Plastics are indispensible in the piping service field. When used in landscape irrigation systems, drain, waste, and vent (DWV) systems, and sewage transport, plastic-based solutions can offer countless benefits.
Contemporary materials, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC), and high-density polyethylene (HDPE), are installed more and more frequently by utility companies. Below, we’ll explore the advantages of these various plastic designs.
PVC
Improvements in PVC technology have allowed for increased durability in pipe, construction, wires, medical tubing, flooring, and even fabrics. Manufactured from industrial salts and carbon, PVC requires less oil or gas in its production, making it a greener option as compared to older designs.
Types of Pipes
There are three basic types of plastic pipes:
Solid-wall Pipes
These pipes have one layer of uniform thermoplastic material and have many applications.
Structured-wall Pipes
Structured-wall pipes have an improved design to enhance mechanical performance.
Barrier Pipes
Featuring a flexible metallic layer of three bonded materials, barrier pipe provides an added shield for liquids requiring purity, like drinking water. These pipes block out chemicals or other pollution where they are placed.
Improvements in Plastic Piping
One way to help make the nation’s piping systems more energy-efficient would be to minimize the number of leaks in pipe networks. Replacing and rehabilitating current water distribution systems made of traditional materials with plastic piping products could help reduce leakage and improve energy efficiency.
Developments in plastic pipe construction don’t just benefit utility companies, they also curb the nation’s energy consumption and lower greenhouse gas emissions, which has become an increasingly important factor in the decisions of companies and consumers alike.
