PVC and UPVC pipes are popular choices for many plumbing applications. Although they seem similar in name and composition, there is a key difference between the two that makes it more suitable for certain applications.
UPVC pipes use unplasticized polyvinyl chloride, which means they have a more rigid structure. Most of the world uses UPVC for this reason, offering greater protection against certain elements while reducing harmful additives in pipes.
That said, there are still areas where softened PVC pipes are more appropriately used. Read on to learn the exact differences between the two materials and how they influence your preferred use.
The Basics of PVC Pipes
PVC pipes, which are the most common pipe material in the United States, gained popularity in the 1950s and 1960s. They have a wide range of uses and are extremely affordable for most situations.
PVC pipes they are mainly used for non-potable water and are common with irrigation systems, swimming pool circulation systems and waste drainage. Stronger variations, such as CPVC pipe, appear in fire sprinklers and alarm systems.
These pipes contain plasticizers that UPVC pipes do not: BPA (Bisphenol A) and phthalates. These plasticizers increase the flexibility and durability of the material and lower their cold flexibility temperature.
UPVC Pipe Bases
UPVC material is unplasticized PVC. These pipes have the longest history of all plastic pipe materials, first being made in the 1930s.
Only in the 1950s UPVC pipes began replacing metal pipes that would corrode easily. This made fresh drinking water more accessible to rural and urban populations.
Most of the world, except the United States, uses UPVC pipes for water transport. It is more resistant to chemical erosion, has smoother inner walls and has greater resistance over a wider temperature range.
PVC vs UPVC Pipes: What’s the Difference?
The the differences between PVC and UPVC pipe start with how they are manufactured, affecting:
- The presence of plasticizers in PVC pipes
- The hardness and durability of pipes
- Flexibility and ease of use
- Potential health problems
- Effects on water supply
- The impact on the environment
The weight of these differences varies depending on personal preferences and beliefs and the intended use of the pipe.
1. Manufacturing
PVC and UPVC pipes are both thermoplastics that follow a similar manufacturing process, but there is one major difference to consider.
To manufacture the raw materials, electrolysis creates chlorine from salt water which is then combined with ethylene to create the vinyl chloride monomer essential for these types of pipes.
This monomer, which would not work on its own, is then polymerized to create PVC resin. At this stage, plasticizing polymers are added to ordinary PVC pipes to make them easier to handle.
The UPVC pipe uses more rigid plastic, without compromises of plasticizers that soften the material.
2. plasticizers
Plasticizers from PVC pipe plays a major role in separating it from UPVC. To best understand how it works, consider how adding water might soften the clay.
With its non-plasticized composition, PVC is a rigid material. There are strong pulling forces between the molecules because of the short distance between them, and without any additional material they hold this shape.
The plasticizer molecules work between the PVC molecules to keep them from coming together, resulting in a softer material. The most common and compatible plasticizers for PVC include BPA, diisononyl phthalate, di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate, and dodecyl phthalate.
3. Hardness and durability
The plasticizers in the PVC pipe reduce the hardness considerably. UPVC pipes, which do not compromise their structure in this way, are comparable to the rigidity of iron pipes. They are even considered an alternative to wood in certain applications.
This material is tough enough to be used on doors and windows. It does not deform at high temperatures and has a high resistance to chemical corrosion. It holds up well at higher temperatures and steam, making it stronger and more versatile than PVC.
For this reason, UPVC pipes work better for heavy water transportation, construction applications, and the material is moving into other industries.
4. Flexibility and ease of use
The flexibility of PVC pipes is easier to work with than UPVC. While you lose some of the rigidity and durability, PVC pipe works well for most residential applications where aluminum or copper pipe was once used.
The flexible nature of regular PVC pipe makes it easier to cut and glue pieces of pipe together. Regular PVC material can be softened further to better suit certain applications, such as insulating electrical cables.
This flexibility also makes them an excellent choice for earthquake-prone areas. Because they are not as rigid, they are less likely to break or crack due to earthquake shaking.
