Compare the durability of popular water pipes today

Safety and durability are the most important requirements of building water supply pipes. In particular, the main material is an important factor that determines whether the water pipe is sturdy, durable and safe or not. The common materials for making water pipes today are copper, plastic and galvanized steel.

Copper water supply system.

Copper water pipes have the advantage of being very durable, resistant to corrosion, and immune to rust. With the characteristics of thermal expansion and slow cold contraction, metal water pipes allow users to transmit hot water through the water pipe without worrying about the pipe being deformed or cracked. Copper alloys also have antibacterial and UV properties, are resistant to heat, force and impact, and are suitable for areas with harsh climates. The lifespan of copper pipes can be up to 60-70 years.

Copper water pipes are still the top priority in construction projects in Western countries such as the US, UK, and Germany. However, due to the high cost, copper pipes are not commonly used in Vietnam.

Plastic pipe joints fittings.

With cheaper price and can be applied in many different projects, plastic water pipes are the most popularly used in Vietnam.

Currently, there are 3 types of plastic pipes including: PVC, HDPE and PPR pipes. Each type has different durability depending on the material. Although the inside of the plastic pipe is very smooth when newly produced, after a period of use, under the influence of water flow, the inside of the plastic pipe will be eroded, creating rough edges, causing deposits, creating conditions for microorganisms to reside.

The construction of plastic pipes is mainly by heat welding and gluing, the quality of the joints depends largely on the skill and carefulness of the plumber. Joints that do not ensure quality will obstruct the flow and are prone to leakage after a period of use.

In addition, plastic pipes are susceptible to aging when exposed to sunlight, hot water at high temperatures, chemical reactions reduce durability, causing cracking and distortion.

The difficulty that families face is that they cannot see the pipes because they are often "hidden" under the floor and in the wall. Self-renovation of water pipes is difficult due to the risk of unsafe construction, planning, and fire.

Galvanized steel pipe.

Galvanized steel pipes were widely used in the 1990s and early 2000s. The biggest disadvantage of galvanized steel pipes is that they are prone to leakage, difficult to construct, and difficult to repair and replace. However, thanks to their high durability, good impact resistance, and ability to withstand some harsh weather conditions, some projects still use this type of pipe to this day.

Stainless steel is used in the water supply pipe industry in many countries around the world .

In addition to copper, plastic and galvanized steel, stainless steel is also one of the good materials for making water pipes. In terms of durability, stainless steel is considered to be 8-10 times more durable than plastic pipes and 3 times more durable than copper pipes. In case of external force, the possibility of leakage of stainless steel pipes is very small.

Stainless steel pipes can withstand pressures up to 170 Bar. Meanwhile, the most common type of plastic pipe with the thickest wall can only withstand pressures of 25 Bar. Therefore, in petrochemical and oil and gas transportation projects, people often use stainless steel pipes instead of plastic pipes.

The lifespan of stainless steel pipes can reach 100 years, equivalent to the lifespan of a building. Not having to break down walls to replace or repair damaged water pipes is a huge advantage of stainless steel pipes.

Choosing safe and health-ensuring water pipe materials is always the top priority of every project. Currently, copper pipes are still the material trusted by European countries for water supply pipes.

In China, Italy and some European countries, stainless steel has been used to make clean water pipes. With the habit of using plastic pipes for many years, Vietnamese people have begun to be more aware of the advantages and disadvantages of this material and are making safer and more suitable changes.

Bao Anh

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Source: https://vtc.vn/so-sanh-do-ben-cua-cac-duong-ong-dan-nuoc-pho-bien-hien-nay-ar762142.html