The Pros and Cons of PVC for Water Well Installations

Author: Evelyn

Dec. 02, 2024

Rubber & Plastics

The Pros and Cons of PVC for Water Well Installations

The Pros and Cons of PVC for Water Well Installations

Drillers have installed wells using PVC materials for decades. Companies make PVC casing and fittings, and even PVC screen &#; the components of the whole well system. However, advancements over time have meant that PVC in the field today outperforms the materials contractors had access to when HDPE gained widespread use in the s.

Link to SINCO

Broadly, the &#;recipes&#; companies use to make polyvinyl chloride, better known as PVC, have gone through subtle changes. Contractors may not know from just looking at the finished product, but today&#;s PVCs tend to have more corrosion resistance and durability than earlier generations. That makes it a cost-effective option for well installations, even in harsh environments.

Modern PVC pipe can also provide more flexibility. &#;Flexible&#; PVC is a type of PVC designed to install in wells located in difficult-to-access areas. Flexible PVC is also more resistant to breakage, which can help to prevent leaks in such wells.

Finally, there have been advancements in the methods used to join PVC pipe. Traditional methods of joining PVC pipe, such as solvent cementing, can prove time-consuming for contractors and difficult correctly execute. Newer methods of joining PVC pipe, such as mechanical joining, are faster and easier to do. Mechanical joining also provides a stronger and more reliable joint than traditional methods.

The advantages of using PVC materials in water well construction include:

  • Strength and durability: PVC pipe can withstand the harsh conditions found in many wells. It resists corrosion over time.
  • Environmental friendliness: PVC pipe does not contain any harmful chemicals that can leach into groundwater. PVC materials can also be recycled at the end of their life.
  • Ease of installation: PVC pipe is relatively easy to install, which can save time and money on the well construction project.
  • Cost-effectiveness: PVC materials are a cost-effective choice for water well contractors versus other materials.
  • Long life: PVC materials offer a long life, and they can help to ensure a long and trouble-free life for your well.

Of course, every material can have trade-offs. PVC is no different and contractors should consider these factors in sourcing decisions. PVC is:

  • Strong, but not as strong as steel: PVC may not be a good option for applications with very high water pressure or the potential for a lot of ground movement.
  • Not as chemical resistant: PVC is susceptible to damage from chlorine and ammonia. The former can make PVC brittle and the latter can cause it to swell or deform.
  • Not as easy to repair: A leak in a PVC well may prove more difficult or expensive to repair versus other materials.

PVC pipe, casing and fittings have proven popular for contractors (and their customers) for many years. Their popularity only grows as companies develop advances in their products. Drillers have materials options when it comes to well installation. PVC has improved over time and contractors should give it another look if they haven&#;t in a while. It could be just the thing you need to offer your customers a trouble-free water well that lasts a lifetime.

PVC vs uPVC - Difference and Comparison

Regular PVC ( polyvinyl chloride ) is a common, strong but lightweight plastic used in construction. It is made softer and more flexible by the addition of plasticizers . If no plasticizers are added, it is known as uPVC ( unplasticized polyvinyl chloride ), rigid PVC , or vinyl siding in the U.S.

Uses of PVC vs. uPVC

Stacked blue PVC pipes

In Construction

As a flexible plastic, PVC is used to produce a wide variety of piping. Larger PVC pipes are often used in plumbing to distribute non-potable water. PVC piping can also be used to insulate electrical cables.

uPVC is used as a replacement for wood in construction, such as in double glazed window frames and window sills and in what is known as vinyl siding in the U.S. It is a versatile material that can be manufacturered in many colors or made to look like other materials (e.g., wood). uPVC is also used instead of cast iron for certain types of heavy-duty plumbing and draining.

uPVC vs. PVC Pipes

PVC is used as a replacement for copper and aluminum pipes and is used in waste lines, irrigation systems and pool circulation systems. It is easy to cut into smaller pieces and can be fastened with glue, making it a good alternative to metal.

uPVC is used for the majority of plastic pipes in the world, as it is incredibly resistant to chemical erosion and has smoother inner walls that help to encourage water flow. It also functions well in a wide range of temperatures and operating pressures. It is incredibly strong, stiff and cost-effective, and so is often used for sewage lines and exterior drainage pipes. Even so, uPVC piping is much less common in the U.S., where PVC piping is preferred.

Neither PVC nor uPVC is used to transmit drinking water. cPVC (chlorinated polyvinyl chloride) is used instead.

Windows

PVC is not used for window frames, although some manufacturers may use &#;PVC&#; to refer to their uPVC windows. Instead, uPVC is used for window frames, as it does not decompose and is weather-resistant.

uPVC will not change shape under normal weather conditions, but it can be reshaped at very high temperatures. uPVC windows are more energy-efficient than those with wooden or metal frames. Moreover, uPVC can also be used for door frames and conservatories.

This video shows how a typical uPVC window is installed:

Other Uses

Small and slender PVC pipes are sometimes found in medical equipment. PVC is also used in leather-like or waterproof clothing materials, vinyl flooring, shoes, toys, car interiors and car cables, shower curtains, and numerous other plastic products.

