Chloe Zhang
Plastic pipes are used for plumbing in industrial and residential systems worldwide. They are classified by their material, which includes PEX (cross-linked polyethylene), PVC (polyvinyl chloride), and LLDPE (linear low-density polyethylene). The choice of tubing material depends on its chemical compatibility, temperature rating, and pressure of the fluid from the application. Plastic pipes are advantageous due to their ease of cutting and forming into any desired shape or size, making them more cost-effective than metal pipes. They are also non-reactive, preventing corrosion when two dissimilar types of metal pipes are connected.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common Types | Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), Cross-Linked Polyethylene (PEX), Linear Low-Density Polyethylene (LLDPE), Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), Polypropylene |
| Use Cases | Drinking Water, Waste Water, Chemicals, Heating/Cooling Fluids, Foodstuffs, Ultra-Pure Liquids, Slurries, Gases, Vacuum Systems, Drain-Waste-Vent (DWV) |
| Advantages | Flexibility, Long Lifetime, Safety, Reliability, Cost-Effectiveness, High Stiffness, High Chemical Resistance, Low Heat Conductivity, Non-Reactive, Easy to Cut and Join, Recyclable |
| Disadvantages | Lack of Heat Resistance, Susceptible to Sunlight/Extremely Hot Temperatures, Poor Product Bonding/Gluing, Susceptible to Physical Damage |
| Colour Coding | PEX Pipes are Coloured Red for Hot Water, Blue for Cold Water, and Purple for Reclaimed Water |
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What You'll Learn
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
PVC water pipes are among the most common plastic plumbing pipes today. They are affordable, durable, lightweight, and recyclable. PVC pipes can stay in good condition for up to 70 years without rusting or corroding. They are also versatile and easy to work with, joining together with various pipe fittings, glues, and cements.
However, PVC pipes are not suitable for hot water lines due to their lack of heat resistance. They can become brittle over time when exposed to sunlight or high temperatures.
There are several categories of PVC pipes, including:
- PVC-U or U-PVC (unplasticized PVC): This is the most common type of PVC pipe for drinking water, soil, waste, sewage, and drainage applications. It has high mechanical performance, durability, chemical resistance, and UV resistance.
- C-PVC or PVC-C (chlorinated PVC): CPVC pipes have higher chlorine content than regular PVC-U, allowing them to withstand a wider range of temperatures. They are popular for water piping systems in residential and commercial construction.
- PVC-HI (High Impact PVC): This grade of PVC has increased resistance to external blows due to the addition of an impact modifier.
- PVC-O (Molecularly oriented PVC): PVC-O enhances the benefits of PVC-U, including corrosion resistance, water quality preservation, cost-efficiency, and recyclability. It is well-suited for pressure pipes for drinking water and buried non-potable applications.
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Cross-linked polyethylene (PEX)
Cross-linked polyethylene, commonly abbreviated as PEX, is a type of plastic plumbing pipe. PEX stands for cross-linked polyethylene, with the "X" in PEX signifying the chemical modification of the material. It is one of the newest types of plastic plumbing pipes available today. PEX pipes are made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and contain cross-linked bonds in the polymer structure, changing the thermoplastic to a thermoset. Cross-linking can be accomplished during or after the extrusion of the tubing. The required degree of cross-linking, according to ASTM Standard F876, is between 65% and 89%.
PEX pipes are much more flexible than PVC and other plastics, making them easier and quicker to install. This flexibility allows plumbers to run long lines of PEX pipe throughout a home with very few pipe connection sites. PEX tubing is made of cross-linked polyethylene for extra strength and is suitable for both hot and cold drinking water. It typically comes in larger diameters, from 1/2" to 1 1/2", based on the inner diameter (ID) of the tubing, also called nominal or CTS (copper tube size).
PEX pipes are commonly used to replace traditional galvanized steel, copper, and PVC piping due to their competitive pricing, ease of installation, and resistance to rusting. They are also used in the electric industry, providing protection for important wires and cables. PEX pipes can be used for a variety of voltage ranges, from 600V to 35kV.
