PVC pipes refer to polyvinyl chloride thermoplastic pipes. These pipes are versatile and durable. Due to its many applications, it is probably one of the few universally accepted pipes.
PVC pipes are typically used for underground wiring and large-scale irrigation. Also, due to their ability to withstand interruptions or high vibrations, they are used in sewer pipes. Furthermore, these pipes are inert and therefore used by water corporations for transporting water to residential areas.
In this article, we discuss several applications of PVC pipes, the different types available, what they are made of, their uses, and the pros and cons of using PVC pipes.
Applications of PVC pipes
PVC is a widely used thermoplastic material that is made from polyvinyl chloride. It can be cast into various shapes depending on the intended applications.
Some widely used applications of PVC pipes include:
1. Application of the main water systems
PVC is widely used in water mains because its non-reactive nature does not contaminate potable water and delivers it in a safe potable state to its intended destination.
2. Electrical applications
PVC pipes are also useful in electrical installations; protects electrical wires and people who come into contact with them. They help prevent electrical current from leaking.
3. Applications of heating and cooling systems
In addition to the above applications, PVC pipes are also used to extend the piping of heating and cooling systems. These are made of plastic, and since plastics are poor heat conductors, they help further insulate and cool these systems.
4. Applications of fire sprinkler systems
PVC pipes can also be used construction of fire sprinklers in buildings. The use of PVC pipes, such as C-PVC for buildings, allows seamless connection of pipes and smooth operation of fire sprinkler systems. They also last longer than their metal counterparts.
5. Applications for telecommunications systems
U-PVC conduits are particularly applicable in telecommunications systems because they are easy to install and maintain the integrity of telephone lines.
6. Everyday applications
Despite its wide-ranging applications, PVC pipes have simple day-to-day applications in everyday life. Some of these applications include: controlling stray cables, expanding the vacuum by a fraction, or making a C-clamp.
What are the different types of PVC pipes?
PVC pipes are usually divided into four categories.
1. PVC-U
PVC-U stands for unplasticized PVC. It refers to PVC compounds that do not contain plasticizers. This type of PVC is rigid and best suited for pipes and fittings. PVC-U pipes are usually lightweight. They are used in sewage and underground drainage. However, you can also use them to carry safe drinking water.
2. C-PVC
This means chlorinated PVC. Chlorinated PVC pipes share many benefits with unplasticized PVC. However, they can withstand much higher temperatures than PVC-U pipes.
3. PVC-O
Pipes made of molecularly oriented PVC (PVC-O) are designed to transport fluids at high pressures. PVC-O pipes are recyclable.
4. Modified PVC
Common types of modified PVC are PVC-M, PVC-HI and PVC-A. Modified PVCs have alloys that improve their hardness and make them resistant to cracking.
The benefits of using PVC pipes
Although PVC is a common pipe material, its widespread use in plumbing and other areas is not without good reason. It has various biological and mechanical properties that make it stand out and qualify it as a suitable construction material. Some of these properties are;
1. Flexibility
PVC pipes are easy to pour into different shapes. This property makes them particularly suitable for fittings such as valves, branches, clamps and elbows.
2. Inertia
PVC pipes are resistant to chemical reactions with external components. They are perfect for transporting potable water and other sensitive fluids.
3. Less prone to stress
PVC pipes are durable because they can withstand large amounts of stress. This is especially important for underground pipelines because there is a lot of pressure on them and they carry fluids at high pressures.
4. It is easy to recycle
Tons of PVC pipes are easy to recycle and reuse to meet other construction needs. It also contains low amounts of carbon and emits fewer harmful substances over time. In addition, PVC has low production costs when mass produced.
5. Stability
PVC pipes are poor heat conductors and do not rust over time. As a result, they are used in the transport of fluids and occasionally find their way into electrical installations. They also generate low friction due to their smooth surface.
In addition, PVC pipes are lightweight, cost-effective and easy to install. They can also withstand high temperatures and weather conditions.
How to install PVC pipes?
Here are a few simple steps to accomplish PVC pipe installation a hassle-free deal.
Step 1: Cut and measure the pipe to the appropriate length
Depending on the purpose of the PVC pipe, measure the desired length of the pipe and cut accordingly using an electric miter saw or any suitable tool of your choice. Make sure you have a clean, square cut, as this makes installing the pipes much easier.
Uneven and jagged cuts can lead to leaks inside the pipe, making it more difficult to connect.
Step 2: Deburr the pipe
It is common to find plastic burrs in the pipe after cutting it. Be sure to remove them as they could cause a lot of problems with the overall pipe installation. A good way to deburr the pipe is to use a hand sander around the edges until it is smooth. Doing so ensures that your pipes have a perfect fit and prevents future leaks.
Step 3: Mark how the pipes should be attached
This is a crucial step to ensure that the pipes are connected correctly. It also helps prevent mistakes during installation. Marking the pipe attachment pattern is crucial as it saves time and effort. Carefully map out how each pipe should be attached to the other before applying cement or primer.
Step 4: Connect the pipes with primer and cement
Before you fit your pipes together, apply primer to the inside and rounded end of a PVC pipe. This ensures the pipes have a stronger bond and helps them stay in place longer.
After applying the primer, spread a generous amount of cement on the pipe and join both ends. It would be best to coat each end of the PVC pipe with cement and primer before they can be glued together.
Once this is done, let it dry and you have successfully installed the PVC pipes.
Advantages and disadvantages of using PVC pipes
In this section of the article, we discuss the advantages and disadvantages of PVC pipes
1. Advantages of using PVC pipes
- PVC pipes can be used to extend the life of piping systems that would otherwise fail due to age.
- PVC pipes can be used in many different ways. For example, these are used in drainage systems as well as large and small scale irrigation systems.
- These pipes require little or no maintenance as they can last up to 50 or 100 years.
- You will find that these pipes work wonders for construction work as they are lightweight yet durable and do not compromise the strength of the pipes.
- Finally, PVC pipes are more suitable for modern buildings and repairs and do not emit harmful substances over time, as iron pipes do.
2. Against the use of PVC pipes
Although PVC pipes have a wide range of applications and benefits, they have some disadvantages. Here are some of them.
- The plastic nature of the material makes it susceptible to cracking easily if the pipe is handled carelessly.
- Although PVC pipes can withstand high pressures, they are not suitable for hot regions. This is because most pipes cannot withstand temperatures above 140F.
- PVC pipes must be completely replaced when they wear out because the pipes would break into small pieces.
- When installed under adverse conditions, it weakens the pipe, which can lead to eventual pipe failure.
Frequent questions
1. Are PVC pipes suitable for hot water transport?
Although PVC is suitable for water supply lines, not suitable for hot water transport. This is because it cannot withstand temperatures above 140F.
2. What is the average lifespan of PVC pipes?
Regular PVCs and C-PVCs last over 50 years when properly installed under favorable conditions.
3. Are PVC pipes a suitable choice for plumbing?
PVC pipes are an excellent choice for bathrooms, sinks and toilets because they are easy to work with and do not rust over time.
Conclusion
Judging by everything discussed in this article, PVC pipes are essential in our daily life and not limited to a few aspects. Its uses range from waste control and domestic buildings to chemical transport and the manufacture of health care items.
