Plastic piping has been an innovation
in the piping industry used for many years now. Although not all plastic pipes are
suitable replacement for more traditional piping materials such as concrete or
metal, plastic piping has many unique properties making it a better option over
other piping materials considering other factors such as the weight of the load
transported and the corrosiveness of the fluid.
There are many
instances where a plastic pipe can be a better option over a metal pipe. In the
economic aspect, plastic piping is cheaper because installation is easier and
it is expected to last longer since it can withstand corrosion with its smooth
surface area. Costs for purchasing
thermal insulators are also avoided because plastic piping greatly reduce heat
transfer due to its much lower thermal conductivity. Because it is lightweight
and flexible, small plastic pipes can easily be maneuvered around making it more
popular among consumers who use it in residential
plumbing.
Speaking of health
security, all plastic pipes sold for plumbing purposes are nontoxic and have
been approved for carrying potable water. CPVC and PVC pipes don’t rust like
galvanized pipes so it eliminates any rusty or metallic taste in drinking water
that other pipes can leave. Since they don’t corrode and are not subjected
to scaling, material build up in the inner surface is avoided. This build up,
common to piping with metal materials, blocks water flow, decreases water
pressure, and may cause back up in drainage. Plastic pipes allow water to flow
unhindered for a long period of time.
In terms of environmental
friendliness, plastic piping is better because it is odorless, non-toxic, fully recyclable,
and based on scientifically conducted Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs),has
“greenness” the other piping materials do not have.
Here is a video of JM Eagle, the leading manufacturer of plastic and PVC pipes highlighting their innovations.
Here is another innovation showcase in thermal pipes by Acrolab
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