In today’s construction landscape, selecting the appropriate water pipes is crucial for ensuring the longevity and efficiency of any building’s plumbing system. This guide dives into the evolution of plumbing pipes, focusing on modern PVC options and best installation practices.

The Evolution of Water Pipes

Historically, various materials have been used for water pipes:

• Lead: Early Roman plumbing utilized lead, and the word “plumbing” itself derives from the Roman term for lead, “plumbum”. Lead pipes were used up until the 20th century, and many older buildings still have them, despite their health risks. Joining lead pipes required soldering, a specialized skill.
• Galvanized Steel: With the introduction of galvanized steel pipes came fittings like elbows and tees, with joints sealed using waxed string or plumber’s tape. Although easier to join than lead, steel pipes require special equipment for cutting and threading. They are still used for certain purposes but are prone to internal rusting.
• Copper: In the mid-20th century, copper became the favored material, joined using compression fittings or soldering. Today, copper is mostly used in air conditioning systems due to its high cost.

PVC: The Modern Plumbing Solution

Today, PVC (polyvinyl chloride) is the most widely used material for household plumbing. PVC pipes offer several advantages:

• Durability: PVC is strong, rigid, and resistant to rust, deterioration, and chemicals.
• Cost-Effective: It is a low-cost option for plumbing systems.
• Versatility: PVC can be easily melted and formed into different shapes.
• UV Protection: It is usually grey in color, with added pigments to protect from sun damage. However, it is best to paint pipes that are exposed to the sun to prevent them from becoming brittle.

PVC Fittings: PVC pipe fittings include: * Sleeves for joining straight pieces of pipe * Elbows for 90 or 45 degree bends * Tee pieces for adding a branch to a pipe * Reducers for connecting different pipe diameters * Threaded end fittings for connecting taps or pumps

PVC pipe and fittings range in sizes from 12 mm to 150 mm. Smaller sizes are typically used for water supply, while larger ones are used for drains. Plastic stop valves are also available for use with PVC pipes.

Selecting the Right PVC Pipe

When choosing PVC pipe, consider:

• Quality and Thickness: The pipe needs to be thick enough to withstand pressure, particularly in multi-story buildings requiring pumps. Ensure the pipe is also strong enough to resist suction from pumps.
• Fittings: Fittings should have deep sockets to provide a strong and secure joint. Low-cost fittings often have short sockets that compromise the strength of the connection.
• Material: Opt for high-quality, dense, and rigid uPVC (unplasticized PVC). Brands like Wavin and Rucika are recommended. Maspion pipe is good, but fittings tend to have short sockets.

Proper PVC Installation Practices

While installing PVC pipes is relatively straightforward, improper techniques can lead to leaks. Here’s what to keep in mind:

• Solvent Cement is Key: Always use solvent cement, not glue, to join PVC pipes. Solvent cement melts the PVC, creating a welded joint, whereas glue does not bond well with PVC.
• Clean and Prepare: Ensure the pipe is cut cleanly and the cut end is smoothed with sandpaper. Clean the pipe and the fitting with PVC solvent or fine sandpaper.
• Apply Cement: Coat both surfaces to be joined with solvent cement and then push the joint together.
• Avoid Distractions: When installing pipework, plumbers should avoid distractions and check that all joints are glued.

Why PVC Pipes Leak and How to Prevent It

Leaks in new buildings are often the result of:

• Missed Joints: Plumbers assembling pipework may miss gluing some joints.
• Using Glue Instead of Solvent Cement: This is a common mistake, as glue doesn’t provide a strong bond on PVC.

Conclusion

Selecting high-quality PVC pipe and fittings and using proper installation techniques are critical for a reliable plumbing system. Remember to always use solvent cement, clean and prepare the surfaces properly, and double-check all joints. This will not only help avoid future leaks and costly repairs, but also guarantee a reliable water supply. By following this guide, you can be confident in creating a durable, long-lasting plumbing system.