WHY ARE PVC PIPES BETTER THAN METAL PIPES?

Water is a key element for survival on this planet and piping system plays a major role in how civilizations evolve. The piping system is very old and it was widely practiced by the people of Indian , Greek, Roman, Persian, and Chinese civilizations. Even in ancient civilizations, people used clay, stone and wood to create basic piping systems. The earliest  pipes were made from clay, which was used by the people of these ancient and early civilizations to create sewage and drainage systems.

Likewise, during the medieval period, lead pipes were introduced in Europe for transporting drinking water. Lead was preferred and the best choice for making pipes because it was easy to work with, durable, resistant to corrosion, etc. However,  later it was found that lead pipes were to be toxic and were withdrawn gradually in the 20th century due to the health risks associated with lead poisoning.

In the 19th century,  Cast iron pipes replaced the lead pipes and proved to be the best alternative.  Although cast iron pipes may get rust from the inside out and eventually leak yet they do not create serious health risks as a lead.  Cast iron pipes were used in larger buildings and could endure higher pressures and temperatures than lead pipes.

Later on, in the early 20th century, copper pipes were introduced. These pipes were lightweight and flexible alternatives to cast iron pipes. Copper pipes were also more resistant to corrosion than cast iron pipes, making them a popular choice for piping systems.

In the mid-20th century, plastic pipes were introduced as a new material for piping systems. PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride was developed in the 1930s and rapidly became a popular choice for piping systems.

TYPES OF PVC PIPES AND FEATURES

PVC pipes are generally categorized into four types: PVC-U (unplasticized PVC), C-PVC (Chlorinated PVC), PVC-O (molecular-oriented PVC) and PVC-Hi (High Impact PVC). These plastic pipes share many of the same properties; each type of PVC has its own advantages for different applications.

PVC pipes are lightweight, easy to install, and resistant to corrosion, which made them a cost-effective alternative to metal pipes and other traditional piping materials.

PVC PIPES BETTER THAN METAL PIPES

With the advent and use of PVC pipes, the scenario has changed drastically. PVC pipes have several advantages over metal pipes, which make them a better choice for many applications and these features can be summed up as follows:

1. Lightweight

PVC pipes are lightweight which makes their installation faster and simpler. It also makes them more cost-effective, as less labour force is required. This can save time and money on labour costs, as well as reduces the risk of injury from heavy lifting.

2. Low Friction

PVC pipes have a smooth surface reducing the amount of friction inside the pipe.  It indicates that water flows more easily, which improves the efficiency of the piping system.

3. Cost-Effective

PVC pipes are largely less expensive than metal-made pipes, making them a more cost-effective choice for piping installations. In addition, the durability and low maintenance requirements save money on repairs and replacements over time.

4. Flexibility

Flexibility is another important attribute associated with PVC pipes as they are more flexible than metal pipes, which makes them easier to bend and install in tight spaces. These plastic pipes are also less likely to crack or break during installation, which reduces the risk of leaks and other damage. This feature of flexibility also makes them ideal for use in areas with seismic activity, as they may bend and flex during earthquakes without rupturing.

5. Corrosion Resistance

Metal pipes may get rust but plastic pipes are not susceptible to corrosion or rust. In fact, they have a longer lifespan and require less maintenance.

6. Durability

PVC pipes are highly durable and withstand several environmental conditions, including extreme temperatures and exposure to chemicals etc. These are also resistant to impact and abrasion, which makes them less likely to crack or break under pressure.

7. Eco-Friendly

PVC pipes are an eco-friendly choice for piping installations. They are made from recyclable materials and can be easily recycled at the end of their lifespan. In addition, plastic pipes also require less energy to manufacture and transport than metal pipes.

Summarily, it can be affirmed and concluded that PVC Pipes offer several advantages over metal pipes including corrosion resistance, lightweight, durability, cost-effectiveness, elasticity, and eco-friendliness. These advantages and features make PVC pipes an ideal choice for a variety of  applications, from residential to industrial.