| With the high price of plumbers it is | | | | It is important to note that different |
| understandable that so many people are now | | | | plastic pipes should not be connected |
| deciding that the do it yourself route is a | | | | together, like for like connections are |
| far more affordable option. Plastic pipe is | | | | always advisable. Because the plastic pipe |
| the perfect material for the job as even the | | | | industry moves quickly it is important to |
| lay man can manage to put together a piping | | | | recognise that building regulations should |
| system. Naturally plastic pipe is an umbrella | | | | always be consulted before undertaking any |
| term that covers a number of different | | | | work. |
| plastics, usually of the thermo variety but | | | | |
| still disparate enough to note the | | | | For instance regulations permit the use of |
| differences. Here are some of the most | | | | CPVC and PB pipe for hot water applications. |
| popular plastic pipe variants used. | | | | These two pipes are perfect for constructing |
| | | | in-home hot water systems as they are |
| PVC or polyvinyl chloride is an extremely | | | | corrosion free and durable. It should be |
| popular plastic in the piping world; it is | | | | remembered however that this form of pipe |
| extremely rigid and is adept at resisting | | | | should not be used for electrical grounding |
| many chemicals. The main form of welding is | | | | as it is non-conductive. PVC pressure pipes |
| though solvents and is predominantly used for | | | | should predominantly be used for cold water |
| applications such as sewers, drain pipes and | | | | movement in outdoor areas; such as water |
| cold water pressurised water piping. It comes | | | | sprinkling systems in gardens. PE pipe is |
| in a variety of different colours. | | | | similar although it is flexible rather than |
| | | | rigid, and is perfectly suited to deep piping |
| ABS or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene is | | | | well purposes. |
| used for many of the same purposes as PVC | | | | |
| although its chemical resistance is lower and | | | | There are two major methods of fitting piping |
| it is normally produced with a black | | | | systems together; these are solvent welding |
| colouration. | | | | and mechanical coupling. Solvent welding is |
| | | | simple enough although care should be taken |
| CPVC or chlorinated polyvinyl chloride is | | | | to carry out the task effectively to prevent |
| like PVC but stands up to high temperatures | | | | any leaks. The pipe must be cut squarely, |
| more effectively and hence is used for hot | | | | cleaned thoroughly, coated with solvent and |
| and cold water supply applications. | | | | then joined with the fitting piece. It should |
| | | | be remembered however that cuts are final, |
| The previous three plastic pipe variants are | | | | there is no way back should you cut the pipe |
| all rigid whereas PB (polybutylene) and PE | | | | too short. Mechanical coupling however is |
| (polyethylene) are flexible; the former being | | | | used with plastic pipes that cannot be welded |
| rigid and used for the same purposes as CPVC | | | | with solvents. Normally it requires a simple |
| and the latter being low cost. Both of these | | | | click into place as the fittings have barbs |
| types are not joined with solvents but are | | | | and clamps that prevent leaking. |
| instead formed with mechanical and clamped | | | | |
| couplings. | | | | Hopefully this information has given an idea |
| | | | on the types of plastic pipe out their and |
| In terms of buying the pipe for your plumbing | | | | their uses. Additionally it is also hoped |
| needs pipes normally come in sizes along two | | | | that the information on fitting will give DIY |
| lines, these being pipe sizes and tubing | | | | enthusiasts the knowledge that is needed to |
| sizes. Pipe sizes relate to the old steel | | | | construct their own plumbing systems. |
| pipes while tube sizes relate to copper tube. | | | | |