Plumbing System Information and Advice | FlowGuard® CPVC Blog

5 Things to consider before buying plumbing pipe

Written by FlowGuard EMEA | 08-nov-2022 11:46:42

Switching or upgrading to a new home plumbing system is a time consuming and expensive commitment.

FlowGuard® CPVC delivers helpful guides, training and video resources on a regular basis to share knowledge on the benefits of quality plumbing material and the differences among common materials on the market.

Watch the video below to see the difference between PPR and FlowGuard CPVC in common household plumbing.

Continue reading for answers to some of the most commonly asked questions on residential plumbing in Saudi Arabia.

Which pipe is best for home plumbing?

A new residential plumbing system has the following essential requirements:

  • It must efficiently distribute hot and cold water throughout the residence without leaks or mechanical failure
  • The water supply itself be free of contamination and consistently produce clean results throughout its service life
  • It must be corrosion resistant and capable of maintaining structural integrity throughout its service life
  • It must be an efficient material that does not waste energy and does not contribute to long-term running costs through degradation

FlowGuard CPVC is engineered for a 50 year service life free of corrosion with minimal bacterial growth and no increased water pressure loss over time.

Are plastic pipes ok for plumbing?

A common misconception is that of plastic plumbing pipes' inability to maintain its strength and integrity over time.

Many common plastic materials such as PPR can fail, even if installed properly. Weaknesses in joints are often the cause of pipe failure, whereas FlowGuard CPVC is designed to ensure its joints form the strongest part of the system. Its pipes and fittings bond to each other on a molecular level, creating a seamless distribution of water.

Its pressure bearing capabilities outperform common plastics like PPR.

Which water pipe is hot water friendly?

Hot water in residential plumbing systems can be breeding grounds for bacteria. FlowGuard CPVC has an inherent pipe smoothness that minimises the growth rate of bacteria.

Its inherent chlorine resistance also helps prevent degradation caused by chlorine and chlorine dioxide found in common water supplies.

When do water pipes burst?

Factors that can lead to malfunctions in pipework are often due to the quality of the installation, or the choice of pipe material itself.

Ensure your chosen pipe material is fit for purpose and that the installation is being handled professionally.

For example, heat welding using PPR is an unavoidably hazardous and inaccurate process. The buildup of beading within joining sections cannot be avoided. Meanwhile FlowGuard CPVC's solvent cement welding process is precise and accurate. It produces no excess beading or solvent buildup; its joints become the strongest part of the overall system.

Which brand plumbing pipe is best?

Lubrizol are the pioneers of CPVC technology and have been installing plumbing systems using CPVC pipe and fittings for over 50 years.

It is certified as safe for residential plumbing applications by international regulatory bodies such as NSF international.

FlowGuard CPVC carries the seal of approval by the world's leading water authorities and is proven in home plumbing systems all over the world.

Learn more

To learn more about piping materials for the home and to understand the benefits of FlowGuard CPVC in more detail, download the Homeowner's Guide to CPVC.