Should I Choose a PVC or uPVC Pipe?

You may be considering the most suitable piping for your project between PVC and uPVC. Both are common in plumbing and building construction, and we’re going to compare them in this guide.

What is PVC?

Polyvinyl Chloride is a highly flexible plastic and is also utilised widely in construction and plumbing. PVC pipes consist of a blend of plasticisers and vinyl chloride, which soften the pipe and make it flexible. Because it is flexible, PVC pipes are a suitable option to utilise in those applications where bending is required, such as irrigation and temporary plumbing application.

One of the benefits of PVC is that it is acid- and alkali-resistant, and thus highly appropriate to transport industrial chemicals. But don’t forget that PVC pipes are relatively less heat-resistant, i.e., less suitable for high-temperature use. PVC is typically employed in a cold water supply pipe, drain, and low-pressure pipe.

What is uPVC?

Unplasticised Polyvinyl Chloride, or uPVC, is the same as PVC…but without plasticisers. This alteration makes uPVC harder and more durable than its other counterpart. Since uPVC is hardened, it is usually the best material for long-term applications like waste lines, pressure pipes, and even door and window frames.

uPVC is also highly weather resistant, corrosion resistant, and UV resistant, so it will maintain its form and be resilient even with time passing by, even with conditions changing with the external environment. And because it does not contain plasticisers added to it, uPVC is usually utilised as a more environmentally friendly choice and is noted to be used widely as materials for green building structures.

Difference Between PVC and uPVC

The biggest distinction between uPVC and PVC is the presence or lack of plasticisers. The presence of additives provides flexibility to PVC but increases its tendency to deform and destabilise as a result of usage. The uPVC thus being plasticised is rigid, heavy, and strongly built and, as a result of this, well suited for high pressure use and reuse.

PVC is less heat and sun-resistant but more flexible, thus suitable for short-term or indoor use. uPVC, being heat- and sun-resistant, are suitable for piping outside or where sunlight and heat are very concentrated. Be sure to speak to uPVC or PVC pipe suppliers for advice regarding your specific project. 

Environmental factors are also worth considering. uPVC without added chemicals like plasticisers is more environmentally friendly and recyclable, while added chemicals in PVC are not sustainable for all projects.

The Right Pipe to Use on Your Project

The decision to have PVC or uPVC pipes will depend on your project needs. If some degree of flexibility is needed, like in irrigation or temporary plumbing, then PVC would be the best choice. If strength, resistance to heat, or durability in the long run is needed, particularly for external or pressure applications, then uPVC would be the best choice.

If you are aware of the specific benefit of each type of pipe, you will not only achieve maximum performance but will also succeed in your work. Whether you are a plumber or a builder, this decision that you take will save effort, time, as well as money in the long run.

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