The most important characteristic of plumbing systems is the material from which the pipes and fittings are made (the parts that connect the pipes - couplings, elbows, etc.) and their value, application and service life depend on it. Below are the main materials with their advantages and disadvantages.
Polypropylene - PPR
This is the most modern and used material for plumbing systems. Its advantages are: hygienic and free from foreign substances or oxides material that does not affect the drinking quality of water. Corrosion is practically non-existent and only the physical aging of the material depreciates the system. The smooth inner surface reduces water resistance and limescale deposits. Their method of construction determines their extremely high strength characteristics - they can withstand loads of 8 kN / m2.
They are mainly used for indoor plumbing. The pipes are light and very comfortable to work with. Pipes and parts are joined very easily with the help of a "glue" - a simple device that melts the ends of the pipe and fitting and then they are placed in each other. When cooling, the soldering takes place.
Polyethylene PE
Its advantages largely coincide with those of polypropylene pipes - it does not affect the drinking properties of water, does not corrode and does not allow internal deposits of limestone. The difference is that it has greater plasticity and very easy installation. It is characterized by a long service life (up to 50 g) and is easy to maintain. It is used mainly for external water supply and plumbing installations (water supply, drip irrigation, pool supply, construction of irrigation systems, etc.).
Depending on the density, we distinguish three types: high density polyethylene HDPE, medium density MDPE and low density LDPE.
PVC - U - Polyvinyl Chloride Pipes
They are used for plumbing systems for drinking needs and the difference with the above is that the connection of pipes and fittings is done with glue. They are most often used for do-it-yourself repairs.
PVC - Polyvinyl Chloride Pipes
They are mainly used for wastewater of internal building installations, external drainage and sewerage of wastewater and rainwater.
Pipes with an aluminum insert
The pipes consist of several layers, one of which is aluminum, which allows the pipe to retain its shape even when bent. They are also characterized by the possibility of quick and easy installation. They are used for indoor plumbing and heating systems - local heating, solar panels.
Copper pipes
Their advantage is that they have high strength and thermal characteristics, which is why they are used for fluids with high pressure and temperature. The disadvantage is the more complex installation compared to the above types. Some types of copper pipes cannot be used for drinking water. They are mainly used in heating and solar systems.
Galvanized pipes
Despite the strength characteristics of the material, it is gradually becoming obsolete due to a number of reasons: slow and complicated installation compared to new materials, inability to meet modern hygiene requirements, susceptibility to corrosion (rust) and internal limescale deposits, etc. Used to power fire hydrants and systems.