Maya Ellison
White plastic water pipes are typically made from PVC, which stands for polyvinyl chloride. PVC pipes are commonly used for plumbing, drainage, and waste lines. They are known for their strength, durability, easy installation, and low cost, making them one of the most widely used plastics in the world. While PVC pipes are suitable for cold water systems, they are not recommended for hot water applications as they can warp at temperatures above 140°F. CPVC, a variation of PVC treated with chlorine, is better suited for higher temperatures and is often used in hot water lines.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | PVC (polyvinyl chloride) |
| Colour | White or cream |
| Use cases | Drain lines, plumbing, recreational use/building, cold water systems, vent systems, drainage systems, main water lines |
| Pros | Strong, durable, chemical-resistant, easy to install, inexpensive, lightweight, easy to work with, easy to cut and form |
| Cons | Not suitable for hot water applications, warps at temperatures higher than 140°F |
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What You'll Learn
PVC stands for polyvinyl chloride
Polyvinyl Chloride, commonly abbreviated as PVC, is a type of thermoplastic resin. It is a synthetic resin, often referred to simply as ""plastic" or "vinyl". PVC is made from about 57% chlorine, which is derived from salt, and hydrocarbons derived from oil or natural gas. The rest of the PVC composition is made up of functional additives such as heat stabilisers, lubricants, and plasticisers.
PVC is a very durable and long-lasting material that can be used in a variety of applications, either rigid or flexible, and in a wide range of colours. It is commonly used for plumbing and drainage pipes, but also for tubing, storage bags, building materials, flooring, and medical products. PVC is known for its strong resistance to chemicals, sunlight, and oxidation from water.
PVC was first synthesized in 1872 by German chemist Eugen Baumann, appearing as a white solid inside a flask of vinyl chloride. However, it was not until 1926 that Waldo Semon and the B.F. Goodrich Company developed a method to plasticize PVC by blending it with various additives. The first patent for a polymerisation process to manufacture PVC was granted to German inventor Friedrich Klatte in 1913, and it has been in commercial production since 1933.
PVC has become a common replacement for metal piping due to its strength, durability, easy installation, and low cost. It is one of the most widely used polymers in the world, accounting for about 20% of all plastic manufactured worldwide.
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![1/2" PVC Pipe Furniture Grade, DIY PVC Projects for the Home, Garden, Greenhouse, Farm and Workshop, Sch. 40 White [40" x 10 Pack]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51S18dzON9L._AC_UY218_.jpg)
PVC is commonly used for plumbing and drainage
Polyvinyl chloride, or PVC, is a white or cream-coloured plastic pipe commonly used for plumbing and drainage. It is strong, durable, easy to install, and affordable, making it one of the most widely used plastics globally. PVC is a thermoplastic material that can be moulded into various shapes, making it suitable for pipes, fittings, valves, and other liquid handling supplies.
PVC has become a popular replacement for metal piping in plumbing and drainage systems due to its strength, durability, and low cost. It is often used for cold water systems, vent systems, and drainage applications. PVC is safe for transporting drinking water and is resistant to corrosion and UV exposure. It also has a long lifespan, with underground pipes expected to last at least 100 years.
PVC is also known for its chemical resistance, making it suitable for drain lines. Schedule 40 PVC, in particular, is strong enough for residential drain lines. However, it is important to consult a plumbing inspector before installing PVC pipes, as some regions may have specific regulations or restrictions on their use.
While PVC is commonly used for cold water applications, its cousin, CPVC (chlorinated polyvinyl chloride), is recommended for hot water systems. CPVC can withstand higher temperatures, typically up to 200 degrees Fahrenheit, making it suitable for both hot and cold potable water. It is also resistant to corrosion and has excellent impact resistance. However, CPVC is usually pricier than PVC due to its wider range of applications.
In summary, PVC is a popular choice for plumbing and drainage systems due to its strength, durability, ease of installation, and affordability. It is safe for transporting drinking water and resistant to corrosion and UV exposure, making it a reliable and long-lasting solution for various applications.
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CPVC is PVC's heat-resistant cousin
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is a white plastic pipe commonly used for plumbing and drainage. It is strong, durable, easy to install, and chemically inert, making it suitable for residential drain lines and cold-water supply lines. However, PVC has limitations when it comes to hot water applications due to its lower temperature resistance.
