Civils and Utilities

Plastic piping systems are widely used for the transport of waste water from buildings to treatment plants by gravity sewer, pressure or vacuum sewer. Leakage is reduced due to their flexible nature making them able to adjust to ground movements including minor earthquakes. A high standard of bedding and backfilling results in good installation which reduces movement and stress on the pipe. Flow rates are increased and blockages reduced due to smooth internal walls. Plastic pipes show increased resistance to chemical waste. Plastic linings are often used to rehabilitate existing pipelines.

Plastics pipe systems are used by water supply companies for transporting water right into the heart of our homes, business and recreational areas. They are used to transport water to the kitchen, bathroom, laundry and to the taps, showers, baths, washing machines, toilets etc. Clean drinking water is a vital and scarce resource requiring only the best protection on its journey from source to consumer.

In addition to the household environment, they are needed by industry for processing, bottling, cooling and many varied application areas.

The use of plastic pipe systems, particularly polyethylene, in domestic and commercial gas applications has greatly increased especially in low pressure systems. Similarly to the water industry, the lack of corrosion and flexibility of plastic piping have proven advantages. Multi-layer and reinforced thermoplastics are in development for higher pressure systems.

Plastics piping systems, attenuation tanks and SuDS systems are increasingly playing their part in addressing the problems associated with rising rainfall levels and run-off from newly developed sites. Increased focus on SuDS compliance by Local Authorities and the Environment Agency can be addressed by use of plastic attenuation storage units and infiltration units.