What is PVC Pipes? | Characteristics | Advantages And Disadvantages | Plumbing

 

WHAT IS PVC PIPE?

Commonly used to create plumbing pipes and fittings, polyvinyl chloride is a man-made plastic that prevents oxidation and degradation with additional stabilizers. As seen in the figure below, the chemical composition of PVC is composed of two carbon atoms with a circumference of three hydrogen atoms and one chlorine atom, all of which are bonded together by a single bond. This individual molecular unit (a monomer) then forms chains (polymer) with other molecules of the same structure, extracted as PVC to form PVC products such as a pipe.

 

PVC is designed to resist oxidation and deterioration, increasing the durability of PVC products and piping. When properly installed, PVC pipes can last more than 50 years.

Causes of PVC failure: poorly attached joints or tree roots displacing underground lines or entering pipes.

 

CHARACTERISTICS OF PVC PIPE

The colour of the PVC pipe is traditionally white or dark grey, printed on the technical description side of the pipe.

PVC is also available in

Rigid form: also called UPVC: commonly used in construction and piping applications)

flexible form: Plasticized PVC, also called PVC used in electrical cable insulation.

 

PVC PIPE ADVANTAGES

Certified PVC pipe uses are based on application and local building codes. Although PVC and CPVC are suitable for water, gas and drainage systems, most plumbers/engineers strongly recommend CPVC for hot water lines and PVC for cold water lines. Since PVC has a maximum temperature limit of 140 F, its use keeps the temperature of the fluids or its surroundings regular, constant or higher than that maximum temperature.

1)  According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, water heaters can be set to 140 degrees Fahrenheit, but they must supply water at 120 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent burns and burns when showering.

2)  Dishwasher works best at temperatures below 140 degrees Fahrenheit.

3)  According to the National Spa and Pool Institute, hot tubs are now designed to heat up to 104 degrees Fahrenheit.

4)  Washing machine temperatures are maximum at 140 degrees Fahrenheit.

 

PVC PIPE DISADVANTAGES

·       PVC maximum temperature limit 140° Fahrenheit.

·       For applications that require high temperatures, CPVC (chlorinated polyvinyl chloride) is recommended.

·       CPVC offers some advantages over PVC, but at a slightly higher price.

 

ALSO READ: What Are The Differences Between PVC And CPVC Pipes? | Plumbing | LCETED

 

Can PVC pipe be used for potable water?

Also read: UPVC Plumbing Pipes | Advantages | Which is better PVC or uPVC?

Also read: What is CPVC PIPES | Chlorinated polyvinyl chloride pipes | Plumbing

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