This is where CPVC comes in—it is PVC's heat-resistant cousin. CPVC, or Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride, is a thermoplastic created through the chlorination of polyvinyl chloride resin. This process increases the chlorine content in the material, enhancing its heat resistance capabilities. CPVC can withstand temperatures up to 200° Fahrenheit, making it suitable for hot water distribution and applications where maximum temperatures exceed 140° Fahrenheit.
While both PVC and CPVC share similar characteristics, their key distinction lies in their temperature and chemical resistance properties. CPVC exhibits superior resistance to degradation, corrosion, and deterioration due to its higher chlorine content and chemical composition. This makes CPVC ideal for commercial and industrial applications that demand high-temperature resistance, such as chemical processing and material handling.
In terms of cost, PVC is generally less expensive than CPVC. However, CPVC's longevity and performance make it a cost-effective option in the long run, especially in demanding applications. CPVC is also more flexible than traditional piping materials, making it easier to work with and providing some forgiveness for imperfectly positioned joints.
Both PVC and CPVC are safe for potable water transport and offer significant resistance to chemicals, including acids, alkalis, and inorganic chemicals. They are excellent alternatives to copper and iron pipes, providing quieter and easier installation at a lower cost. However, when working with either material, proper safety precautions must be taken due to the emission of toxic fumes during heating, melting, or hot-cutting processes.
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PEX is the newest pipe for residential use
White plastic water pipes are commonly known as PVC pipes. PVC stands for polyvinyl chloride. It is a strong and durable thermoplastic material that is widely used for plumbing and drainage systems.
While PVC pipes are commonly used, PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) pipes are the newest type of pipe for residential use. PEX pipes are made from a flexible form of plastic and are used for hot and cold water lines as a substitute for copper. PEX tubing first arrived in the US in the 1980s for radiant floor heating systems. Today, it is used in more than 60% of new construction residential water supply systems.
There are several benefits to using PEX pipes. Firstly, they are easy to install due to their flexibility and the variety of connection methods available. Secondly, PEX pipes are freeze-resistant and less likely to burst if they freeze. They are also more resistant to pests and corrosion than copper pipes. Additionally, PEX pipes have a higher pressure and temperature rating than copper pipes.
However, there are some considerations to keep in mind. PEX pipes are more expensive than copper or plastic pipes, and special tools are required for certain connection methods. PEX pipes also cannot be directly connected to a water heater; a pipe extension is necessary.
Overall, PEX pipes offer a range of advantages that make them a popular choice for residential water supply systems, despite their higher cost.
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LLDPE is the most common type of plastic water pipe
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is a white plastic pipe commonly used for plumbing and drainage. It is strong, durable, easy to install, and inexpensive, making it one of the most widely used plastics globally. However, LLDPE, or linear low-density polyethylene, is the most common type of plastic water pipe. LLDPE is more robust than traditional low or medium-density polyethylene and is recommended for use with cold and intermittent hot water applications. It is also known for its flexibility, which protects it from bumps and impacts.
LLDPE tubing is manufactured with FDA-approved materials and is NSF Standard 51 and 61 certified. It is designed for use with all standard fittings and point-of-use drinking water systems. The tubing offers excellent pressure and temperature ratings and is highly resistant to environmental stress cracking. LLDPE is commonly employed in water purification, water conditioning, ice-making, and misting systems.
LLDPE is well-suited for potable water, food and beverage applications, and pneumatic compressed air systems. Its compatibility with a wide range of temperatures and pressures, as well as its broad chemical compatibility, makes it a versatile choice. The tubing is made from non-contaminating materials, ensuring that the water passing through it remains safe and clean.
When compared to other types of piping, such as PVC, LLDPE offers advantages in terms of flexibility and resistance to cracking. It is also a good choice for applications where a wide range of temperatures and pressures may be encountered, thanks to its excellent temperature and pressure ratings. LLDPE's compatibility with standard fittings and drinking water systems makes it a convenient option for various applications, from household plumbing to commercial water purification systems.
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Frequently asked questions
A white plastic water pipe is called a PVC pipe. PVC stands for polyvinyl chloride.
PVC is commonly used for plumbing, drainage, and waste lines. It is also used for main water lines, but not hot water applications as it warps at temperatures higher than 140°F.
PVC is strong, durable, easy to install, and low cost. It is also resistant to chemical corrosion.
CPVC (chlorinated polyvinyl chloride) is a type of PVC that has been treated with chlorine, making it more resistant to high temperatures and pressures. It is commonly used in industrial plumbing and residential hot water lines.
