FlowGuard® vs PPR: Assessing Long-Term Performance for Plumbing Applications
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FlowGuard® achieves long-term performance due to its strength, chlorine resistance and antimicrobial properties.
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The solvent welding installation process replaces the need for the heat fusion required for PPR installs - saving time, costs and increasing long-term productivity.
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FlowGuard’s flame properties make it a sensible safety choice for residential plumbing systems.
Choosing the right piping material is essential in ensuring a home’s water supply is efficient, durable and safe for the years to come. When comparing FlowGuard to PPR, FlowGuard emerges as a smart option for residential plumbing, thanks to its performance, reliability and life expectancy.
This blog explores the long-term benefits of FlowGuard, to plumbing industry professionals as well as end-users, particularly when it comes to strength, the installation itself, water safety and building safety.
Material Strength and Durability
FlowGuard offers excellent tensile and flexural strength. The material can withstand high pressure and temperature ranges, making it ideal for diverse applications. This strength ensures that water supply systems are less prone to cracking or breaking under stress, reducing maintenance needs and prolonging service life.
For installers, this translates to reduced risks of leaks and ruptures and high customer satisfaction. For homeowners, it means peace of mind, reduced maintenance costs and long-term savings.
Ease of Installation
The installation process of plumbing systems is always a factor in terms of cost, efficiency and speed. FlowGuard employs a straightforward solvent welding technique that fuses pipes securely, eliminating the need for electricity or complex tools. Compared to PPR’s heat fusion method, which requires special equipment and skilled labour, FlowGuard’s approach is more efficient and cost-effective.
This efficiency not only lowers installation costs but as a long-term business strategy, plumbing professionals can benefit from comprehensive staff training, timely, on-time, in-full deliveries and a more manageable customer experience.
Antimicrobial Performance
Microbial contamination in plumbing systems poses significant health risks. However, due to a smoother internal surface which limits bacterial growth, FlowGuard helps mitigate and manage microbial development. This property is essential for maintaining water quality, especially in residential settings where health and safety are top priorities.

By minimising microbial growth, FlowGuard contributes to cleaner, safer water supply systems for longer, contributing to a healthier community.
Building Safety
Safety considerations are crucial in plumbing material specification. FlowGuard is renowned for its self-extinguishing properties, requiring a higher oxygen concentration than is typically found in the Earth's atmosphere to sustain combustion. This makes it a safe choice for building owners. In the unfortunate event of a fire, FlowGuard’s ability to limit flame spread and reduce smoke generation contributes towards building safety. This has long term benefits to building occupants, landlords and property owners, as legislation to improve building safety becomes more prevalent.
Chlorine Resistance
FlowGuard’s excellent resistance to chlorine ensures that it remains unaffected by byproducts of chlorinated water. This resistance prevents the type of degradation seen in other types of pipes such as PPR pipes, PEX and PB, which can become brittle and weak over time, threatening water quality and increasing the likelihood of leaks.
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By maintaining robustness despite prolonged chlorine exposure, FlowGuard pipe and fittings minimise repair requirements and increase the life expectancy of the pipe.
FlowGuard delivers product excellence in residential plumbing applications by addressing the critical need for durable, safe and efficient water supply systems. With its strength, easy installation, antimicrobial performance, fire safety features and chlorine resistance, it stands ahead of PPR in every significant aspect affecting long-term performance.
For plumbing professionals seeking reliable plumbing solutions that deliver lasting quality, FlowGuard remains the smart choice for both immediate and enduring benefits.
DELIVERING
RELIABILITY
For more than 50 years, FlowGuard® Pipe and Fittings has provided reliable hot and cold water plumbing systems to residential and commercial buildings around the world.
DELIVERING
RELIABILITY
For more than 50 years, FlowGuard® Pipe and Fittings has provided reliable hot and cold water plumbing systems to residential and commercial buildings around the world.