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