Plastic Pipes:

There are following types of plastic pipes are used in water works for water supplies:

(a) Unplasticised polyvinyl chloride (UPVC) pipes.

(b) Polyethylene pipes.

(c) Glass reinforced plastic (GRP) pipes.

Unplasticised Polyvinyl Chloride (UPVC) Pipes

UPVC pipes are in use for water distribution system in sizes ranging from 15 to 150 mm in diameter and occasionally upto 350 mm. They are rigid, light, in 6 or 9 m lengths, along with socket and spigot joints either for sue with solvent cement or a rubber ring. The pipes are composed of polyvinyl chloride plus necessary additives for getting surface finish and mechanical strength. They do not have detrimental effect on the composition of water passing through them. The major advantage of UPVC pipes is its resistance to corrosion. Other than UPVC pipes have not been found fully satisfactory in use, especially in the larger diameters above 200 mm. Lightness and resistant to wide range of fungi, chemicals, and bacterial corrosive agents are its main advantages. Because of the elastic property, they can withstand deformation resulting from earth shock movements. But they are not suitable for hot water supply.