About PVC Water Pipes
Poly Vinyl Chloride (PVC) is now the standard for all drain and sewer pipes. This versatile plastic pipe is also used for many home-based projects and outdoor irrigation for gardens and lawns. The recycling aspect of PVC pipes has now entered into our homes with carpets that actually use a portion of the material for its construction. PVC pipes, since its creation, have become a part of our lives from its use in the home to large business applications.
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History
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Prior to PVC piping, the home sewer and drainpipes were all constructed of cast iron. If you have an old septic system, 40 years or older, chances are the pipes used are made of clay tile. These old piping systems were prone to breakage if they received a hard impact hit or were frozen in cold weather. It generally took a professional plumber to reinstall a broken cast iron pipe. Cast iron pipes were also sealed with a lead compound that had to be melted on the job site and applied before it cooled into a solid.
Significance
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PVC piping installation is as simple as using a hand-held saw to cut the piece to length. Then check the fit, apply a quick-drying cleaner and glue the joint together. The entire process can take less than 15 minutes and the pipe is ready to use in less than an hour. The weather is the only factor in the cure time for the glue. Of course the fumes are strong from both the cleaner and glue. They should only be used in a well-ventilated area and away from any open flame source. The solvents used for the process are extremely flammable.
Function
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PVC pipes are not generally used for feed water applications in the home. PVC has a low melting point and any mixture of hot water may cause the joints to break and leak. The most standard use for PVC pipes is for drain applications and the piping of the sewer. Since PVC is easily welded together using a solvent, most homeowners can perform installation of these pipes if they follow the directions for gluing and all local building codes.
Types
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PVC pipes also come in different thickness and are rated as schedules. A schedule 40-rated pipe is the most common and used for household drains and vent pipes. Schedule 40 is approximately 1/8 of an inch thick. A schedule 80 pipe is twice as thick as the 40 and is used for large underground feed water systems and deep well pump systems. Rare, but still manufactured and used in industry, is a schedule 120 PVC pipe. This pipe can be used for the movement of highly corrosive chemicals. Most often the schedule 80 and 120 is not glued to make the pipe joint. It is threaded much like a regular metal pipe to ensure a tight seal against leaks.
Benefits
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PVC pipe is a cost effective way for the homeowner to install and use water piping. The pipe can also be used for a large variety of home-based projects. Lawn chairs and patio furniture can be built by using the versatile fittings and the easy-to-use but strong cleaner and glue.
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