Until recently, the main pipes used in water supply systems were black cast iron materials. Despite their apparent reliability, these products have many drawbacks, the main of which is rust.
Due to corrosion in metal pipes, rust forms and accumulates over time, which settles on the inner walls of the water supply.
It is almost impossible to eliminate these negative consequences. If the water pipes provide low pressure due to corrosion, they can only be replaced.
However, today the use of such products is a thing of the past. New materials appear on the market that are highly reliable and durable.
Several types of water pipes are used during installation. When installing water movement systems, galvanized steel pipes are used,copper products, metal-plastic, plastic and pipes made of polyethylene (cross-linked).
They all have their advantages and disadvantages.
Zinc-coated steel water pipes have increased corrosion resistance. However, communications from this type of product are expensive, but also the most reliable.
Metal-plastic water pipes have a multi-layer structure, consisting of a thin aluminum base, covered on the outside and inside with cross-linked polyethylene. The service life of such materials is half a century.
The pipes can be used in conditions where the temperature of the passing liquid varies from minus 40 to plus 90, and the operating pressure reaches 10 atmospheres. This fact allows the use of materials when replacing drinking water and heating pipes.
The most high-quality material for creating communications are copper pipes. These products are practically not subject to corrosion. When connecting pipes by welding, leakage of connections is excluded. All these qualities make copper water pipes an ideal option for arranging water supply systems. However, this is not allowed by the high cost of products.
Probably because of this factor, many plumbers recommend using PVC water pipes when replacing old communications.
These products are fully suitable for creating hot and cold water supply systems, and their service life is 50 years. Materials are able to work at exposure temperatures from minus 10 to plus 95 degrees. The connection of products is carried out by means of fittings that are installed on glue or using diffuse welding. The last connection option is more reliable.
XLPE water pipes are an economical modern replacement option for end-of-life materials. Products have great prospects for use. They are not afraid of bending, which cannot be said about metal-plastic, are not subject to corrosion, have a low roughness value, low heat loss, and do not conduct electricity. Pipes serve for fifty years.
