What are PVC Pipes?

1/4/2021 (Permalink)

Learn more about these common home water pipes.

WATER arrives at your tap through pipes – miles and miles of different types of pipes.

And in recent years PVC piping has become increasingly common compared to the copper of yesterday, or other materials such as galvanized steel. Polypropylene or pex.

As always, each type has its unique advantages and drawbacks, though PVC is rapidly replacing copper for much domestic pipework.

A thermoplastic polymer, PVC stands for polyvinyl chloride and is a combination of vinyl and plastic. It is usually white though can be cream or grey as well, and is ideal for use with a high-pressure water supply.

It is manufactured in different thicknesses and configurations, and if being used for drinking water should be marked ‘NSF-PW’ or ‘NSF-61’ meaning it meets safety standards.

The major advantages with PVC for piping include its longevity, as it does not corrode or rust – unless it is compromised somehow it lasts indefinitely, even under the hi9gh pressure water it usually takes.

It is a very easy material to work with, as it is light and flexible, and can simply be glued together, requiring no soldering. Many joints are simply clip-on.

PVC is also very cheap, particularly in comparison to copper, making it highly attractive to plumbers and not very attractive to thieves.

But the one big drawback is it is not good at handling hot water – like plastic, heat can make the material warp or even melt, and as such, it should not be used with home hot water supply. Fittings can also be bulky if you are working in very tight spaces.

However, PVC has a direct relative – the Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride pipe – and this chemical twist gives CPVC heat resistant properties, meaning it can be used for hot water piping. CPVC also comes in a wider range of sizes than PVC, including matching traditional copper. It does cost more than its cousin but is still substantially cheaper than alternatives, but should not be used in direct sunlight as it can break down over time.