What are the characteristics of a composite pipe?
Composite pipes are made from unreinforced thermoplastics like high density polyethylene (HDPE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polypropylene (PP), fiber reinforced plastics (FRP), and glass reinforced plastics (GRP). Composite pipes are resistant to corrosion and have stronger mechanical properties
Benefits and Drawbacks:
Beyond flexibility, PEX has other advantages—and two main considerations.
PROS:
– Installing PEX does not require soldering as does copper and galvanized steel.
– PEX expands, making it more resistant to freeze-cracking than either copper or steel.
– PEX does not corrode, which can happen with both copper and steel pipes, leading to leaks and contamination of the water supply.
– Water flows silently through PEX, eliminating the “water hammer” noise associated with metal piping.
– PEX can be connected to existing metal supply lines with the correct fittings.
CONS:
– PEX is NOT suitable for outdoor use. Ultraviolet rays cause PEX to break down quickly—tubing left outdoors can harden and crack within a couple of months.
– PEX cannot currently be recycled, because it does not melt as other recyclable plastics do. With the popularity of PEX rising, however, the demand for a way to recycle it will also likely rise.
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