The Plastic Pipe and Fittings Association
shares your concerns for the conservation
and protection of natural resources. The
association’s Sustainable Piping Systems
Committee was established to coordinate
activities among PPFA Product Line Committees
to achieve sustainability goals.
Consider the advantages
of plastic piping.
If you are looking for
reliable, safe,
cost-effective, energy conscious
building
materials, plastic
piping should be part
of your next set
of job specifications.
Safe & reliable
Starting with its own clean, low-energy
manufacturing process through delivery,
installation and long-term durability, plastic
piping materials deliver the qualities you
expect from 21st century products.
Durable
Plastic piping has out performed metal
piping for decades. Known for impermeability,
plastic piping is not degraded by aggressive
underground water and soil, nor by contaminants
or acidity in waste or sewage passing
through it. In fact, there is very little change in
the physical characteristics of installed plastic
piping over dozens of years. Examinations of
pipe samples show no measurable degradation
after 30 years or more of service.
Safely delivers water, waste or
chemicals
Plastic piping is an effective weapon in the
war against disease. Because plastic piping is
not subject to pin holes and subtle corrosion, it
safely contains and delivers water, waste, or
chemicals without contamination by or of surrounding materials. In fact, plastic piping
is the ideal choice to convey chemicals for
water treatment and in other processing
installations. The choice of a particular plastic
depends on the specific materials to be conveyed.
Easy to install & accepted by
building codes nationwide
The installation of plastic piping saves
energy. Plastic pipe and fittings weigh less and
install faster than metal piping. The savings add up in lower freight charges, less manpower,
simpler hoisting and rigging equipment,
etc. The result is a more profitable bottom line
or more resources for other aspects of the
project.
Assembly uses gasketing or other mechanical means or solvent cement. The traditional
lead pot and torch are not required. This
saves time, resources and reduces workplace
hazards.
Plumbing and building
codes govern the use
of construction
products and their
methods of installation.
All major codes accept plastic piping.
Third party certified to meet
health and safety standards
Plastic piping products designed to deliver
potable water are certified to meet the requirements
of ANSI/NSF Standard 61. In essence,
every material from the well or other water
source to the faucet is covered by this standard
which addresses relevant health issues
and protects the user from unwanted and
dangerous contaminants.
Clean, low-energy manufacturing
The energy efficient, clean nature of plastic pipe and fittings manufacturing also conserves resources. In fact, the manufacture of plastic pressure piping used in the building, construction, and transportation industries required
56,497 trillion fewer BTUs than iron and congregate/ aggregate alternatives.*
Because plastic pipe and fittings are dramatically lower in weight than metal piping, they save energy in transportation, a significant cost factor in today’s construction planning.
* Based on a 1991 study by Franklin and Associates.
The Plastic Piping Education Foundation
(PPEF) was founded in 1987 by the Plastic
Pipe and Fittings Association to develop and
advance the knowledge of the field of manufacture
and installation for plastic pipe and
fittings and related fields