Because uPVC has fewer health concerns associated with it, it is found in medical and dental pieces. For example, uPVC is sometimes used for dental retainers.

Durability

Because it is designed to be softer and more flexible than many other plastics, PVC is less durable than uPVC. However, both plastics are resistant to sunlight, oxidation, and a variety of chemicals. PVC piping's ability to withstand sunlight sometimes makes it more useful than ABS pipes.

Cost

It is very cheap to manufacture many PVC and uPVC products, which is why they are so ubiquitous in a wide variety of affordable products.

PVC pipe can be bought by length or weight. The thicker the piping, the most expensive the pipe will be. Still, PVC pipe is very affordable, with many 10-foot lengths costing less than $10.00 a piece.


Safety and Risks

PVC-coated wires can form HCl fumes in a fire, which can be a health hazard. Plasticizers may leach out of PVC into the environment.

Phthalates are what allow PVC to be flexible. Some of the phthalates used in PVC have been restricted or banned over the years, and many others are being replaced with safer phthalates. Dibutyl, benzyl butyl, and DEHP are some of the more commonly banned or restricted phthalates.

To date, there are no mainstream concerns regarding the use of uPVC, which does not use phthalates or BPA.

Disposal

Neither PVC nor uPVC are biodegradable. However, uPVC is recyclable and can be reshaped into new products or pipes at very high temperatures.

References

Difference Between PVC and UPVC

Through, PVC and UPVC pipes and fittings are distinctive, these two can be confused with one another. PVC pipes are malleable, while UPVC is un-plasticized. They both are made from Polyvinyl Chloride, but some of their properties differ and therefore are fit in different applications.

Below are significant differences between PVC and UPVC pipes:

1. Manufacturing Phases

PVC is usually perplexing and sturdy because of the rigidity of polymer PVC. To burst this hardness and make PVC flexible, a plasticizing polymer is added to PVC during the manufacture of PVC pipe.

On the contrary, plasticized polymer uPVC is excluded from the pipe manufacturing process which leads UPVC pipes to be rigid and unbendable meaning that not as flexible as PVC products.

2. Use Cases

The principal application of both PVC and UPVC pipes is plumbing. You might have heard PVC piping is the best alternative to copper and aluminum pipes in irrigation, plumbing, and pool circulation structures. And that&#;s true&#;

The company is the world’s best Water Well UPVC Filter Pipe supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.

Suggested reading:
Filter fabric shop
SAE 100 R2 A Hydraulic Hose for Harsh Working Condition

The reason behind this is the non-rigidity of PVC substance, it is easy to be amended into sought-after lengths, cuts, designs and can be fastened with glue.

On the other side, UPVC pipes are not only used for plumbing applications, they are used for wide purposes such as in heavy-duty water transportation or the construction of industry as an alternative to several stout metals. As these pipes are very tensile, they have the resistant strength to cope up with heavy-duty chemicals and corrosion.

3. Plastic Pipe Fittings

Although uPVC pipes are strong and rigid, they are relatively easy to work with. UPVC pipes from leading manufacturers such as Skipper Limited have low weight and can be easily fitted using solvent cement.

One big perk of lightweight UPVC is that the cost involved in transportation and installation can be reduced. On the flip side, the installment of PVC is a little complex.

4. Durability

Both PVC and uPVC piping are designed to be durable. However, UPVC pipes are more durable in comparison to PVC. The one example behind UPVC&#;s more durability is UPVC reduces air infiltration to keep your indoors comfortable.

5. Safety and Risks

PVC can introduce health hazards as PVC-coated wires can form HCl fumes in a fire due to Plasticizers that are being used in its manufacturing. Phthalates such as benzyl butyl, Dibutyl, and DEHP are one of those harmful substances that are used in PVC to make them flexible, these are restricted and banned in Pakistan over the years. To have the flexible quality endurable, many manufacturers have replaced Plasticizers with safer ones.

To date, there are no mainstream concerns regarding the use of uPVC, as it does not use phthalates or BPA while the manufacturing process. Even, UPVC is recyclable and can be reshaped into new forms at immense temperatures.

So that was all about the key Difference Between PVC and UPVC, moving next towards the advantages you can have using these pipes.

Exploring the Advantages of uPVC Pipes and Fittings ...

WHAT IS UPVC?  

UPVC refers to uplasticized polyvinyl chloride and  with this material a number of UPVC plumbing pipes, UPVC plumbing fittings and UPVC plumbing systems are made.  UPVC  is a very rigid and durable material and has  a specific form of PVC that does not undergo the plasticization process during its production.

UPVC PLUMBING PIPES, FITTINGS AND  PLUMBING SYSTEMS                  

Plumbing system is one of the major  components of any infrastructure, be it residential, commercial, or industrial. The selection  of materials for plumbing plays a significant role in ensuring the efficiency, durability, and sustainability of the system.  Among the various materials available, UPVC  pipes , UPVC plumbing fittings and UPVC plumbing systems have gained widespread popularity due to their numerous advantages.

