When it comes time to update or upgrade your pipes, there’s a good chance that you won't know where to start. After all, the technology is always developing and what may have been the right choice a couple of years (or decades) ago, isn't necessarily your best option today. But, in almost every situation, plastic pipes are the right choice.

To help you learn everything you need to know to get started, read on for the beginner's guide to plastic pipes.

1. Plastic pipes are used in numerous projects. 

Most commonly, plastic pipes are utilised for the transportation of drinking water, wastewater, heating and cooling fluids, compressed air, irrigation, chemicals, foodstuffs, plastic pressure pipe systems, and gases. Keep in mind that having a plastic pipe system does not mean you cannot use these with hot and cold water or central heating systems.

That being said, there are a few different plastic pipes, each with unique properties suited for various projects. These are ABS, PVC, CPVC, HDPE, and PEX. 

While ABS used to be the most popular plastic material, today, PVC is the most common choice as it offers all the benefits of ABS but is also BPA-free and, therefore, is the safest option for drinking water. As it is nontoxic and safe in the long term, PVC is deemed the best choice for potable water, non-potable water and processed water projects.

CPVC is the chlorinated-version of PVC and is more suited for high water temperatures and residential fire sprinklers, but should not be used for drinking water or outdoor pipes. 

HDPE is the toughest plastic pipe material, making it ideal for an extensive range of residential and industrial projects, including those related to the gas, oil, mining, and marine/aquaculture industries. 

PEX is also incredibly strong but offers more flexibility, making it the preferred option for situations where the pipes have to be bent around corners and curled around areas. PEX is also highly capable of handling high temperatures and pressure, which is why it is often used in plumbing projects. 

2. Plastic pipes offer an array of benefits.

Over the past couple of decades, as plastic pipe technology has significantly advanced, the benefits of this material have become more and more apparent. Now, it is the preferred option for those in the know and who want their pipe material to be the best that is available. Whatever the project, plastic pipes are the answer. 

One of the most significant benefits of using plastic pipes is that they last longer than any other material because they are impermeable to rust and corrosion. Unlike older pipe material (such as metal), plastic pipes won’t wear down due to water or other liquids moving through them. For this reason, plastic pipes are usually expected to last around 100 years!

Another significant benefit is that plastic pipes are lightweight and flexible, making them so much easier to install (and repair) – especially when compared to metal pipes. Plus, plastic pipes offer insulating properties that stop condensation when they are carrying cold water and diminish heat loss when transporting hot water. Not to mention that plastic pipes rarely burst because of freezing, so you don't have to worry about that, too.

Despite all these benefits, plastic pipes are still the most affordable option on the market. This is thanks to the low cost of the material, as well as the reduced amount of time and labour required to produce and install these pipes. 

Luckily, plastic pipes are compatible with most existing systems, so you don't necessarily have to update your entire system in order to replace your existing pipes with plastic ones. In other words, whether you have an old or a new home, plastic pipes can work for you.

3. Plastic pipes are the most sustainable option. 

Not only are plastic pipes the best option in terms of performance and cost, but they are also the most sustainable option. 

One of the main reasons plastic pipes are considered environmentally friendly is due to their longevity; these aren't products that need to be replaced every couple of years. Plus, when implemented into your system, they are better at conserving water (and other precious resources) than other materials. 

Moreover, they require a lot less energy and fewer resources to manufacture than other pipe materials, creating a more sustainable production process. In fact, the manufacturing process of PVC is almost waste-free. Plus, once a plastic pipe has reached the end of its life, the material can be recycled and turned into something else over and over again. 

Get your plastic pipes from reputable manufacturers 

No matter what type of plastic pipes and fittings you need for your project, you always want to make sure that you are purchasing them from a reputable manufacturer. 

For starters, this is the only way to guarantee that the products you are receiving are the highest-quality options on the market. Whether you are embarking on your first DIY project or are an experienced contractor working with clients, it is crucial that you are employing well-made pipes and fittings in all your projects.

Furthermore, by purchasing your pipes from a reputable manufacturer (such as the best plastic products manufacturing company in the UAE), you can be assured that you are benefiting from the latest technology at a reasonable price. 

As these companies strive to provide their clients with the best possible products, they are continuously researching and developing new materials. Particularly when it comes to plastic pipes, these companies can offer you lightweight and flexible options that not only last longer than other alternatives but are also less expensive. 

However, the reasons for purchasing from a reputable manufacturer don't stop with the product but also extend to the amount of technical support you will receive and their high standard of customer service. These aspects are just as important as product quality, and it is only those manufacturers who have been in business for years that are able to provide it. 

Are you looking to utilise plastic pipes in your projects this year? Where are you thinking of using them? What do you see are their major benefits for your projects? 

Let us know your thoughts and any additional questions or concerns you have in the comments below!