Types of Non-Metallic Water Drainpipe and Their Applications

When it comes to the installation of water pipe system for industrial, domestic, or agricultural use, there are mainly two categories of materials––metallic and non-metallic. In large parts of the world, non metallic pipes are being increasingly used for water drain pipe. The most common material used is plastic, with polyvinyl chloride or PVC water supply pipe, being the frontrunner. Let us take a look at the different types of non-metallic water drain pipe materials and their applications:

1.Polybutylene is a common non-metallic pipe material used in many regions for the supply of potable water to homes and for drainage of waste water. However, the downside of using polybutylene pipes is that their joints are prone to leaks, which can cause water damage when the pipes are installed in underground or inlaid conditions. This can be managed by sealing the joints with adhesive or sealants. They can also be damaged under extreme pressure but work well for supplying both hot and cold water.

2.Polyvinyl chloride or PVC pipes are perhaps the most popular non-metallic pipe materials used as water drain pipes. These pipes are extremely reliable for use in domestic, agricultural and industrial setups as they are long lasting, durable, resistant to rusting and corrosion and also have leak-proof joints. PVC pipes are also extremely lightweight which makes them easy to handle and install. However, these pipes can be damaged by exposure to ultraviolet rays or light and become brittle. PVC pipes are also not ideal for transport of liquids above temperatures of 60 degrees and hence cannot be used for hot water supply.

3.Chlorinated PVC or CPVC pipes are another non-metallic thermoplastic pipe type which are used for drainage pipes around the world. These pipes offer better resistance against chemical corrosion and are also flame retardant, which means that they do not catch fire. CPVC pipes can also withstand high pressure, which makes them suitable for transport of high pressure fluids.

4.High density polyethylene or HDPE pipes are also used for drainage applications around the world. Since they can withstand much higher temperature discharges as compared to other non-metallic pipes, they are preferred for drain pipes. They are often used in long lengths and joined with compression type joints or electrofusion.

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