PVC Pipes & Fittings

PVC pipes and fittings are used in construction, infrastructure, industrial and water treatment and civil projects because of their specific attributes, including durability, strength and electrical nonconductivity (i.e., good insulation properties). PVC pipes and fittings are resistant to corrosion, abrasion, chemical rotting, weathering, shock and inorganic chemicals. They have excellent resistance to aliphatic hydrocarbons as well as dilute acids and alkalis. PVC is a preferred material for piping applications as they are lightweight, easy to install and cost-effective.

Yes, PVC pipes are safe. This is why PVC pipes and fittings are used in potable water plumbing systems, i.e., to transport water for drinking, cooking, cleaning and bathing. PVC is classified as inert and non-reactive to many salts, acids, alkalis, alcohols, oils and fats. Moreover, PVC does not react with water and will not oxidize and rust or corrode over time. These qualities ensure PVC pipes won’t contaminate your water supply.

While PVC pipes are most commonly used for water supply, they also have many other applications. Besides plumbing, irrigation and drainage, they can also be found in electrical cabling, ducting, encased ducting, direct burial, telecommunications and other applications.

• Some more of the common uses of PVC pipes include the following:
• Waste control and handling
• Rainwater management
• Agricultural irrigation
• Fire sprinkler systems
• Chemical handling and distribution
• Building infrastructure and building materials
• Cable insulation

PVC pipes are suitable for high-pressure environments. They can be used aboveground or underground, depending on their specific features. For example, PVC pipes with UV inhibitors and stabilizers are perfect for outdoor applications since they are protected against the sun’s rays. You may choose PVC pieces with larger bores and thicker walls, depending on the intended use. Usually, these pipes are made for underground applications, such as transporting drinking water in commercial and residential buildings.

There are also PVC pipe variants designed for distributing hot or cold substances across industrial and commercial plumbing systems.

A PVC pipe fitting is a detachable piece that serves as a connector between two or more pipes. Some common PVC fittings include tees, crosses, elbows, couplings, and unions.

Although PVC fittings come in different forms, they can be categorized broadly as:

Plumbing-grade connectors: These are intended for plumbing, drainage and sewer systems. PVC fittings under this category come in SCH40 or SCH80.

Furniture-grade connector: These are glossy and highly pigmented fittings with a weatherable cap to make them resistant to UV degradation and damage. As a result, PVC fittings are ideal for outdoor or above-ground use.

PVC pipe fittings have a vast range of applications. Whether you’re updating older pipeline systems or improving the integrity of pipeline network joints, PVC pipe fittings allow you to do so without the need to replace the entire PVC pipe or pipe system.

PVC (polyvinyl chloride) – a sturdy thermoplastic material with many applications – is the world’s third most widely used and produced synthetic plastic.

Some of the innate properties of PVC include the following:

1. Self-extinguishing
2. Good insulation
3. Low-maintenance
4. Lightweight
5. Abrasion-resistant
6. Chemical-resistant (all inorganic chemicals)

Today, PVC can come in the form of different variants designed for various applications:

• CPVC (chlorinated polyvinyl chloride) is a variant made by chlorinating PVC resin. It is typically used in indoor settings, particularly in hot water supply.
• PVCO (molecular-oriented PVC) is a result of the reorganization of the amorphous structure of PVC-U. It has enhanced physical properties, including fatigue resistance, stiffness and lightweight.
• Plasticized PVC is a flexible material that can be used to transport acids, alkalis and other corrosive inorganic substances. It is non-flammable and easier to process compared to unplasticized PVC.
• Unplasticized PVC (PVC-U) is a rigid material that can be used for electrical insulation. It also has an intrinsic flame resistance, making it suitable for electric cables and wires.