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Plastic water pipes have been the preferred pipes for most residential and commercial plumbing systems. They are light in weight, tough, and resistant to corrosion as opposed to iron and metal, which tend to rust after some time. Plastic water pipes are also cost-friendly and are easy to transport and install. The best feature of plastic water pipes is the fact that you can recycle them; hence they are also environmentally friendly. There are different types of plastic water pipes available in the market today. Let’s have a look at some of them.
ABS
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Short for Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene, this plastic water pipe is one of the most popular pipes that is used in residential plumbing systems. ABS water pipes are black in color and are softer when compared to other types of plastic water pipes. Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene is mostly used for vent and drain lines. It is mostly used for outdoor purposes where cold temperatures are common.
ABS is non-toxic and is approved for drinking water lines, making it the safest option for use in the home. It is also resistant to abrasion and is a very rigid plastic pipe. However, when compared to other plastic water pipes, ABS does not respond very well to direct sunlight. If you have to use this type of pipe in direct sunlight conditions, ask your plumber to paint it with a UV-resistant chemical to protect it.
PEX
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Also known as Cross-linked polyethylene, PEX is a very common plastic water pipe that is used mostly in home plumbing systems. It is used for both hot and cold water systems for both the bathroom and kitchen. PEX pipes are color-coded therefore making it easy to identify hot and cold water lines.
These types of plastic water pipes are easy to install due to their flexibility. PEX pipes come in different sizes ranging from ¼ to 4 inches in diameter. The most common measurements that are used for water supply lines include ½, ¾, and 1-inch diameter pipes. However, PEX pipes are very sensitive to UV light which makes them most ideal for indoor water lines. PEX is also semi-permeable which means that liquid can sip through the pipe.
PVC
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Abbreviation for Polyvinyl Chloride is one of the most common plastic water pipes that has a variety of uses. It is used for main water lines but not for hot water applications since it cannot withstand temperatures higher than 140°F. PVC pipes are less rigid, making them easy to mould. They are strong and durable; therefore, they are the best option if you are looking for a pipe that can last you a good number of years.
These pipes are lightweight therefore making it easy to transport them. When it comes to PVC pipes, you can put aside all your worries about damage during transportation. One main disadvantage of PVC pipes is that they crack easily so you have to be careful when using them.
CPVC
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This is a type of PVC pipe that has been treated with chlorine to make it more resistant to high temperatures and pressures. CPVC is mostly used in industrial plumbing systems. It is also used for residential hot water lines that PVC pipes can’t be used for. CPVC water pipes are low cost and are also lightweight, which reduces worker strain and injuries.
They are easy to cut and easy to install and maintain. CPVC pipes are also the safer option since there is no open flame required to join the material. However, CPVC pipes are vulnerable to breakage if they are exposed to direct sunlight for extended periods of time.
HDPE
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High-density polyethylene is a plastic water pipe that is used for almost all plumbing needs. It is tough and durable, making it a preferred choice for many. HDPE can reduce water pressure due to its low coefficient of friction which allows water to flow freely inside. They are corrosion-resistant and are an eco-friendly option.
HDPE pipes are connected using heat-fusion welding. This makes them permanently leakage free. They are corrosion resistant which makes them safe for water lines in both residential and commercial plumbing systems. In addition to being used for water lines, HDPE is also used for wastewater, chemicals, and compressed gases.
Conclusion
Plastic water pipes have been in use for ages and will continue to be the preferred choice for many. They are used for a variety of other uses apart from just plumbing systems. When deciding on a plastic pipe for your water line, it is important to consider the quality and characteristics of the pipe. Ensure that you factor in the above-mentioned features one by one. Check out our website for different options for plastic water pipes.