ADVANTAGES OF UPVC PIPES AND FITTINGS                                         

DURABILITY AND ENDURANCE

One of the prime advantages of UPVC pipes and UPVC plumbing fittings  is their exceptional durability and longevity. Unlike traditional materials like metal or iron, UPVC does not corrode, rust, or degrade over time. This resistance to chemical reactions and environmental factors ensures that UPVC pipes maintain their structural integrity, providing a long-lasting solution for plumbing systems. This durability is particularly advantageous in areas with harsh weather conditions or aggressive chemical environments.

RESISTANT TO CORROSION

UPVC plumbing pipes and UPVC plumbing fittings are characteristically  resistant to corrosion and chemical erosion. It  is crucial for plumbing systems as corrosion may lead to leaks, reduced water quality  and eventually system failure. The corrosion-resistant feature  of UPVC makes it an ideal choice for transporting various fluids, including potable water, without the risk of contamination. That is why  UPVC plumbing pipes and UPVC plumbing fittings make UPVC plumbing systems efficient.

SMOOTH INTERNAL SURFACE

For maintaining optimal water pressure and preventing clogs within the plumbing system the inner surface of pipes should be smooth.  Inner surface of  UPVC pipes is smooth, which contributes to efficient water flow. Unlike some traditional materials that may develop rough interiors over time, UPVC maintains its smoothness and  minimizes friction and facilitates a consistent flow of water.

EASY TO HANDLE AND INSTALL

Lightweight UPVC plumbing pipes and UPVC plumbing fittings make UPVC plumbing systems  easy  to handle and install. The lightweight nature of UPVC simplifies transportation, reduces labor costs, and allows for quicker installation. This is very advantageous in large-scale construction projects where efficiency and speed are crucial.

LOW COST MAINTENANCE

UPVC plumbing pipes have low-maintenance which is a great attraction for property owners and maintenance teams. As UPVC does not corrode or degrade, there is minimal need for repairs. Low maintenance cost of UPVC plumbing pipes, UPVC plumbing fittings make UPVC plumbing systems a financially wise choice.

INSULATION

UPVC plumbing pipes have good  insulation properties, reducing heat transfer  between the water and the surrounding environment. The insulation properties contribute to energy-efficiency by reducing the need for additional heating or cooling measures and makes UPVC plumbing systems efficient.

RESISTANT TO CHEMICALS

UPVC plumbing pipes are resistant to a wide range of chemicals, making it suitable for various applications.  This resistance to chemicals ensures that UPVC plumbing pipes can safely transport a variety of fluids, including those with corrosive or reactive properties.

ENVIRONMENT   FRIENDLY

UPVC is an environmentally friendly material that can be recycled. The recyclability of  UPVC plumbing pipes and UPVC plumbing fittings systems reduces the environmental impact associated with their disposal. In addition to it, the production of UPVC plumbing pipes and UPVC plumbing fittings has a lower carbon footprint compared to some alternative materials, contributing to sustainability efforts in construction and infrastructure projects.

COST-EFFECTIVE

The initial cost of UPVC plumbing pipes and UPVC plumbing fittings  may be higher than some other traditional materials. However, when keeping in view the long-term benefits such as durability, low maintenance, and reduced installation costs, UPVC emerges as a cost-effective choice for plumbing systems.

RESISTANCE TO FIRE

UPVC is fire-resistant material , adding an extra layer of safety to plumbing systems. In the event of a fire, UPVC plumbing pipes do not contribute to the spread of flames and release slight smoke. This fire resistance is particularly important in residential and commercial buildings, enhancing overall safety.

In conclusion, UPVC plumbing pipes, UPVC plumbing fittings and UPVC plumbing systems  offer a number of advantages that make them an excellent choice for efficient plumbing systems.  Durability , corrosion resistance, smooth internal surface, lightweight nature , low maintenance requirement and other many more features of UPVC plumbing pipes and UPVC plumbing fittings   contribute to the longevity and reliability of plumbing infrastructure.

APL APOLLO&#;S UPVC PLUMBING SYSTEM

If you are looking for excellent quality UPVC plumbing pipes, UPVC plumbing fittings, UPVC plumbing systems, you may consider to choose APL Apollo&#;s quality-oriented, lead-free and environmentally safe water supply system. In fact, APL Apollo&#;s UPVC plumbing pipes and fittings stand out. APL Apollo&#;s UPVC plumbing systems undergo rigorous manufacturing processes and are specifically designed for applications such as potable water supply etc.

Known for its quality and services, APL Apollo&#;s UPVC pipes are lightweight and easy to handle and install.  The smooth jointing process using special solvent cement provided by the company further reduces labor and installation costs. You may explore a diverse range of APL Apollo&#;s UPVC pipe sizes that cater to different needs.

Want more information on HDPE Dredging Pipes for Philippines? Feel free to contact us.

17

0

Comments

Please Join Us to post.

0/2000

All Comments ( 0 )

Guest Posts

If you are interested in sending in a Guest Blogger Submission,welcome to write for us!

Your Name: (required)

Your Email: (required)

Subject:

Your Message: (required)