| The use of Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe is an | | | | costs are reduced. |
| important aspect of contemporary plumbing. PVC | | | | Despite these advantages, there is growing concern |
| water pipes are simple to install and are available in | | | | about the environmental hazards posed by PVC. |
| various lengths and diameters. Therefore, they are | | | | Reports suggest the use of alternative material, such |
| ideal for both new facilities and upgrading old ones. | | | | as, HDPE, Ductile Iron (DI), and PEX. In terms of leak |
| Despite these pros, some studies report that they are | | | | resistance, HDPE is better than PVC because it can |
| not ideal for transporting water. | | | | be used in longer lengths and, therefore, joints cab be |
| Advantages of PVC | | | | minimized. In addition, the joints in HDPE are more leak |
| - Tough & durable | | | | resistant than those in PVC. HDPE is also more |
| - Available in various diameter, pressure, and length | | | | resilient Therefore, it is increasingly being used in |
| options | | | | earthquake prone areas. It is also less likely to be |
| - Marketed with standard valves, couplings, and other | | | | damaged by digging operations. |
| fittings | | | | PEX is as chemical resistant and flexible as HDPE, but |
| - Resistant to corrosion, biofilm formation, and bacteria | | | | is also more resistant to higher temperatures. Unlike |
| - Flexible | | | | PVC, DI is not affected by groundwater contamination. |
| - economical | | | | It can also withstand greater pressure and hammer. |
| PVC pipes are not conductors of electricity and are | | | | In contrast to this report, an article states that although |
| not affected by hard or soft water. In addition, they | | | | PVC is permissible as the main water pipeline from the |
| can be bent without breaking and can endure | | | | street to a house, any PVC pipes in the house indicate |
| excessive pressure. They are resistant to problematic | | | | that the plumbing has been done by the owner. |
| soil conditions and do not require internal protective | | | | Therefore, says the writer, such homes should not be |
| layer as required by metallic pipes. For these reasons, | | | | bought. |
| PVC pipes are being increasingly used as buried water | | | | To sum up, the debate on the advantages and the |
| pipelines across the United States. As PVC pipes | | | | disadvantages of PVC water pipes continues to rage |
| have a smooth surface, water flows smoothly through | | | | both in public and private settings. Further research is |
| them. In fact, the flow is smoother compared with the | | | | necessary to find alternative mediums that are both |
| flow in metal or cement pipes. Therefore, pumping | | | | more economical and environment friendly. |