When you begin to look on the Internet for plastic pipes and tubing, you may be overwhelmed by the choices that are available. From different types of metal to various sizes, there is a lot to take into account. This is largely because of the fact that plastic systems can be used for all purposes and industries – ranging from drinking water to transporting chemicals. Keeping that in mind, read on to discover what you need to take into account in order to find the right plastic pipes for your requirements specifically…
The type of plastic
There is only one place to begin and this is with the type of plastic. People are often shocked to discover the sheer variety of options they have at their disposal. Nonetheless, it is pivotal to choose the right type for your system. You generally have the option of CPVC, PVC, PB or PE. You then have the likes of PFA tubing, which is a type of fluoropolymer. The latter two and PFA are ideal for chemical systems, or anyone that needs to transport materials that are corrosive or gaseous in their nature. It is also the perfect option for high-temperature materials, such as those between 200 and 210 degrees Fahrenheit. Aside from this, you have CPVC plastic, which is the best choice for anyone that needs to transport water with their system, the ideal temperature for CPVC pipes is anything from 150 and 180 degrees Fahrenheit. And last but not least, we have PVC pipes, which are perfect for drainage, removing waster or venting. When it comes to temperature, PVC is good for transporting anything from 120 to 150 degrees.
The thickness of the plastic
The thickness of the plastic is an extremely vital factor to take into account. Luckily, it should not be too difficult to determine how thick your plastic pipes should be. You simply need to ask yourself the following two questions…
- How often is the system going to be used?
- What is the approximate volume of the material that is going to be passing through the system?
This will help you to determine the thickness you require. The more the system is used and the larger the volume of the material, the thicker you need the plastic to be. If you are feeling unsure it is always better to overestimate than underestimate.
The brand of the plastic
The brand is crucial because this is where you can ensure the pipes you select are of a high quality. Do a little bit of research and read the reviews that have been left by previous customers to discover what they have had to say about the pipes they received. Moreover, certain brands cater to certain businesses and industries, and so this is something you may want to bear in mind so you can be certain you buy the right pipes for your requirements.
The cost of the plastic
Last but not least, the cost is always an important factor to consider when purchasing anything. Nonetheless, it certainly should not be the determining factor when it comes to plastic pipework systems. The last thing you want to do is purchase a certain set of plastic pipes simply because they are the cheapest, as this is likely to indicate a lack of quality. The most important thing to do is consider all of the points that have been mentioned, and if you still have several options available you can then differentiate between them based on the cost.
