AuthorThere are many different types of pipes that you can use for both commercial and domestic plumbing systems. Pipes can be made of different materials such as copper, brass, stainless steel, galvanized iron, PVC, PEX, and cast iron. Although the choice of the pipe is mostly dependent on its use and application environment, Plastic or PVC pipes tend to fit most plumbing applications. Here are some of the benefits of using plastic pipes for plumbing instead of metal pipes.
Easy to Work With
Plastic pipes are relatively easy to work with compared to metal pipes. PVC pipes are easy to cut, install fittings, and their flexibility gives the plumber a high degree of freedom when laying out the plumbing plans. Unlike metal pipes, plastic pipes can even be worked or modified while still underground through pipe re-rounding and reshaping.
Lightweight
Another great advantage of plastic pipes is lightweight construction. This means that they are easier and cheaper to transport and lay on-site than metal pipes. You’ll also not need to use specialized equipment like heavy cranes and a large crew when laying the pipes, which makes laying plastic pipes much safer and cheaper.
Corrosion Resistant
Unlike metal pipes, plastic pipes are resistant to chemical corrosion form acidic, salty, and hard water. Also, plastic pipes do not rust or build up chemical deposits in the internal walls. Due to this reason, they can be much more reliable and durable in some plumbing applications than metal pipes.
Low Drag
Plastic pipes have smooth internal walls that lower their coefficient of friction. This means that there is low drag between the pipe’s walls and the water, which improves the pumping and water flow efficiency.
Plastic pipes are versatile, flexible, durable, and cheap. However, they do have their drawbacks; they easily crack, and cannot be used at high temperatures. These disadvantages limit their uses in deep underground applications, hot water systems, and sun-exposed surfaces.