Home Plumbing Projects Working With Plastic Pipes - By: Terry S Vostor

When installing a new plumbing system or adding to an old one, there is an alternative to metal pipes. Plastic pipe is an outstanding solution because it's more cost efficient, is lightweight, and easier to install compared to traditional metal pipes. Compression fittings or solvent cements are enough to make permanent joints that can withstand the gush of water. Unlike in metal pipes, one needs more tools that are costly and a propane torch.

Plastic pipes do not react to chemicals and electricity. It is also smooth inside ensuring that no corrosion or rusting occurs. Plastic pipes do not rust or corrode, they are "self cleaning", lightweight, usually do not sweat or freeze ( even in the cold January Winnipeg Canada wintertime temps), and lastly offer overall excellent water flow rates. Some codes allow for plastic pipe to be used only outdoors for drains or only for cold water supplies , whereas other municipals and locals are more liberal in their allowances of the use and uses of plastic pipe and piping.

If you use plastic for hot water lines, it is always a wise precaution to reset the temperature-pressure relief valve on your hot water heater for no more than 175 degrees Fahrenheit or its equivalent in metric Celsius temperature scales. It possible to connect a plastic pipe to an already existing metal pipe system using special fittings and adaptors.

One of the major reasons overall that plastic pipes have become so downright popular - not only with do it yourself home handyman and those doing the renovations themselves , but also with professional tradespeople and plumbers is the ease of which they can be worked with and assemblies constructed: the rigid and flexible forms. In the cold of a Winnipeg Manitoba winter is not a good or wise place to assemble rigid plastic pipe.
It is recommended in the plumbing and heating trades to work with these materials only when the ambient temperatures are above 40 degrees F. The bonding materials and their solvents involved
do not evaporate into the air during frigid temperatures slowing the actions of the high tech cement-solvent mixtures interfering with their ultimate and long term bonding actions.
It never hurts to be cautious and wait till things warm up or you able to afford or acquire an industrial space heater. No doubt about it. Cutting "rigid pipe' really demands precision. Its like the old joke about the fellow who applied for a job at British rail that the interviewer stated demanded more than the highest level of precision - even more precise than a Japanese machinist. It turned out his job was to slice ham at a kiosk and dole out the intended amount only, no more. Solvent cement can easily glue pieces together. A tube cutter that is used for flexible copper pipe is convenient for cutting rigid style plastic pipes. However a specialized blade is demanded - one that is meant for chopping plastic not cast iron or bronze metal.

An equally accurate cut can be made , alternatively with a miter box and backsaw , or a
hacksaw with a blade having 24 teeth per inch. Before purchasing plastic pipe it is always most wise and prudent to check with your local authorities regarding current or even upcoming building codes. Building and safety codes change so much all the time that those in the carpentry and plumbing trades will tell you have be involved and working all the time - "the codes change". Those that a hiatus to try some other venture often find that if they come back ready to work at a job site or job in their chosen field at a building project that they are often lost, even overwhelmed with all the changes that were mandated in their industry in their time away. A home project involving the installation of a new sink might use chlorinated polyvinyl pipes (CPVC) for hot and cold water lines. Another type which is the polyvinyl chloride pipes (PVC) may be used for the drain line. Both are rigid pipes.

Flexible plastic pipe use is limited only to supply systems. Various types of plastic piping suitable for drain waste , vent systems, irrigation systems, building sewers, sewer mains as well as hot and cold water distributions. Generally, they are used for interior systems for hot and cold water. Plastic pipe can also be used for exterior water supply systems. Three types of plastic polymers are used in the manufacture of plastic pipes , each have their own uses advantages and disadvantages in plumbing , heating and air conditioning installations. These products and components are PP polypropylene, Polybutylne (PB) and PE that is polyethylene . The names in the plumbing and heating trades for these product types are branded from their organic chemistry nomenclature themselves. In remodeling jobs, flexible pipe is preferred for passing through lawn irrigation system, floor, walls, and ceilings. These pipes are strong there's a chance they might be damaged so don't bend on sharp curves. An even bead of glue should appear around the pipe joint and joints. Do not apply so much cement , and be overly liberal in its application that it serves ultimately to block the pipe opening and restrict flow and flows.

Lastly you can work with plastic plumbing pipes in renovation projects with a fine-toothed hacksaw or plastic pipe-cutter, miter box, cleaner,solvent-cement,brush , file or utility knife or knives. Although plumbing bonding cement all by its lonesome will generally finish off in a satisfactory joint, in the heating and plumbing trades many pro plumbers prefer overall to clean thoroughly the material surfaces of the pipes and piping materials by brushing on a preparatory coat of priming solvent. You would not paint a prize classic car without the use of a proper cleaning and undercoat and the same can be said to be working with pipe and piping . Who knows what this plumbing will endure over the years.
Who knows in the future who will be gratefull for your solid efforts long after you are gone. Indeed California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger was proud that his work as a mason had survived the California earthquakes. Cutting plastic pipes - a flexible plastic pipe is generally soft and pliable enough to be cut easily and simply with a sharp knife or even a large pair of shears that you might find at a big box hardware store or even often at simple corner "dollar stores". No matter what most tools now are almost all made overseas in China. What happened to good old fashioned sturdy and well made tools manufactured and assembled right here in America by Americans. Various types connected by solvent-welding , transition fittings , threading , flanging, insert fittings, flare fittings, butt and socket fusion, mechanical couplings and compression fittings. Caution: plumbing and bonding cement mixtures are hazardous . The fumes are potentially even carcinogenic . Follow your local safety rules and work in a well-ventilated area. The distance between the faces of the fittings should be measured. Also measure the depth of fitting holes and add to the first measurement. This makes the total length. Flexible plastic tubing - commonly made of polyurethane materials - are great for cold water plumbing use and uses whereas polybutelyne materials are the preferred choices by plumbing professionals for hot water piping . This is especially the case when it comes to hot water pipes leading from or even adjacent to hot water heaters -both gas and electric. If you use a clamping arrangement to attach an insert fitting , as opposed to bonding cements, then take good care and attention to tighten the 2 clamps fully with a screwdriver of your choice and preference. Here are the list of materials and tools needed: medium-grit sandpaper, felt tip pen, tape measure, miter box, hacksaw, rags, utility knife, plastic pipe, solvent cement, plastic pipe cleaner, and plastic fittings.

About the Author

Terry S. Vostor One Hour Winnipeg Furnasman CBC Furnace Furnasman Winnipeg One Hour Heating Furnace

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