About the Pipes in Plumbing
Indoor plumbing has been around since the 1840s and pipes have been an integral part of what was once a luxury for the upper class. Indoor plumbing has become standard and is used in all civilized buildings. Plumbers install pipes in new construction projects and also make repairs to those in existing buildings. These tradesmen need to be familiar with pipes and learn about them during an apprenticeship.
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Significance
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When a person begins an apprenticeship as a plumber, he needs to learn the different types of pipes, when each is used and how to correctly install and fix them. Pipes are a significant part of the construction process for homes and businesses. The installation of pipes requires knowledgeable plumbers who are skilled in the trade and have experience with these materials.
PVC
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PVC, polyvinyl chloride, is a thermoplastic polymer used since 1935 to manufacture pipes for plumbing purposes. This plastic can be molded and shaped under appropriate conditions. The elastic characteristics of this kind of pipe make it ideal for construction. Plans are drawn and followed, but any slight deviation in actual application requires a bit of wiggle room. PVC pipes offer that room for error or inaccuracy.
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Cast Iron
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Before the widespread use of PVC, cast iron was the piping of choice in the plumbing industry. Cast iron pipes are durable and capable of withstanding temperature changes. These pipes became phased out on account of their weight and expense. Cast iron is considerably heavier and less flexible than PVC. This makes installation and repairs more difficult. In addition, the relatively inexpensive cost of their plastic replacements is a major factor in the diminished use of cast iron pipes. Even though they are no longer commonly installed, many existing buildings have this type of pipe already installed from earlier eras.
Tools
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Working with pipes requires a variety of different tools. Wrenches, torches, saws, power drills and screwdrivers are all essential equipment for installing and repairing pipes. Saws and torches are particularly useful for fixing pipes. A plumber will saw through the damaged pipe at a point before and after the damage. The torch is used to solder a new piece to the fittings, which connect it to the existing pipe.
Considerations
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Those who work with pipes need strength and stamina, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Installing pipes often requires lifting heavy pipes, standing for long periods while repairing or installing pipe systems and working in uncomfortable conditions.
Misconceptions
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There has been concern from some consumers with regard to the safety of using PVC in plumbing. In 2008, Science Daily reported that the leeching of certain plastics had caused concern with regard to potential health side effects, especially as it relates to food and drink. Bisphenol A, in particular, has been found to lead to negative health effects. With the amount of attention brought to this issue, questions arose with regard to how safe PVC piping is for use in plumbing. Such concerns are laid to rest by the fact that Bisphenol A is not an additive in the PVC from which pipes are made.
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References
- Photo Credit Pipes and more pipes image by rider from Fotolia.com
