PVC pipe is a durable and long-lasting material commonly used in water systems, underground cables, and sewer lines. It was invented in 1925 by Dr. Waldo Semon and later found to have shock-absorbing capabilities, leading to the creation of PVC tire treads. PVC pipes are resistant to bacterial contamination and can withstand earthquakes, but not recommended for carrying high-pressure gas. Changes in manufacturing methods have reduced the risk of chemicals leaching into fluids flowing through them.
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe is made from a combined material of plastic and vinyl. The tubes are strong, hard to damage and long lasting. They won’t rust, rot or wear out over time. For this reason, PVC piping is most commonly used in water systems, underground cables and sewer lines.
PVC was first developed in 1925 when a BF Goodrich employee, Dr. Waldo Semon, attempted to invent a method for joining metal and rubber. After mixing materials to create a strong yet flexible material, Semon discovered PVC. However, the product remained virtually unusable for another decade. In the late 1930s, it was found to have great shock absorbing capabilities. This discovery led to the creation of long-lasting PVC tire treads.
Two decades later, PVC pipe was invented. By heating PVC, a machine called an extruder can be used to push it into hollow pipes. This made the pipes extremely solid and virtually indestructible. Using these pipes for irrigation systems proved successful and PVC pipe has since been regarded as an affordable and reliable medium for water piping.
Because of PVC pipe’s ability to withstand extreme movement and bending, it is also increasingly used in earthquake-prone areas; it can withstand rigorous earth shaking without taking any damage. The smooth surface of the tube is also resistant to bacterial contamination, such as E. coli. Therefore, many water companies rely on PVC pipes in their systems to keep them free from contamination.
For most uses, this type of piping is considered very safe. However, there have been some reports of hose rupture when used to carry high pressure gas and in most cases it is not recommended for this use. Studies have also shown that PVC pipes manufactured before the mid-1970s could leach chemicals into fluids flowing through them, but changes in manufacturing methods have significantly reduced this risk.
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