UPVC, which is much less flexible, is more difficult to work with. You will need to use more powerful cutting methods, such as power saws, to cut the material.
5. Health risks
Since PVC pipes involve plasticizers, there are several health problems related to their use. These chemicals are unlikely to cause problems at such low exposure, but there are concerns with high exposure.
For example, high levels of BPA are linked to adverse effects such as:
- Brain damage to fetuses, infants and children
- Affecting the prostate gland of fetuses, infants and children
- Children’s behavior
- Increase in blood pressure
- Type 2 diabetes
- Cardiovascular disease
Phthalates in PVC are not chemically bound and can find their way into household air. This is a greater concern for children, but the long-term effects are still being investigated.
It is unclear whether the known problems of phthalates, such as endocrine disruption, can be linked to PVC pipes, as they should not supply water to the home. Another concern is the toxic fumes that PVC releases when exposed to high temperatures.
UPVC pipes do not contain these additional materials and therefore do not raise significant concerns about their use.
6. Use of drinking water supply
Neither PVC nor UPVC should be used to carry a potable water supply.
For PVC pipe, the problem refers to its vinyl chloride compounds and additional plasticizers that may harm individual health. Drinking water from PVC pipes is also likely to have a noticeable plastic taste.
The basic concerns of vinyl chloride compounds also exempt UPVC from potable water transport. Although it lacks the plasticizers of concern, UPVC is not yet a food grade material and has the potential to contaminate a water supply.
Water pipes must not contain harmful chemicals or present a risk of leaching. Some of the more common alternatives include copper or CPVC pipes.
7. Impacts on the environment
PVC pipes get a bad rap among environmentalists because of the chemicals it can leach. While some refer to the material like vinyl, this is one of the most popular plastics in the world.
The wide range of uses of PVC increases its environmental impact, such as:
- Chlorine poisoning
- His creation dioxin and dioxin-like compounds
- Leaching of chemicals from PVC installations into the environment
Although UPVC does not have some of the concerns of PVC, it still uses a non-renewable resource that has a strong impact on the environment around the globe. The effects of UPVC for windows are more widely recorded, especially compared to materials such as wood.
Uses of PVC vs UPVC Exterior Pipes
The differences between PVC and UPVC materials are more apparent when you look at what they are used for outside of pipes.
Other uses for PVC material
Many plastic items you come into contact with use PVC on a daily basis because it is cheap to make, easy to use and durable for most applications.
E.g, PVC is usually used for insulate electrical wiring because it withstands the conditions that exist behind walls with little concern for compromise.
PVC is strong yet simple enough to wrap consumer products like over-the-counter medications and hold up in weather-resistant clothing like raincoats or rain boots.
Despite the concern about phthalates and BPA, many plastic toys for children use PVC to achieve their shape and stability.
Other uses for UPVC material
UPVC is a more rigid material and its primary uses the exterior of the pipes refers to the construction.
Examples include:
- Windows, window sills and window frames
- Doors and door frames
- PLATING
- Drains
- Greenhouse roofs
- trim
- Vinyl floors
UPVC is replacing other robust materials such as wood and aluminum as it is cheaper and easier to shape and maintain. It is also more resistant to certain chemicals, has self-extinguishing characteristics and is easier to transport (especially in larger quantities).
This unplasticized polyvinyl material has fewer health concerns and works well for the construction of certain medical and dental equipment. For example, some dental braces use UPVC plastic for durability.
Conclusion
PVC and UPVC pipes have similar structures and uses, but PVC plasticizers set them apart.
PVC pipe is softer and easier to work with in certain situations, but it contains more questionable chemicals and has a greater impact on health and the environment.
The rigid structure of UPVC is more difficult to work with, but it is the pipe material of choice for most of the world. UPVC is considered healthier and more durable and has fewer harmful effects.
Fill us in with any questions you have about the similarities or differences between PVC and UPVC pipes.
