Handling Plastic Pipe: 6 Things to Know to Ensure Reliability and Performance

Plastic pipes are the central cog in any plumbing system. If you have installed copper pipes in the past, you must know how easily they are corroded. Metal pipes are prone to damage and drainage. They must always be replaced after six months to avoid plumbing issues. Plastic pipes are durable, flexible, and resistant to corrosion and water damage. There are however a few failures that can be caused by extra water pressure and poor installation. Plastic Drainage Pipes is also the best option for your drainage system to make it more reliable and get high performance. There are many ways to take care of plastic pipes after installation.

1. Correct Installation

The quality of plastic pipes depends upon their installation. The PVC pipes that need to be installed must be carefully positioned at the right angle. The two ends of plastic pipes must be attached with the help of a solvent weld glue. Plumbers in Bangor ME mostly use solvent weld glue and place it on the edge of the smaller pipes. After putting on the glue the smaller pipes are fitted into the larger one and left for a few seconds. As soon as the glue dries up, both the pipes are attached to the water supply. It is important to observe the pipe installation process to avoid any errors in the process. If you start having plumbing problems a few days after the installation, look for signs of incorrect installation and fix them immediately. Otherwise, you will have permanently damaged plastic pipes.

2. Exposure:

If plastic pipes are exposed to heat and light for extended periods, they will probably be damaged. To save the plastic pipes from heat damage, make sure they are properly covered. If your outdoor pipes can be covered by a shed, install it immediately. Prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause serious damage to plastic pipes. The UV rays in sunlight change the composition of the outer surface of the pipe. As a result, the impact resistance of the pipes is decreased. It means that the plastic pipes will not be able to sustain any hit and will break as soon as something heavy or sharp hits the plastic pipes. To avoid your plastic pipes from damage by exposure, make sure you buy PVC pipes with UV-resistant compounds. You will have to sift through a few retailers, but once you find the right product you won’t have to worry about repairs. If you have already installed plastic pipes, protect them by covering them with a coat of paint. The extra layer of paint will form a barrier against the harsh sunlight.

3. Check For Leaks:

Plastic pipes can get small holes if you are not careful. When you are moving sharp objects around the plastic pipes, you might end up cutting or scratching the pipe. Make sure that you keep children away from the plastic pipes to avoid plumbing issues. A loose pipe can also give way to leaks. If you water droplets dripping from the point of attachments of plastic pipes, tighten them asap. If you let a loose pipe unattended, it might burst due to excessive pressure causing flooding. Save yourself from a complete pipe replacement by fixing the small leaks early on. In case of small leaks in a plastic pipe, you can use glue to cover them. If there are numerous leaks in a single pipe, replace it with a new one immediately. There is no way around a damaged pipe. You will be waiting for a disaster to happen if you don’t replace the porous plastic pipe in time. Although plastic pipes are often resilient to leaks, it doesn’t hurt to be cautious.

4. Pay Attention To What You Drain Down Plastic Pipes:

Most people try to wash out the grease in the plastic pipes by simply draining down hot water. It is a grave mistake. Pouring hot water down the drain can severely impact the strength and longevity of plastic pipes. Moreover, the plumbing issues that you will have to face due to hot water are unprecedented. They might abrade the inner side of the pipe or in a worst-case scenario the plastic pipe may be melted inside the walls and you won’t even know it. Similarly, chemicals and toxic chemicals must not be directly drained down plastic pipes. Let them be diluted with water to avoid abrasion and holes in your plumbing. Don’t throw sharp objects in the garbage disposal in your kitchen. It’s an easy mistake to dump all the peels and wrappers in one go. It will take only a few seconds to separate the peels while throwing them away. You will save your garbage disposal from any damage and protect the plastic pipes in your plumbing in one go.

5. Clean Out The Pipes Regularly:

You can increase the lifespan of plastic pipes by simply cleaning their a regular basis. Remove the hair and the gunk which becomes trapped in the plastic pipes each month. Take a long handle toilet brush and twist it inside the pipe until you gather all the excessive hair. Make sure you are wearing gloves while cleaning out the drain. Remove the hair from the brush and throw it in the trash. If you then let the grime build up in the plastic pipes, it will create a clog thereby increasing the pressure inside the pipe. As you flush the toilet, the extra pressure could cause a leak in plastic pipes.

6. Protection From Mechanical Damage:

The best method of prolonging the life of a plastic pipe is to save it from mechanical damage. Keep heavy machines located away from the plastic pipe installation. The best way to keep the plumbing issues at bay, all you have to do is to keep the area completely clear. If the main water source is at the back of your house, make sure you don’t keep any gardening tools in that area. Plastic pipes can be easily be scraped, scratched by sharp objects, or bent by the pressure of heavy machinery placed against the plastic pipes.

Plastic pipes can last for many years with these minor precautions. Try them out and you will see a huge difference in your plumbing experience.