Which type of Pipe is Best for Plumbing Installations?

There are several common types of home plumbing pipes used to carry water to and away from fixtures and appliances. Different types of plumbing pipes are used for many purposes such as waste disposal and water supply. Here are some common types of plumbing pipes used:

 

1.     PVC  pipes: PVC (Polyvinyl chloride) is a type of plastic that is commonly used for drainage pipes, main supply lines,  spas, pools and irrigation piping. PVC pipes come in different thicknesses. PVC has many benefits over other types of piping. It is lightweight and easy to install, yet strong and durable. It is also resistant to chemical degradation and corrosion.

2.     CPVC pipes:

CPVC industrial piping is an ideal system for a variety of applications due to its superior strength, performance and safety. It is inert to most mineral acids, bases, salts and aliphatic hydrocarbons, making it an excellent choice for aggressive chemicals. CPVC can also withstand extreme temperatures, making it a versatile option for a variety of applications. In addition, CPVC pipes are easy to install and do not require the use of special tools or equipment. It is also less expensive than other piping options on the market, making it a cost-effective solution for industrial piping needs.

 

Types of CPVC pipes:

Here are the common types of CPVC pipes:

SRD 13.5 CPVC pipes:

•          Sizes available – ½” - 2

•          IS Standard – IS 5778 ASTM D 2846

•          Description – SRD 13.5 CPVC pipes are known as class 1 pipes.

 

SDR 11 CPVC pipes:

•          Sizes available – ½” - 2

•          IS Standard – IS 5778 ASTM D 2846

•          Description – SDR 11 CPVC pipes are heavier when compared to SRD 13.5.

 

Sch. 40 CPVC pipes:

•          Sizes available – 2.5” – 6”

•          IS Standard – ASTM F 441

•          Description – Sch. 40 CPVC pipes are used for domestic water supply purposes.

 

Sch. 80 CPVC pipes:

•          Sizes available – 2.5” – 4”

•          IS Standard – ASTM F 441

•          Description – Sch. 80 CPVC pipes are widely used for industrial purposes.

 

3.     uPVC pipes: uPVC pipes are ideally suited for buildings and houses for cold water applications. They have the advantage of being light-weight, making them easy to handle and install. It is also easier to clean than metal pipes. uPVC plastic pipe is widely used in chemical plants as infusion piping because of its resistance to acid and alkali and its durability. They are also used in medical piping engineering, sinking engineering, electrical piping engineering and mineral brine transportation piping engineering. It has good mechanical and physical properties, excellent alkali resistance, acid resistance and corrosion resistance. 

4.     Copper pipes: For over six decades, copper has been used for different plumbing applications. Copper is used because of its resistance to corrosion and durability. However, copper is an expensive option.

5.     Cast iron pipes: Cast iron pipes were quite widely used earlier. Due to rusting, the cast iron pipes have lost their popularity to PVC, CPVC and upVC pipes. According to a study, deterioration of buried metal pipes due to corrosive soil environment is a major issue that reduces the service life of pipelines.