The benefits of PEX pipes include their high thermal stability and improved creep behaviour, meaning they resist creep deformation. They maintain high strength and hardness at very high temperatures compared to thermoplastic polyethylene. Cross-linking also improves the chemical, thermal, and mechanical properties of the polymer, increasing low-temperature impact strength, abrasion resistance, and resistance to environmental stress cracking.
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Linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE)
LLDPE has a density between 0.916 and 0.940 g/cm3. It is more robust than traditional low or medium-density polyethylene and is recommended for use with cold and intermittent hot water. It is the most common type of plastic water pipe and is used in various applications, including plastic bags, sheets, pouches, toys, pipes, buckets, containers, cable covering, geomembranes, and flexible tubing.
LLDPE is non-reactive and can be stored without the risk of off-gassing. It is safe for use in direct contact with foodstuffs and has no adverse effects on human health when in direct contact with skin. However, inhalation of the raw material's dust during the processing of LLDPE products can irritate the respiratory system.
LLDPE is not environmentally friendly and constitutes a large percentage of environmental pollution. It is challenging to recycle; however, it can be recycled into new items such as industrial bins, composite lumber, flooring, and new plastic films.
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Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS)
Plastic pipes are classified by their material, and there are several types of plastic water pipes available. Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) is one such type of plastic pipe. ABS is a thermoplastic resin that has been used to make drainpipes since the 1960s due to its strength and shock resistance. It has a wide temperature range, from -40 °C to +60 °C, making it suitable for conveying potable water, slurries, and chemicals. ABS pipes are commonly used for drain-waste-vent (DWV) applications and are often used in outdoor situations as they can withstand extremely cold temperatures and are rust-resistant. They are well-suited for underground wastewater drainpipes, but it's important to note that ABS pipes will warp if placed in direct sunlight.
ABS pipes are typically black in colour, in contrast to PVC pipes, which are usually white or dark grey. PVC pipes are also more flexible and do a better job of dampening the sound of running water. However, both types of pipes can be joined together. ABS pipes are used in a variety of industries, including pharmaceutical, meat and fish processing, dairies, breweries, supermarkets, and air conditioning. They are also used in automotive, aerospace, and medical applications.
When choosing a plastic water pipe, it's important to consider factors such as chemical compatibility, temperature rating, and fluid pressure. Other types of plastic water pipes include PEX (cross-linked polyethylene), PVC (polyvinyl chloride), and LLDPE (linear low-density polyethylene). Each type of pipe has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the right choice depends on the specific requirements of the application.
Plastic pipe materials have been classified based on long-term pressure testing, and their predicted lifetimes exceed 100 years. Plastic pipes have been used in service for over 50 years and have proven to be reliable and safe. They offer flexibility and long lifetimes, with consistently high-quality levels. Overall, ABS pipes are a durable and versatile option for water supply applications, particularly in outdoor and underground settings.
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CPVC
The principal mechanical difference between CPVC and PVC is that CPVC is significantly more ductile, allowing greater flexure and crush resistance. This makes CPVC a viable alternative to metal pipes in environments where corrosion is a concern. However, CPVC pipes are slightly more expensive than PVC pipes and have a shorter lifespan of about 20 to 25 years.
When bonding CPVC pipes, a specialized solvent cement different from PVC is required. These solvent cements must meet ASTM F493 specifications, whereas PVC solvent cements adhere to ASTM D2564 standards. The chlorine content in CPVC can vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, typically ranging from 63% to 69% by mass, but can go as low as 56.7% and as high as 70%, above which the material becomes unstable.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic water pipes are called PEX, PVC, or LLDPE, classified by their material. PEX stands for cross-linked polyethylene, PVC stands for polyvinyl chloride, and LLDPE stands for linear low-density polyethylene.
Plastic water pipes are easier to work with when compared to copper. They are also flexible, sturdy, and cost-effective. Plastic pipes are also non-reactive, meaning they will not corrode when connected to other types of metal pipes.
Plastic water pipes are used for drinking water, waste water, chemicals, heating fluid, cooling fluids, foodstuffs, ultra-pure liquids, slurries, gases, and vacuum system applications.
