PVC plumbing pipes are cheap, easy to install, and don’t react with building materials. They are commonly used worldwide, but can be loud and sensitive to temperature changes. Copper plumbing poses fire risks and can corrode, but has a wider size range. Plumbers can provide recommendations for specific structures and settings.
PVC plumbing is made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipes. Approximately half of the world’s PVC production goes into the production of pipes for plumbing applications, and PVC pipes are extremely common worldwide for new structures and replacements of existing plumbing systems. The primary alternative to PVC pipes is copper plumbing, although cast iron and some other plastics are also used in plumbing applications, along with chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC), a close relative of PVC.
There are a number of benefits to PVC plumbing. It’s cheap, which can be attractive to people paying for repairs or looking to reduce construction costs. It’s also extremely easy to install; even people with limited plumbing experience can install and repair basic PVC plumbing, and plumbers working on more complex tasks can work much faster with PVC than with other types of plumbing material. PVC also doesn’t react with concrete and other building materials, unlike metals like copper.
Unlike copper, PVC does not pose a fire risk during installation as the joints are made with a network of connectors that can be screwed, taped and glued together. Copper, on the other hand, must be soldered during installation, which can generate toxic fumes and potentially cause a fire. Copper plumbing is also commonly welded with toxic materials that can leach into the water, and the pipe itself can be corroded by the elements, causing leaks, and can build up scale that interferes with plumbing. The expansion and contraction of copper over time in response to temperature changes can also contribute to leaks.
PVC plumbing also has some disadvantages. It tends to be loud, making it unpopular for some settings, and it’s very sensitive to heat and cold. In areas where temperatures drop, PVC pipes need insulation. For high temperatures, some people prefer to use CPVC, which has higher temperature tolerance. PVC also has a relatively narrow size range, which can become a problem in complex plumbing jobs.
When evaluating plumbing options, it’s a good idea to speak to a plumber. Plumbers can provide insight into choices and can provide recommendations for specific structures, settings, and customers. Especially when pipes need to be replaced, people should talk to their plumbers, because plumbers can install PVC piping since it’s easy, and the plumber can assume that the savings generated by using cheaper materials will be appreciated. If people specifically want copper or some other material, they’ll have to request it.
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