Are you currently deciding whether to use PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) or cast iron components and piping for your next job? It is not an easy choice due to issues such as safety, the environment and price that play a big factor. If you are finding it difficult as to whether or not you should be using plastic or cast iron piping, here are the main advantages of using with components and piping made from cast iron:
It is easier on the environment
As our world becomes increasingly more conscious about environmental issues such as recycling, using cast iron pipe components is a way better environmentally-friendly choice than if using PVC piping. As using PVC piping will contain very high levels of toxic chemicals such as chlorine, these chemicals require processes such as hydrolysis in order to be completely broken down.
Cast iron, however, is a ‘ferrous metal’. This means that the iron can be easily repurposed into many other iron and construction products or be recycled for materials. This also greatly helps to cut down and reduce overall greenhouse gas emissions. Because cast iron does not have to be disposed of in a landfill; the need to extract and manufacture raw materials is heavily reduced.
Incredible noise suppression
Cast iron components, segments and pipes are widely used across the world due to their incredible noise suppression capabilities. Because cast iron is incredibly dense, this means that cast iron piping will greatly control and reduce any noise. This is also why cast iron pipework is typically used throughout residential and commercial construction. PVC pipes, on the other hand, can be much louder due to the low density of their plastic, even if they have been fitted with additional insulation such as fibreglass jacketing.
Stronger and more durable
One of the first things that come to people’s minds when they think of cast iron is its impressive durability. Depending on the location, the type of application and how they are maintained, cast iron piping can last up to an impressive 100 years before it needs to be refurbished or replaced. Did you know that they installed cast-iron pipes in Versailles all the way back in 1623 and around 80% of the piping is still there and functioning today!?
It is a safer option
When it comes to searching for components, segments and piping for an upcoming job, cast iron is a much safer choice. Unlike PVC piping, cast iron components and piping have incredible and superior fire and heat resistance qualities because cast iron is non-combustible and does not burn. Pipes made from PVC material will ‘off-gas’, which means they will emit harmful chemicals into the atmosphere when they are burnt in situations such as a fire.
Make sure you have the best pipework supplies for your next job. To find a high-quality range of cast iron components including pipes and segments, search online for a leading pipework systems manufacturer in the UK.
