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Why are drains made of plastic?

Why are drains made of plastic?

Plastic pipes have transformed our utility networks, meaning that today waste water is transported safely and securely, and in much greater quantities than in times gone by. In today’s civil engineering and building environments, plastics are an essential part of our drainage and sewerage systems.

What is the best pipe to use for drainage?

Polyvinyl Chloride pipes are the most commonly used pipes for any drainage project. Due to the material’s malleable properties, PVC pipes can come in almost any size. These types of pipes are great for drainage situations where the water and environment exert a great deal of pressure and weight.

What are advantages of using plastic pipes?

Advantages of plastic pipes:

  • Plastic pipes are light in weight, tough, resistant to chemical attack and available in large lengths.
  • They reduce the cost of handling, transportation and installation.
  • Less number of joints facilitates the speed and reduces chances of leakage.
  • They are rust resistant.

What are plastic drains made of?

PVC Pipes – PVC is the initials for polyvinyl chloride. PVC pipes are present in drainage and sewage pipes that hold wastewater to the sewer mains. PVC pipes are cheaper and durable which makes them ideal for modern-day piping and drainage applications.

When did plastic drain pipes come out?

1950s: Pressurised plastic piping systems for drinking water pipes installed in the Netherlands. Production of the first plastic valve. PE used to create ducting for insulation and extrusion method used to create the first HDPE drainage pipes in the UK.

Why are plastic pipes better than metal pipes?

PLASTIC plumbing pipe is a boon for amateurs. It is easier to install than metal pipe, not as heavy and cheaper. Plastic pipes also have insulating properties that prevent condensation on pipes carrying cold water and reduce heat loss through pipes carrying hot water.

Why are plastic pipes better than copper pipes?

Quieter, even at high pressure and water speeds. Resist corrosion and impact damage. Easier to install compared to copper pipes. Less expensive than copper.

Can you use PVC for drain pipe?

Uses for PVC Pipes Regular schedule 40 PVC pipe (here) is perfect for drains and wastewater. Like ABS pipe, PVC pipe is used for drain, waste, and vent piping systems and as insulation for electrical cables. It’s versatile and durable and the choice for professionals and DIYers alike.

How deep should drainage pipes be buried?

According to ‘The Department of the Environment’, they recommend that pipes should be buried at least 600mm (two feet) underground. At this depth, the soil acts as a natural insulator and prevents them freezing.

Why is plastic pipe popular?

While steel, cast iron and copper are all good pipe materials that are still in use, plastic offers many advantages that they lack. One of the biggest is that plastic is easy to cut and form into any shape or size needed, even on jobsites, which reduces the amount of labor required to install them.

How are plastic pipes formed?

Pipes are first and foremost produced through an extrusion process. Inside the extruder barrel the material is heated up to the melting point around 200°C by electricity and the friction in the screw system. The melted material is pushed through a cavity, called a die-head and thereby formed into a pipe.