Common quality issues of PVC pipe and how to avoid them

Reduced Service Life Due to Inadequate Corrosion Resistance

The most pressing concern when it comes to quality of PVC pipes is poor resistance to corrosion that significantly reduces the service life of the pipes. Under many usage scenarios including transport of PVC chemical pipes and supply of underground water, there is an interaction of the pipes with corrosive materials such as acids, alkalis and salts. A lack of corrosion resistance of the PVC pipes impacts the walls and as a result, there could be a loss of leaks, walls, and other issues which could result in significant financial loss to the users of the pipes. 

The most effective method to increase corrosion resistance is to use 100% virgin raw materials and sophisticated extrusion technology. High quality PVC pipes are able to withstand even the most hostile of chemical environments in order to provide safe usage for long periods of time. Although the initial cost of the high quality pipes could be considered higher than the PVC pipes that are of lower quality, the extended life of the better quality pipes means that they will not need to be replaced as f requently. In comparison to the cheaper and lower quality pipes, high quality PVC pipes are more cost effective and as such will provide the user with significant financial and time in the long run.

Safety Risks: Inadequate Pressure-Bearing Capability

Another PVC pipe quality issue is the inadequate pressure-bearing capability of the PVC pipe in the water supply system. In urban water supply renovation projects and water supply for high-rise buildings, the pipe has to stand certain water supply pressure. If the pressure-bearing capability is inadequate, the pipe can burst, causing water loss and damage to property. 

Manufacturers, sometimes, do not optimally control the production processes, but, in most cases, professional manufacturers optimize the production processes. By optimizing the raw material formula for the extrusion process PVC, the pressure-bearing capability can be increased. For example, the SDR11 series PVC pipes can be optimized for pressure-bearing capability, and are also recognized for such capability in the practical application. For the end users of the pipe, the SDR11 PVC pipes are considered good due to the pressure-bearing capability. High pressure-bearing PVC pipes provide end users a safe option by keeping the risk of safety a minimum and also keeping maintenance due to pipe problems to a minimum, hence being considered the most economically safe option.

Installation Challenges and Size Matching Problems

Quality issues arising from size mismatch usually go unnoticed, but greatly affect overall functioning and usage. In low-grade PVC, size specifications can be of poor quality, resulting in poor fitting when pipe and PVC connectors are paired. During installation, certain connectors, like elbows and flange sleeves, can be left unconnected or poorly connected. This can greatly increase installation difficulties and lead to poor water seal connections, resulting in water leakage.

When PVC manufacturers are concerned about size matching, completeness and quality, they usually sell PVC product kits which include a variety of pipe sizes and corresponding connectors to ensure every piece fits together correctly. Size fitting completeness can greatly ease the installation process, reduce potential leakage from poor fit connections, and raise construction efficiency. From engineering design and construction standpoints, easy size matching can save construction time and reduce labor costs, while providing quality products to reduce maintenance issues. This illustrates a high cost-performance rating during the construction and usage phases.

Products being made that are a low tier PVC pipe can not being up to relevant internatinal and national standards. This results in a considerably unstable quality of the product being made. There can be more severe quality problems such as wall thickness, and low quality raw material to severe dimensional shifts that can lead to losing tolerance. All of these problems can impact the service life and the overall performance of the PVC pipe. There are also problems and risks that can be caused by these non compliant PVC pipes being engineered and accepted. This can lead to delays in the overall progress of the complete project as a whole, because of the lag that is caused by unqualified engineering. The project and overall goal can be stalled precariously. On the other hand, unqualified engineering of a PVC pipe can also prove to be a financial loss in the long run. The highest tier PVC pipes would be compliant and made with Global certification standards and even more so ISO 9001. These PVC pipes would also be more financially stable and reliable. These more stable PVC pipes would also be compliant with laws and regulations and would also protect the project and keep it moving forward.

How to avoid common quality problems of PVC pipes

To avoid the quality problems described above in purchasing PVC Pipes; first and foremost users need to select PVC Pipe manufacturers that are reputable. Reliable manufacturers will have an adequate production system and quality management systems that will allow them to produce reliable and stable products. Second, take note of the products raw materials. Quality PVC Pipes are produced with 100% virgin materials. This can be verified with the products certifications and samples.

In addition to the above, it is also important to make sure the product has all the necessary international approvals and meets the application criteria of the project. References to the actual application of the products by other users is also a good idea, especially for products with a lot of projects and positive feedback. Quality PVC pipes will save you the frequent and costly replacements and repairs.