LUOYANG DATANG ENERGY TECH CO.,LTD
PPR Pipe vs 304 Stainless Steel,Which is Safety?
In the context of the upgrading of global health awareness in 2025, the quality of household drinking water has become the core issue of consumer concern. Studies show that 60 percent of water pollution comes from harmful substances such as heavy metals and plasticizers released by aging or poor quality pipes. This paper deeply compares 304 stainless steel pipe and PPR Drinking Water Pipeline two mainstream materials, to help you scientifically choose healthy drinking water pipes.
Part 1, 304 Stainless Steel Water Pipe: High-End Durable Choice
1.1 Core features
Material composition: Food grade 304 stainless steel (including 18% chromium, 8% nickel), through the ISO 2037 international certification .
Corrosion resistance: Experiments show that in the water quality with pH value of 6-8.5, the 30-year corrosion rate is lower than 0.03mm/ year .
1.2 Advantages and Limitations
Advantages:
0 plasticizer release, in line with WHO “Drinking Water sanitation standards” ;
High temperature resistance (-20℃~400℃), suitable for floor heating, water heater and other scenes;
Service life up to 50 years, low maintenance cost .
Limitations:
High initial cost (about 3 times that of a PPR tube);
Installation requires professional welding equipment, DIY is difficult .
Second, PPR water pipe: economic and practical mainstream choice
2.1 Material analysis
Ingredient: Random copolymer polypropylene (PPR), passed GB/T 18742.2 national standard ;
Pressure resistance: The pressure bearing capacity at normal temperature can reach 2.0MPa to meet the demand of family water supply .
2.2 Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages:
Affordable, suitable for families on a limited budget;
Light weight, easy to bend, easy to install;
Smooth inner wall, not easy to scale .
Disadvantages:
Long-term use may release trace amounts of plasticizers (especially in high temperature water);
Weak UV resistance, easy aging when exposed outdoors .
Three, experimental data comparison: 304 stainless steel VS PPR
3.1 Bacterial growth rate test
| Indicators | 304 Stainless Steel Water Pipe | PPR Water Pipe |
| 30-day colony total (CFU/mL) | ≤50 | 120-300 |
| Amount of heavy metal precipitation (μg/L) | Not detected | Lead ≤1.5 |
3.2 Service life and maintenance cost
304 Stainless Steel Pipe: More than 50 years of life, no need to replace regularly;
PPR Water Supply Pipe: 15-20 years need to check the aging of the connection, the replacement cost is about $300/time .
Part 2, How To Choose The Best Material According To The Demand?
Family scene recommendation
Infant family/high-end housing: 304 stainless steel is preferred to avoid the risk of heavy metals;
Ordinary families/short-term use: PPR plumbing pipe is more cost-effective, but need to avoid being used in hot water pipes .
Adaptation for Commercial Scenarios
Hotels and hospitals: 304 stainless steel must be used to meet high hygiene standards;
Office building, school: PPR pipeline suitable for room temperature drinking water system .
Part 3,Installation and Maintenance Guide
1,Professional Installation Points
304 Stainless Steel Pipe:
Use argon arc welding process to ensure that there is no leakage in the interface;
24 hours pressure test (≥1.5 times working pressure) after installation.
PPR :
The temperature of hot melt connection should be controlled at 260±5℃ to avoid over-melting or virtual welding;
Reserve access port when concealed installation.
2,Suggestions for Routine Maintenance
Use an endoscope to inspect the inner wall of the pipe (especially the PPR pipe) every year;
Avoid flushing the pipes with strong acid/alkaline cleaners .
Part 4,Questions & Answers
Q1: Which kind of material is more suitable for the old residential area reconstruction?
A: Recommended 304 stainless steel, strong pressure resistance and can adapt to complex water quality .
Q2: Does PPR water pipe really release harmful substances?
A: In line with the national standard PPR pipe safety standards, but to avoid being used for > 60℃ hot water long-term transportation .
Supplier
Luoyang Datang Energy Tech Co., Ltd. is a leading Chinese manufacturer specializing in high-quality plastic pipes and fittings. Equipped with state-of-the-art automated production lines and supported by a team of 200 professionals, we offer an extensive product line comprising over 150 types of plastic pipes and fittings designed for water supply and drainage systems, gas transmission, and floor heating systems. Our main products include PVC Pipes and Fittings, PE (HDPE) Pipes and Fittings, PPR Pipes and Fittings, and PEX Floor Heating Pipes.
Should you have any inquiries regarding our Healthy PPR Pipes and Fittings, please do not hesitate to contact us!
Tel.:0086-183 3790 0677
Wechat: 0086-183 3790 0677
Whatsapp: 0086-183 3790 0677
Email: sales@pipesandfittings.net
