Repairing Plastic Pipes

BASIC TECHNIQUES
Plastic pipe is an excellent material for installing new plumbing or adding to an existing system. It is light weight, joins more easily than metal and it costs much less. You do not need a propane torch or expensive tools. Solvent cements and compression fittings create tight, permanent, waterproof joints.
Plastic pipes come in the same diameters as metal pipes. Special adapters and fittings connect plastic pipe with a metal system.
Chemically and electrically inert and smooth inside, so no rusting, corroding, accumulation of mineral deposits. No clog as readily as metal.
Rigid and flexible varieties. What you purchase depends upon the plumbing code in your area and function of the pipe and fittings must serve. Rigid pipe can be used for either for drain-waste-vent {DWV}, or hot and cold water supply systems. Depending on the type of plastic. Flexible pipe is only for supply systems.
Rigid pipe is cut with a hack-saw then glued together with solvent solvent. Most codes specify that pipe and fittings of different plastics cannot be mixed in the same system. The materials require different cements and expand at different rates.
Flexible pipe is joined with compression fittings rather than solvent cements. The most flexible pipe, PB {polybutylene} is used for both hot and cold interior supply systems. Excellent heat resistance and very strong. But is generally more expensive than rigid pipe.
Flexible pipe is suited for remodeling jobs where pipes have to be snaked through walls, floors, ceilings and to lawn irrigation systems. Although the pipe is flexible it can kink andshould bend only into gentle curves. It is rigid enough to support itself on fairly long runs. But is best to use extra supports.
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