Plastic Piping: What are the Benefits
Lighter And Thinner
Typically a plastic pipe that is used for infrastructure weighs less than 10% of its concrete equivalent. They are easier and faster to install. In some cases, less plant hire is needed than when rigid materials like concrete or clay are used, which reduces on-site costs.
When considering the handling and storage of pipes, very good Health and Safety benefits are provided due to their lightweight nature. In certain circumstances, using ‘as dug’ material to back fill the trench might be possible. It is an important factor when needing to consider tax levied on the aggregate, transportation and quarrying activities.
Less Leakage And Flexible
Plastic pipes typically come in 6m lengths, whereas concrete pipes tend to be supplied in 3m or 1m lengths. When plastic pipes are used, it ensures that fewer joints are needed along the pipeline, which minimises possible leakage points. These can be a problem for homes and often result in the need for an expert plumbing witness to clarify fault. Plastic pipes remove a lot of the related issues.
Because plastic pipes have such a flexible nature it ensures that they have a higher tolerance to deformation as well as movement of surrounding soil compared to rigid pipes, which helps to minimise the risk of leakage even further. This is a key factor when the Groundwater Directive is considered as well as the Water Framework Directive overall legislation which makes a critical objective of reducing diffuse pollution.
When it comes to the polybutylene material utilized within our plastic plumbing systems, the most important characteristic is its natural flexibility. It makes it possible to bend the pipe even in very tight spaces. The most malleable plastic that we use in manufacturing piping systems is Polybutylene.
Durable, Chemically Resistant and No Corrosion
Plastic, unlike many types of traditional pipe materials, offer high resistance to a wide array of chemicals and do not corrode. When installed correctly, plastic pipes require no or little maintenance in regular use. They do not scale, pit or rust. Their non-porous smooth bore guards against the inner pipe wall getting blocked. The complete piping system has been designed to meet specific long-term performance requirements, which ensures leak-free operation and complete integrity.
Plastics technology developments have made it possible to tailor characteristics and material formulation in order to meet the criteria of certain applications. The polybutylene material contained in the Polypipe domestic cold and hot water heating and plumbing systems offer exception long-term performance and durability. For many current building project, it has become the preferred material to use.
Polybutylene pipe offer good resistance against freezing temperatures, and maintains long term durability in water and heating applications. When combined with the elasticity of the pipe, it means that it is less likely for a pipe to burst if the water gets subjected to freezing temperatures.
In addition, our plumbing systems provided improved performance compared to rigid pipe systems when it comes to low water hammer effect and low noise transmission.
Ease Of Installation And Transport
Due to plastic piping systems being so light, in reduces emissions coming from the supply chain process as well as reduces transportation and handling costs. The product’s lightweight nature also makes handling easier, both during transportation as well as installation. It also reduces safety and health risks, which in the modern construction industry of today is a key consideration.
Because plastic piping systems are available in longer lengths as opposed to legacy materials like clay and concrete, it results in less joints, which facilitates the cost and speed of installation and also reduces the likelihood of leakage post installation.
