We bet that you can spot PVC (aka polyvinyl chloride) piping out of a lineup, thanks to its trademark white tubing.
Wonder no more! Here is everything you've ever wanted to know about PVC piping but never tried to ask:
The Origin of PVC Piping
While PVC was first synthesized in the nineteenth century, PVC really took off in the 1920s, thanks to developments made by an employee of BFGoodrich. Prior to becoming the rigid piping we recognize today, PVC had all sorts of other functions in construction and design; it was originally used in tires, for example, as it was found to have a particularly shock-absorbing qualities while in string-like form. PVC also gained popularity as insulation for the wiring on military ships. The rigid water-resistant pipes we find under our sinks today were not really used until 20 years later, when the material was developed into lightweight pipes that could be used for irrigation.
The Advantages of Using PVC Piping
PVC piping offers homeowners a great number of benefits, and is a great choice for the majority of plumbing in your Red Oak home. Why? PVC piping is:
- Affordable, lightweight, and reliable
- Able to withstand extreme bending
- Resistant to bacterial contamination
- Able to withstand natural occurrences, like earthquakes
- Considered a renewable, "green" plastic
- Easier to transport/saves on labor costs
- Easy to install
The Disadvantages of Using PVC Piping
While PVC piping is generally a great choice for piping in your home, it does have some distinct disadvantages as well. PVC piping also:
- Has poor thermal conductivity, compared to copper piping
- Must be highly insulated to maintain water temperature
- Is susceptible to freezing
- Can be relatively noisy, especially when used for drain lines
- Might be susceptible to ultraviolet light degradation (which is why PVC is primarily used as an interior material)
Another important thing to bear in mind? In Red Oak, PVC piping is only allowed to be used in "buildings three stories or less in height intended for family occupancy," and is not permitted for use as "underground building and vent pipe except for subsurface soil drainage."
The Bottom Line
When it comes to using PVC piping in your home, ultimately it's best to consult with a plumbing professional to decide which piping will be the best for your specific plumbing fixtures and system, and what the city dictates for your area. Ready to consider all of your plumbing options with the help of a licensed professional? Why not drop Combat Plumbing a line? Our team knows all of the ins and outs of Red Oakland plumbing; we're here and always happy to help.