The artificial polymer PVC is used in making various plumbing tools. The world’s most widely produced plastic polymer is polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Pipes made of rigid PVC have a diverse range of applications because of their stiff quality.

Among various plastic piping materials, polyvinyl chloride is the most commonly used. The PVC plumbing pipes are manufactured in different dimensions and sizes. Drain waste vents, sewer systems, irrigation systems, water service lines and water lines are some industries that use them extensively. Five unique properties contribute to their popularity, including cost-efficiency, safety, environmental performance, durability, and recyclability.

Different shapes and sizes are available for PVC plumbing fittings. The flow of liquid, gas, or water is manipulated through commercial or domestic pipe systems by pipe fittings, which facilitate regular fluid flow.

Application of PVC pipes

1. Polyvinyl chloride pipes are used for the transportation of water and water plumbing. These are non-toxic and long-lasting materials for transporting drinking and non-drinking water.
   
2. The waste management sector in commercial buildings, industrial areas, and cooperative societies use PVC pipes.
   
3. PVC pipes are also used in bathroom fittings.
   
4. PVC pipes also facilitate proper management of rainwater harvesting.
   
5. Various agricultural applications rely on PVC pipes, including bore-wells, sprinklers, pesticides, and fertiliser spraying. Moreover, farms use these for irrigation and pest control activities.
   
6. PVC pipes are protected from corrosion, scale, or microbiological layer formation, which makes them more durable and low maintenance than traditional iron pipes. So, they are used in the fire sprinkler system of hotels, offices, museums, libraries, and society buildings.
   
7. Polyvinyl Chloride pipes are also fire-retardant and hence are used in handling chemicals.
   
8. In addition to straight, branch, T-shaped, and bracketed pipes, PVC pipe fittings are used to construct high-performance piping systems.

Types of PVC Pipes

The following names comprise the list of PVC pipe fittings you need to know:

• Adapter fittings- Two different parts are connected using an adapter. Reducing couplings is another name for this. The various adapters are expansion, Mechanical joint, bell, and flang.

• Coupling fittings- Coupling is the most affordable PVC pipe fitting. A coupling usually connects two pipes. These are mainly of two types: regular and slip.

• Elbow fittings- An elbow is a device that facilitates a change of direction between two pipes or tubes at an angle of forty-five degrees or ninety degrees.

• Union fittings-Unions are PVC pipe fittings that connect two pipes but are not permanent like couplings. There is no restriction on the number of times this can be disconnected. Three parts make up this device: a male part, a female part, and a nut part. 

• Diverter tee fittings- Diverter tees are PVC pipe fittings used in water heating systems. They have directional markings and must be installed precisely to ensure accurate operation. 

• Cap fittings- A cap covers the open end of a pipe and is usually gas-or liquid-tight and used tostop the fluid flow. The exterior of this cap can be I-shaped, U-shaped, rectangular, square, or round. In addition, it can also have a handgrip.

• Cross fittings-Cross pipe fittings withthree outlets and one inlet are called cross branch lines or 4-way fittings. Since they connect four points, they may cause stress on pipes when temperatures change. In addition to adding structural integrity to the framework, they can also direct fluid flow.

Features of PVC pipes

• Polyvinyl Chloride pipes are highly durable and cost-effective.
• These help in the smooth transfer of fluid.
• PVC pipes are very user-friendly as they are easy to handle.
• These are non-toxic and eco-friendly.
• One can recycle these easily.
• These have high strength due to their rigidity.
• They are non-corrosive.
• These are chemical-resistant.

Conclusion

This blog has highlighted the significant types of PVC plumbing pipes.  It also focused on the prominent features of PVC pipes and the areas where they are used. In conclusion, these pipes can be attributed to the properties of being durable, environment-friendly, non-toxic, recyclable, and cost-effective. Thus, they are perfect to be used in household and commercial plumbing systems.