What advantage do plastic water pipes and fittings have?

With enviable consistency, designers are trying to create materials that would be superior to the previous ones in their characteristics. Alas, but there is no ideal and universal yet. Nevertheless, there is a dispute between metal and plastic pipelines, as a result of which there has been a clear progress in the latter, which have gained some advantage due to improved characteristics.

However, it is still necessary to understand that steel, as well as copper pipes and fittings for water supply will be used in construction for quite a long period. They can well replace plastic where plastic cannot cope, for example, with temperature and pressure. We will try to describe the rest of the features and characteristics of the latter as detailed as possible below.

Characteristics of plastic plumbing pipe

Merits

Any manufacturer, launching a product on the market, seeks to show the “product face”, highlighting its best qualities.

We can only trust him, and here is what he suggests:

• guarantee that the product can be used for a long time. Agree, a half-century term decent;
• simplicity, ease and quick installation or repair of water supply. A set of what is so necessary for a home master;
• The use of polymers in production allows you to remove the contact of products with the working environment. Of course, it does exist, but there is no electrochemical reaction between them. Due to this, rust does not appear, which is very important for water supply;

• low heat outflow allows them to be used in the heating system and hot water supply;
• use products inside buildings and outside;
• plastic pipes and plumbing fittings have a very smooth inner surface. Because of this, the possibility of the appearance of any kind of deposits on their walls is minimized, therefore their diameter does not decrease and the carrying capacity does not change;
• HDPE pipe and fittings are lightweight, which greatly facilitates their transportation, as well as loading and unloading;
• during the passage of the working environment almost no noise is heard, which also plays a big role;
• plastic pipes and plumbing fittings are resistant to stray currents. At the same time, the metal, this problem is most often the cause of their damage;

Tip: since the PP pipes and fittings for water supply can have a different section, you can install them in different hard-to-reach places.

What you need to pay attention

Each barrel of honey has its own fly in the ointment.

Therefore, in our case, it is impossible to pass by some negative properties of this design:

• as there are several types of plastic and pipe types, each has its own installation technology;
• the instruction prohibits the use of polymers in fire water supply systems;
• There are restrictions on the temperature of the working environment for products used in hot water supply.

Most likely, it is probably wrong to consider this a disadvantage. It is better to define these items as features of plastic structures.

For example, many users believe that galvanized steel products are the ideal solution for water and gas supply, against which certain properties of plastic are lost. However, not everyone agrees with this.

Polypropylene pipes for plumbing and fittings have shown themselves in standard conditions only with the best hand. Therefore, they received approval not only among home craftsmen, but also among professionals.

In the construction market you can find a fairly wide range of them, even certain tendencies have already been formed towards the use of certain models.

Kinds

Consider below the main models of pipes that are most often used for various water supply systems:

Fitting

Any installation of plastics plumbing pipes is accompanied by the use of fittings.

They can be:

• crimping (compression) or collet;
• self-locking;
• threaded;
• flange.

The method of connection depends on the method of installation of the pipeline. For example, the installation of pipes made of metal-based plastic is due to the use of compression fittings, a more convenient and expedient option at home.

Basically, the methods of connecting plastic pipes are identical, but some options require special equipment. Installation options directly depend on where the pipe is to be placed, the convenience of approaching it.

Tip: if you install a warm floor with your own hands, it is best to use a non-collapsible type of joint.

Conclusion

Continuous improvement in the performance of polymeric materials is likely to allow them to compete and defeat metal pipes. The main thing in this matter is to choose the right pipe, because there are a very large number in the species market today.

When purchasing a product, pay attention to the product labeling, which allows you to determine the properties of the product. The installation of plastic pipes is simple and takes place in a short time. The video in this article will provide an opportunity to find additional information on the above topic.