What is this blog post about?

Nowadays, plastic pipes are widely used for drinking water supplying systems, wastewater transferring (sewerage and drainage systems), irrigation systems, hot water supplying systems, etc. For all this, many types of plastic pipes are available in the market. In today's article, we have explained about 6 common types of plastic pipes for plumbing : their features and uses.

Advantages of Plastic Pipes Over Other Materials

While mild steel, cast iron, galvanized iron and copper are all good pipe materials that are still in use, plastic piping offers various advantages that they lack.

• Economical: Plastic pipes are very economical compared to metal pipes.
• Easy to Install: Plastic pipes are easy to cut and form into any shape or size needed which reduces the amount of labor required to install them.
• Easy to Handle: Plastic pipes are lightweight. So they are handled easily and are required low support load.
• Corrosion Resistant: Unlike metallic pipes, plastic pipes doesn't begin to rust after extensive contact with water, water vapour and other fluids. Plastic pipes are resistant to rust and corrosion.
• Chemical Resistant: Plastic pipes are chemically resistant, means they doesn't react with other piping materials.
• Low Heat Conductivity: Plastic pipes possess low heat conductivity that helps maintain the temperature of the water inside.
• Smooth surface so less frictional loss.
• Color-Coding & Marking: Different types of plastic pipes come with different specific colours and marking. This makes it easy to identify the type and purpose of the pipe.

6 Common Types of Plastic Pipes For Plumbing : Their Features and Uses

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Let's continue to know about the 6 common types of plastic pipes for plumbing : their features and uses.

6 Common Types of Plastic Pipes For Plumbing

PVC, UPVC, CPVC, HDPE, PEX and PPR are 6 common types of plastic pipes for plumbing. Read here about their features, properties and uses one by one.

1. PVC (Plasticised) Pipes

PVC is the most common type of plastic and also known as polyvinyl chloride. PVC pipes are made with BPA and phthalates. These two are the kind of plasticizers that make PVC pipes more flexible. PVC pipes are actually plasticized polyvinyl chloride pipes.

Features of PVC Pipes

PVC (plasticised) pipes are widely used for plumbing applications because of their excellent durability, flexibility, ability to bend easily and resistance to heat & cold. PVC pipes are less rigid and less resistant to chemicals. PVC pipes are easier to extrude or mould. PVC pipes usually have lower ultimate tensile strength.

Uses of PVC Pipes

PVC pipes are commonly used in plumbing projects for water distribution systems, sewage and drainage systems, drinking water distribution systems, irrigation systems.

2. UPVC Pipes

UPVC stands for Unplasticized Polyvinyl Chloride, which is a type of PVC material. uPVC pipes are made from PVC when no plasticizers are added.

Features of UPVC Pipes

• UPVC pipes are more lightweight compared to metal, concrete and other plastic pipes. Yet these pipes are quite strong and can withstand pressure.
• UPVC pipes are resistant to harmful UV rays that makes them suitable for outdoor usage as well.
• UPVC pipes do not react to chemicals that makes them ideal for the transfer of chemical effluent in industries.
• UPVC pipes are resistant to corrosion and do not rust for decades.
• Since UPVC pipes are unplasticised, they are lead-free and labelled as “green-use” pipes. This makes them ideal for supplying potable water.
• UPVC pipes have superb electrical properties and low flammability.
• UPVC pipes are highly durable and lasts for decades.
• UPVC pipes are recyclable, fire-resistance and sturdy in nature.
• UPVC pipes are ideal for supplying low-temperature water. It can withstand up to 60 °C temperature.
• UPVC pipes are a good choice for water supply systems.

Uses of UPVC Pipes

UPVC pipes are commonly used for plumbing needs across cold water supply systems. These pipes are used for drinking water supplying systems, sewerage and drainage systems. These pipes are also used as column pipes and well casing pipes. UPVC pipes are immensely used in the agricultural sector for irrigation purposes. Besides, these pipes are used for Tubework casting and manufacturing raising mains for hand pumps as well. These pipes are also used for the pipelines transposing crude oil and other edible fluids.

3. CPVC Pipes

CPVC stands for chlorinated polyvinyl chloride. CPVC pipe is a type of PVC pipes that is produced by the chlorination (treatment with chlorine) of the PVC polymer.

Features of CPVC Pipes

• CPVC pipes are lightweight and are easy to install.
• CPVC pipes are resistant to corrosion and do not rust for decades.
• Treatment with chlorine makes the CPVC pipes ideal for the transfer of potable water as they prevent the growth of bacteria.
• CPVC pipes are more flexible than UPVC or PVC pipes.
• CPVC pipes are self-extinguishing, it’s the reason why they’re sometimes used for water sprinklers.
• CPVC pipes are strong just like any other variant of the PVC pipe family.
• CPVC pipes are highly durable and have the strength to withstand high temperatures (upto 200 °F) and pressure.
• CPVC pipes have excellent resistance to chemicals such as acids, alkalis and salts.
• CPVC pipes are a good choice for water supply systems.

Uses of CPVC Pipes

CPVC pipes are made of thermoplastics making them suitable for both hot water and cold water supply. The chlorination treatment makes them ideal for supplying drinking water. Mostly these pipes are used for hot water supplying systems. CPVC pipes are extensively used in fire sprinkler systems. CPVC pipes are also used for transportation of hot corrosive fluids and industrial chemicals including inorganic acid. CPVC should not be used for water main pipes (which buried into the ground) as these pipes can crack when frozen.

