared to copper pipes. Thus, PVC pipes are easier to transport from one place to another. PVC pipes can easily be carried from the ground to the top of the building, just in case you are constructing a tall structure.
PVC pipes are cheaper compared to copper pipes. Thus, it is highly preferred when constructing a large-scale project. In addition to this, the handling and transportation cost of PVC pipes are more affordable as it is lightweight.
PVP pipes are very effective when it comes to resisting a majority of chemicals. It is tough and at the same time flexible. The tough and yet flexible property of PVP pipes makes it highly adaptable to earth movement. Furthermore, PVP pipes do not rust and it is obvious that you haven’t seen plastic rusting, right?
Copper needs to be mined and cultivated from the earth while PVC pipes can synthetically be produced in a factory. Moreover, PVC pipes come in various size and length. It has lesser joints, which greatly reduces the chance of leaking.
While the difference between the smoothness of PVC pipes and copper pipes might not be too significant, it can still have a minute effect on the water pressure. The smooth surface of the PVC pipe allows for lesser friction and less water flow resistance.
Condensation commonly happens when copper pipes are used to deliver cold water. PVC pipes are very effective in lessening condensation and therefore, delivering cold water effective.
It is estimated that PVC pipes may last 20-50 years as long as it is not exposed to UV light. The heat from the sun can cause the PVC pipe to get brittle and thus, shortening its lifespan.
Some considerations to make
It is important to note that you should perform some serious thinking whether PVC pipe is the right type of pipe to use. While it is true that PVC pipes are very beneficial, it still has its own disadvantages.
For example, PVC pipes are not good materials when you intend to use it for hot materials. Though PVC pipes possess high level of heat resistance, it can still give in if PVC pipes constantly get in contact with heat.
You need to comply with building codes when using PVC pipes. Learn more about its disadvantages and properly discern when it should be use.
This guest post by Tania Miner an online marketing associate of Haendiges Plumbing – provides Los Angeles plumbing service. Tania’s interests range from providing improvement tips on bathroom faucets to kitchen sinks.