PVC Pipe Advantages

The range of useful properties afforded by PVC makes it one of the most versatile of all pipe materials, a fact confirmed by the variety of applications and markets served by PVC pipe. Specification or use of PVC pipe is justified by one or several of the attributes here discussed.
1, Corrosion Resistance
Corrosion is the leading cause of the water main break epidemic in the world,
PVC pipe is a non-conductor of electricity and immune to electrochemical reactions caused by acids, bases, and salts that cause corrosion in metals. Since this characteristic exists both inside and outside the pipe, PVC needs no expensive coatings or liners and can be expected to outlast pipes made from alternate materials.

2, Chemical Resistance
PVC pipes exhibit resistance to a wide range of chemicals at temperatures up to 140°F. PVC is resistant to chemicals normally found or used in homes, although some industrial applications may require an evaluation of chemical resistance. The chemical resistance ability of PVC is further evidenced by its frequent use as a protective liner for other pipe materials.

3, Light Weight
PVC pipes offer a tremendous weight advantage, which is a particularly important safety aspect. The material’s ability to be handled more easily than other piping materials mini- mixes worker injury and facilitates lower-cost transportation and installation. One person can easily carry two 20-ft lengths of 4-in. PVC pipe. According to the United States Bureau of Labor, the plastic piping industry has an outstanding safety record, experiencing far fewer injuries and illnesses in every phase of production on average than similar industries.

4, Flexibility
PVC pipe’s resistance to fracture is an extremely important performance advantage. While PVC pipe is made from rigid (unplasticized) PVC compound, the pipe itself has the ability to yield underloading without fracturing. PVC’s modulus of elasticity is a major advantage in underground applications, particularly where soil movement or vibration is anticipated. In pressure applications, PVC’s modulus of elasticity also reduces the magnitude of pressure surges (i.e., water hammer).

5, Long-Term Tensile Strength
PVC pipe compounds are formulated to attain long-term tensile strength. The long-term hydrostatic design basis (HDB) for PVC is two or more times that of other common thermoplastic pipe materials.

6, Watertight Joints
A major requirement for nearly all piping applications is joint tightness. PVC pipe is available with deep insertion, push-together gasketed joints, which consistently outperform joints of alternative pipe products. PVC pipes are easy to assemble, and a pipeline can be filled, tested, and placed in service immediately after assembly.

7, Abrasion/Wear Resistance
PVC pipe exhibits outstanding resistance to wear and abrasion. PVC pipe has proven itself more durable than pipes of metal, concrete, or clay for the transport of abrasive slurries.

8, Impact Strength
Under normal conditions, PVC pipe possesses relatively high resistance to impact damage compared to pipes made from clay, concrete, and most other conventional materials. Even though PVC pipe does exhibit a reduction in impact strength at very low temperatures, its impact strength remains more than adequate, usually exceeding that of alternate pipe materials.