Every now and then a technology comes along that completely revolutionizes an industry. For plumbing, that technology was plastic. Up until about 60 years ago, plumbers were still relying on expensive copper piping. As this article from EzineArticles.com explains, plastics have not only made plumbing less expensive, but also more efficient.
Plumbers spend far less time installing plastic pipes than they did copper ones, because plastic pipes can be bent into various angles, require fewer fittings/couplings and don’t require any soldering. This also equates to fewer expenses being put out to service calls for pipe repairs, meaning you – the client – save money.
Furthermore, plastic tubing does not transfer heat as much as copper tubing, making plastic pipes much more energy-efficient than copper. This will save you even more money on your utility bills.
Plastic pipes also come in a wide variety, including:
• PVC pipes are white, durable and resistant to pathogens.
• Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) is resistant to impacts and low temperatures making it best suited for drain and waste lines. The advantage to ABS is that it will not shatter the way PVC can plus it is suitable for handling compressed air.
• Polypropylene (PP) – best used for outdoor watering and drip systems. Lightweight while being durable and the best part is how inexpensive it is. Simply slip the pipes into one another and the compression fittings will form a seal as soon as pressurized water runs through them.
• Polyethylene (PE) and Cross-linked Polyethylene (PEX) are known for being lightweight, flexible and resistant to chemicals. PE has been chemically modified to enhance its ability to convey radiant heat; most useful in snow melting and ice rinks.
If you have any questions regarding plastic piping, contact Mahon Plumbing by clicking here today!