Plastic pipes for plumbing - types and features

Recently, steel pipes have been almost completely replaced by plastic counterparts. This is due to the unprecedented durability of the latter, the simplicity of their installation and low cost. Below we take a closer look at what a plastic water pipe is, what kinds it is and what has its features.

Features of plastic pipes

Merits

Plastic water pipes are high-grade polymeric products that are formed on special thermoplastic machines. At first glance it may seem that this material is not durable, therefore, and not durable.

However, in reality, these pipes have a number of positive qualities, among which are the following points:

• As mentioned above - long service life and shelf life.. Plastic plumbing can last up to 50 years or more. Experts say that the pipeline in the earth can survive for up to two hundred years.
• Polymers do not work with water and salts., which are dissolved in it, so that they are not subject to corrosion.
• Low price, compared to metal counterparts.
• Low degree of thermal conductivity, thanks to which it is possible to transport the coolant over short distances even without insulation. In addition, when touching such a pipe, it is impossible to get burned.
• High installation speed, and this does not require a large number of people.
• Plastic communications can be used in both closed and open systems..
• Low weight, which simplifies transportation and installation.
• Ease of processing.
• Low hydraulic resistance. Accurate data contains a table for the hydraulic calculation of plastic water pipes, which can be found in the relevant building codes and other building codes and guidelines for the design of water supply systems.

Due to these qualities, plastic pipes have recently become widely used in water supply systems and heating systems.

disadvantages

Of course, for objectivity, the products in question should be described not only by their strengths, but also by their weaknesses.

The following are the main ones:

• The temperature of the permeable fluid is strictly limited. For example, it is impossible to skip boiling water over them or to supply steam under pressure.
• Designed for less pressure than steel counterparts. Moreover, with increasing temperature of the transported liquid, the value of the maximum allowable pressure decreases.
• The connection of plastic water pipes of different types is carried out in different ways. Accordingly, their installation requires different equipment.

In general, as we see, the disadvantages, when using domestic water supply, are not significant.

Types of plastic pipes

Currently, there is a large selection of polymer pipes, however, only the following types are used to transport drinking water:

• PAT;
• Stitched from polyethylene;
• PVC;
• Polypropylene.

Below we take a closer look at their features.

PAT

These products are also called polyethylene. In international certification, they are referred to as "PE". It should be noted that they can be used for any type of water supply and for sewage.

Polyethylene is attractive because it is able to withstand pressures up to ten atmospheres and low temperatures of up to -15 degrees Celsius. As a result, they are often used for outdoor water systems.

Installation of the pipeline is carried out using a special welding machine or electrofusion for pipes.

Cross-linked polyethylene

This type of product is designated PEX. Today they are one of the most common types of plastic pipes. As a result, in addition to water supply systems, they are often used for underfloor heating, as they are able to work under high pressure and temperature conditions.

The installation of the pipeline from these pipes is carried out using crimped fittings. Thanks to this, you can do the assembly yourself. The only need is a special crimping tool.

PVC

They are one of the first types of plastic pipes that appeared on the domestic market, so at one time they were the most widespread. Among their advantages is the ability to withstand pressure up to 16 bar and low cost. In addition, polyvinyl chloride is not susceptible to the effects of solar radiation, so it is used for the installation of open sections of water supply.

As for the shortcomings, they include instability to high temperature. Therefore, such pipes are rarely used for hot water supply and are not used in heating systems.

Note! Polyvinyl chloride is an inert material that does not interact with many liquids, so it can be used even in the food industry.

Installation of PVC pipelines is carried out, as a rule, with the help of a special compound (glue), which melts the surfaces of the parts to be joined. As a result, they are welded, making a reliable and tight connection.

Polypropylene

Recently, polypropylene pipes have become the most common, especially for domestic water systems. This is due to the following characteristics:

Note! Polypropylene plastic water pipes according to GOST 52134-2003 come in five classes of heat resistance. The highest temperature is able to withstand the fifth grade.

For the installation of "polypropylene" is used a special welding machine (soldering iron). Instructions for its use are quite simple - the parts to be connected are inserted into the heated soldering iron nozzles, and then dock with each other.

Here, perhaps, are all the main types of plastic pipes that are used in water supply systems.

Conclusion

Recently, plastic water pipes have significantly pressed metal, as they surpass them in many performance indicators. However, before you buy such pipes, it should be borne in mind that they are of different types and have different properties.

From the video in this article can be found with additional information on the designated topic.