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Home Decor · September 13, 2020

The 2020 Guide to Choosing Plastic Pipes for Your Home

Whether you have recently moved houses, are building your dream home, or are preparing to upgrade your current abode, there comes a time in every homeowner’s life when the plumbing needs some attention.

When this happens, one of the first questions you are going to ask yourself is, what kind of pipe do I need?

From the different types of plastic pipes to the importance of purchasing from high-quality plastic manufacturing companies, read on for the 2020 guide to choosing plastic pipes for your home.

Where do I use plastic pipes?

Generally, plastic pipes are used in the home for three reasons:

  • Water delivery systems (the pipes that carry water to your fixtures and faucets)
  • Drain-waste-vent (DWV) systems (the channels that accumulate and transport sewer water and waste)
  • Water service lines (the tubes that transport water into your home from your local water department)

If you need to upgrade to your home’s plumbing system, you want to opt for plastic pipes. Keep reading to learn why.

What are the benefits of plastic pipes?

There are many reasons you should use plastic pipes over other types of pipes in your home. For starters, plastic pipes are lightweight and flexible, meaning they can often be installed without the need to tear down open existing walls.

Additionally, in most cases, plastic pipes are compatible with most existing systems, making them suitable for old and newer homes. These pipes can be easily installed and repaired, unlike metal pipes.

Furthermore, plastic pipes offer the most longevity as they are impermeable to rust and corrosion. This makes them very different from metal pipes that can quickly wear down from the water traveling through them.

Therefore, you can generally expect plastic pipes to last for more than 50 years – although this is largely dependent upon proper installation and the quality of the pipes.

As they last so long, most plastic pipes can be considered environmentally friendly. They also offer excellent water conservation and require less energy to manufacture. What’s more, when a plastic pipe system has reached the end of its lifespan, it can be recycled.

For all these reasons, plastic pipes are thought to be the most sustainable option.

Moreover, plastic piping is a lot more affordable than metal piping. This is due to the low cost of the material itself, as well as the small amount of time and labor required to manufacture it.

Are there different kinds of plastic pipes for residential homes?

Generally, in most residential homes, the types of plastic pipes installed are made of one of five plastic materials.

These different types of plastic material are ABS, PVC, CPVC, HDPE, and PEX. As each of these plastics possesses different properties, they are best used for specific situations.

For example, for many years, ABS pipes were the optimal choice for residential plumbing systems as they are lightweight, durable, and allow for a smooth flow.

However, in recent years, PVC has become a more prominent option for residential plumbing systems as it has all the benefits of ABS, and it is also BPA-free. In many cases, PVC is the most budget-friendly option.

CPVC is similar to PVC, except that it is also chlorinated. As a result of this chemical, CPVC can withstand higher temperatures than PVC and is, therefore, a better option for hot water lines. However, CPVC often cracks when frozen and, accordingly, should not be used for outdoor pipes. Additionally, CPVC is commonly used for residential fire sprinklers.

HDPE and PEX are more recent innovations; however, both are quickly becoming some of the world’s most popular pipe materials.

HDPE is an incredibly tough material that is also flexible and lightweight. For this reason, it is suitable for both residential and industrial projects. In fact, HDPE pipes are used in the gas, oil, and mining industries, as well as for the mining and marine/aquaculture industries.

Similar to HDPE, PEX is a flexible material that can easily bend around corners and curl around areas. This makes the installation of PEX very quick and easy. Plus, PEX can handle high temperatures and pressure, making it ideal for a wide variety of plumbing applications.

Why should I care about the material of the pipes?

It is essential to understand the different types of plastic pipe materials available so you can ensure you are installing the right pipes for your needs.

After all, you want to make sure you choose a material that isn’t going to have adverse effects on your health and well-being. Additionally, it must work to keep your plumbing systems functioning properly for as long as possible so that you do not have to deal with frequent maintenance.

For this reason, your best option is to speak with your contractor or your local Abu Dhabi pipe manufacturer (or wherever you reside) to discuss your piping material. The earlier on in the project you have this conversation, the more assured you can be that your chosen materials are installed.

Where should I purchase plastic pipes?

When it comes to purchasing plastic pipes for your home, you want to make sure that you are buying high-quality pieces from a reputable seller or a top plastic manufacturing company. Not all plastic pipes are made to the same standard, so you want to ensure you are installing the best.

In most cases, it is highly recommended that you work with a professional contractor or plumber to upgrade your plastic pipes. They have the extensive training, practical experience, and knowledge that is needed to quickly yet correctly complete the project.

Besides, they have the necessary tools and pieces of equipment to install the new pipes and also maintain them. And, of course, knowledgeable plumbers will be able to advise you on which plastic pipes are right for you.

Are you in the market for new plastic pipes in your home? Do you need to replace old ones or upgrade your plumbing system? If so, what properties are you looking for in your pipes?

Let us know your thoughts and any relevant insights in the comments below!

AUTHOR BIO

Sudheer TR is the Managing Director at Polyfab Plastic Industry LLC, experts in high quality, technologically advanced plastic piping solutions in the UAE. The combination of academic interest, field exposure and market experience of 15 years has given Sudheer the force to harness cutting-edge technologies in today’s most rigorous construction environment.