Home Water Pipe Selection Guide

Home Water Pipe Selection Guide

Common Plastic Pipe Fittings Types

The commonly used plastic pipes on the market currently include PPR (random copolymer polypropylene), PVC (polyvinyl chloride), PE (polyethylene) and other types.

PPR pipe

PPR pipe has good heat resistance and pressure resistance, suitable for hot water supply system, can be used at a water temperature of about 70℃ for a long time, and can withstand a high temperature of 95℃ for a short time. It is non-toxic and odorless, has good hygienic properties, has certain antibacterial properties, meets national drinking water hygiene standards, and is suitable for household hot and cold water pipes. In addition, PPR pipe has good hot melt connection, easy installation, firm connection, and is not easy to leak.

PVC pipe

PVC pipe is divided into hard PVC and soft PVC. In home decoration, hard PVC pipe is mainly used for drainage system. It is relatively cheap and has good corrosion resistance and chemical resistance. Soft PVC pipe is often used for wire casing, etc. In addition, from April 1, 2024, rigid polyvinyl chloride (PVC-U) pipes can be used for water supply in GB/T10002.1-2023. According to the requirements of GB/T 10002.1-2023, the hygienic properties of pipes for conveying drinking water should comply with GB/T 17219-1998, the content of vinyl chloride monomer should not exceed 1.0 mg/kg, non-toxic and pollution-free, and strict hygienic standards.

PE pipe

PE pipes include HDPE (high-density polyethylene) and LDPE (low-density polyethylene). PE pipe has good flexibility, corrosion resistance and impact resistance, and is suitable for conveying drinking water. It is commonly used in municipal water supply, gas transmission, etc., and can also be used in some special situations in home decoration, such as underground pipeline laying, because it has good flexibility, is easy to bend and install, and can adapt to certain ground deformation.

How to choose the right plastic pipes and fittings

When choosing plastic pipes for home decoration, the following aspects should be considered:

01 Choose according to purpose

If it is used for drinking water delivery or hot water system, PPR pipes should be preferred to ensure water quality safety. For drainage systems, hard PVC pipes are a common choice. If there are special needs, such as underground burial or the need for pipes with better flexibility, PE pipes can be considered.

02 Check product quality

PPR pipes are generally considered to be a more durable choice due to their good heat resistance and pressure resistance. Choosing environmentally friendly materials is very important for protecting the health of family members. Both PPR pipes and PE pipes have good environmental characteristics and will not release harmful substances to pollute water quality.

Choose products produced by regular manufacturers. Check the appearance of pipes and fittings, which should be smooth and flawless with uniform color. At the same time, check the product logo, including whether the specifications, models, manufacturers, production dates and other information are complete. You can also request to see the product's quality inspection report to ensure that the product meets relevant standards.

03 Consider installation and maintenance

Different pipes and fittings have different installation methods. For example, PPR pipes are connected by hot melt, which requires professional installation tools and personnel. PVC pipes can be connected by glue or rubber ring sealing. When choosing, consider the convenience and cost of installation. At the same time, consider the maintenance cost and service life of pipes and fittings, and choose products with good quality and simple maintenance.

Precautions for the use of plastic pipes and fittings

Installation process

Strictly follow the installation instructions. For pipes and fittings connected by hot melt, control the hot melt temperature and time to ensure the quality of the connection. During the installation process, pay attention to the direction and slope of the pipe to ensure smooth drainage. At the same time, avoid excessive squeezing or scratching of the pipe, which will affect its service life.

Use process

Avoid exposing pipes and fittings to the sun for a long time, because ultraviolet rays may accelerate the aging of the pipes. If it is a pipe used for drinking water transportation, check the water quality regularly to ensure the safety of the water quality. For the drainage system, regularly clean up the debris in the pipe to prevent blockage.