Which Is Better? PVC Pipe vs PEX Pipe vs PPR Pipe

In modern industry, PEX pipe, PVC pipe and PPR pipe have a wide range of applications, today we will discuss “How to choose the pipes?”

Comparison of Core Parameters

Indicators	PVC pipe	PPR pipe	PEX Pipe
Material Composition	PVC + stabilizer	Random copolymer polypropylene	Crosslinked polyethylene
Operating Temperature	0-60 ℃	20-95 ℃	70-110 ℃
Pressure Rating	1.0MPa (Class 1.0)	2.0 MPa (PN20)	1.6 MPa(SDR9)
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion	6 x 10 ⁻ ⁵ / ℃	1.5 x 10 ⁻ ⁴ / ℃	1.2 x 10 ⁻ ⁴ / ℃
Service Life	2550 years	50 + years	5070 years
Connection Method	Adhesive connection	Hot melt welding	Clamp type connections
Cost per Meter	$0.81.2	$1.52.0	$2.03.5

▲ Collation of laboratory data according to ASTM standards

Analysis of PVC Pipe and Fitting

1. Technical breakthrough point

Enhanced formula: The use of calcium zinc stabilizer instead of traditional lead salt formula, through the NSF 61 drinking water certification

Improved impact resistance: Add 5% acrylic elastomer, drop hammer impact strength of 20kJ/m² (ASTM D2444)

• Applications

Municipal engineering: Drainage main pipe with a diameter of more than 300mm

Agricultural irrigation: UV anti-aging formula pipeline (add 2% carbon black)

Chemical: CPVC corrosion resistant variant (suitable for pH 113)

3. Advantages of PVC Pipe and Fitting

Original “sandwich” pipe wall structure: inner and outer antibacterial layer + middle strengthening layer

Production accuracy: diameter tolerance ±0.15%, ellipticity ≤0.5%

Testing standard: Passed the ISO 44222:2007 burst pressure test

Analysis of PVC Pipe and Fitting

1. Material revolution

Fourth generation β crystal PPR: thermal deformation temperature increased to 135℃ (25℃ higher than the traditional)

Nano antibacterial layer: composite silver ion coating, antibacterial rate > 99.99%

2. Installation points

Hot melt parameters:

260±5℃ welding temperature

Heating time = pipe diameter (mm)/20 x 1.5 seconds

Cooling time > Pipe diameter (mm)/10 minutes

3 Special application scheme

Hospital hot water system: S4 grade pipe (wall thickness 3.7mm) bearing 2.5MPa

Ground source heat pump system: compound pipe with EVOH oxygen blocking layer

Innovative Application of PEX pipeline

1. Technological

First generation: Peroxide crosslinking (PEXA)

Generation 2: Silane crosslinking (PEXB)

Electron Beam Irradiation Crosslinking (PEXC) Pipe

2. Frontier technology

Intelligent memory pipe: 20℃ environment still maintain flexibility

Oxygen blocking composite pipe: aluminum layer thickness 0.2mm, oxygen transmittance < 0.1g/m³

3. Engineering case

Burj Dubai water supply system: Use PEXALPEX composite pipe, pressure 10bar

Nordic floor heating project: φ16mm pipe laying spacing 75mm, surface temperature difference < 0.5℃

Selection of Pipe decision

1. Water temperature < 60℃ → PVC is the best cost-effective

2.6095℃ hot water → Select PPR (preferred β crystal)

3. Floor heating/complex wiring → PEX flexible piping

4. Drinking water system → PPR nanoantibacterial tube

5. Corrosive media → PVC/CPVC special pipe

Global certification comparison table

Certification System	PVC requirements	PPR standard	PEX test method
European Union	EN 14522:2009	EN ISO 15874	EN ISO 15875
United States	ASTM D1785	ASTM F2389	ASTM F876
China	GB/T 10002.12006	GB/T 18742.22017	CJ/T 1752002
Middle East	SASO 1993	GSO 1893	ES 14522:2015

Our company qualification: At the same time holds WRAS, UL, W270 and other 12 international certifications

Solution of Pipe Installation

PVC pipe:

Check if the adhesive is expired (shelf life < 6 months after opening)

Socket depth should be ≥ 1.5 times the diameter of the pipe

PPR hot melt deformation:

Use a welder with digital display temperature control

Extend the cooling time by 30% when the ambient temperature is < 5℃

PEX pipe fittings fall off:

Use brass clamps instead of plastic clamps

Bend radius > 6x pipe diameter (PEXA)

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