How to Choose the Right PVC Piping for Commercial and Residential Projects

Polyvinyl chloride, or PVC for short, is now an integral part of the construction and plumbing industry in Australia. You may not be aware of its presence, but trust us; it is hiding in plain sight. It could be hiding behind the walls of houses in Melbourne, irrigating farms in Queensland, or handling waste disposal in offices in Sydney. 

The reason for its popularity is the unmatched durability and corrosion resistance of the PVC pipe, which is better than the conventional metal pipes. However, it is not without its limitations. There are tremendous variations in the types of PVC pipes that are available in the market. If you are not careful and use the wrong type of PVC pipe, the outcome could be disastrous. 

Whether you are an amateur DIY enthusiast who wants to improve your home garden irrigation system or a project manager who wants to construct an office complex, it is imperative that you understand the needs of your project for it to be a success in the long run. 

In terms of the selection of the PVC pipe, it is imperative that you understand the environment in which the PVC pipe is to be subjected. For this reason, you need to consider various key performance indicators that will prove that the product you choose from a PVC pipe supplier in Melbourne is capable of withstanding the project. 

Pressure Requirements

The most significant factor will be the pressure rating of the pipe. It will be necessary to determine the pressure rating of the pipe by finding out the maximum pressure the system will be required to withstand. Most often, the pressure requirements for a standard residential plumbing system, as well as drainage systems, will be relatively low. 

However, if the water is pumped over a long distance, for example, if it goes uphill, the pressure will be high. In such a case, it will be necessary to use a pipe with a thicker wall so it can withstand the stress from the water pressure. The use of a pipe with a pressure rating that is too low is one of the most common mistakes made, and it can lead to the bursting of the pipes, causing costly water damage.

Temperature Considerations

Temperature is another very important factor that is usually overlooked in the decision-making process. As mentioned earlier, standard PVC pipes are thermoplastic materials, meaning their physical composition changes with the change in the temperature. Most often, standard PVC pipes will only be required to withstand water with a maximum temperature of 60 degrees Celsius, which is equivalent to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. If the water is hot, it will be necessary to use a different type of material, such as Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride.

Chemical Compatibility

Although PVC is resistant to most chemicals, it is not totally resistant to all of them. In the case of residential homes, it is not likely to be an issue, but due to the excessive use of drain cleaners, it will still have a negative impact on the pipes in the long run. In the case of industrial projects, it is of critical importance to consider the chemical compatibility of the PVC pipes.

For instance, if the industrial project is one that involves the use of acids, alkalis, and other industrial fluids, it is essential to check a compatibility chart to ensure that the PVC pipes will work well with the fluids that they are expected to handle.

Size and Dimensions

The size of the pipe is not only important because the pipe has to fit into the trench, but also because of the fact that the pipe has to carry the right amount of fluid at the right rate. If the pipe is too small, then the fluid will not flow easily, which will result in an increase of friction, which will cause your pumps to work much harder than they should, thus increasing your energy bill. If you over specify the size of the pipe, then you will end up wasting money on something you don’t need, not to mention the problems you might experience.

Ensuring Long-Term Success

The use of PVC piping is an exercise of foresight because by ensuring that you have the right size of the pipe, you can rest assured that the pipe will last you for a very long time, thus ensuring your success. It is better to over specify the size of the pipe by some degree than to have the pipe burst on you six months down the road, thus causing you problems you don’t need.

If you are still unsure of what you need, then you should talk to an expert plumber or pipe supplier to ensure you can go ahead with confidence!