4. HDPE Pipes

HDPE pipes are made of high-density polyethylene which is a quite lightweight, strong and flexible material.

Features of HDPE Pipes

• HDPE pipes are highly flexible and lightweight, which make them easy to handle and transport during installation.
• HDPE pipes show high resistant to a wide range of chemicals, including acids, alkalis, salts, etc. These pipes can be laid in marshy and corrosive soils without any coating or cathode-based protection.
• HDPE pipes are exceedingly durable and lasts for decades.
• HDPE pipes can withstand various environmental conditions such as high temperatures, exposure to sunlight and chemicals-related other impacts.
• HDPE pipes are not so much expensive. In fact, they are less expensive than traditional metallic piping materials.
• HDPE pipes are environment friendly because they are made from recyclable material and are free from toxic chemicals.

Uses of HDPE Pipes

HDPE pipes are so tough and durable that it can be used for all plumbing needs. HDPE pipes are also used in the agricultural industry for irrigation systems, bore well, sprinklers and pesticide dispersal. HDPE pipe can be used in areas where there is a high risk of damage such as high temperatures, exposure to sunlight and exposure to chemicals. Also these pipes can be used for transfer of natural gas in chemical processing plants and for sewerage and drainage applications in wastewater treatment plants due to their high resistant to chemicals.

5. PEX Pipes

PEX pipes stands for Cross-Linked Polyethylene pipes that are often used in home plumbing systems. This is an alternative to copper, PVC and CPVC pipes for home plumbing as it is suitable for both hot and cold water distribution.

Features of PEX Pipes

• PEX pipes are very flexible so they fits into most spaces and are easy to work with but they do need to have support.
• PEX pipes are come in different colors, blue pipes are for cold water, red for hot, and white/gray colored pipes are for both. This unique color coding makes it very easy for plumbers to install hot and cold lines and identify them for future work.
• PEX piping is also resistant to freeze-cracking, so it can handle temperatures of -40 °C without breaking.
• PEX pipes have a lifespan of 30 years with proper water treatment and a yearly check-up from a professional plumber.
• PEX pipes are suitable for both hot and cold water distribution.
• But PEX pipes are not fire resistant, UV resistant and not recyclable.

Uses of PEX Pipes

PEX pipe is useful for residential and commercial hot and cold water distribution systems. It is  a favourite option for distributing freshwater in kitchens and bathrooms. It can be used for municipal water service lines, radiant panel heating systems, hydronic baseboard heating systems, snow and ice melting systems and building services pipe.

6. PPR Pipes

PPR pipe stands for Polypropylene Random Copolymer pipe which is a type of plastic pipe made from a blend of polypropylene and ethylene copolymers. Mostly these pipes come in green or white color.

Features of PPR Pipes

• PPR pipes have low thermal conductivity. This minimize heat loss or heat gain during the transfer of cold and hot fluids.
• PPR pipes can withstand extreme temperatures ranging from -20 °C to 95 °C, making them suitable for use in both hot and cold water supply systems.
• PPR pipes are very durable having a long lifespan of up to 50 years or more under proper water treatment and a yearly check-up from a professional plumber.
• PPR pipes can withstand varying and extreme environmental conditions, making them a cost-effective option in the long period.
• PPR pipes are lightweight and thus easy to install. These pipes are easy to transport, cut and join. All of these reduces the installation time, labour and cost.
• PPR pipes are resistant to corrosion from chemicals like acidic or alkaline substances.
• PPR pipes are a good choice for water supply systems.

Uses of PPR Pipes

PPR pipes are can withstand high temperatures and pressure and can distribute heat evenly. So these pipes are widely and equally used for both hot and cold water distribution systems in residential, commercial and industrial buildings. PPR pipes are also used in drainage systems, sewerage systems, irrigation systems and cable conduits. PPR pipes are resistant to corrosion and don't react with many chemicals which makes them suitable for transporting chemicals and fluids in industrial processes.

FAQs

How many kinds of plastic pipes are used for plumbing?

Commonly 6 types of plastic pipes are used for plumbing applications. That are: PVC (Plasticised) pipes, uPVC pipes, cPVC pipes, HDPE pipes, PEX pipes and PPR pipes. To get detailed information read the full story.

What are the applications of plastic pipes?

Due to its inherent benefits, Plastic pipes are widely used in residential, commercial and industrial sectors for distributing drinking water, wastewater transferring systems, irrigation systems, hot water supplying systems, chemicals transferring, heating fluids and cooling fluids transferring, foodstuffs transferring, etc.

Which is the best alternative for copper pipes for plumbing.

uPVC pipes and cPVC pipes can be the best alternative for copper pipes for plumbing needs.

What makes plastic pipes a preferred choice over copper pipes, ms pipes and gi pipes?

Plastic pipes are very economical to copper pipes, ms pipes and gi pipes. Also plastic pipes are lightweight, easy to install and easy to work, easy to maintain, resistant to corrosion and chemicals and possess low heat conductivity. All these properties make plastic pipes a preferred choice over copper pipes, MS pipes and GI pipes.