Ductile Iron Pipe Vs. PVC: A Comprehensive Guide

If you are an expert looking to understand the differences between ductile iron pipes and PVC, this article is right for you.

In a nutshell, you should go for ductile iron pipes with no hesitation! Researches show that ductile iron pipes are generally superior in every aspect to PVC. That is because they offer better quality, sustainability, and strength compared to PVC or other available materials. They have a proven track record of efficiency and amazing performance, which explains why it is over for PVC pipes.

This comparison significantly helps you evaluate the pros and cons of each pipe versus another to create a perfect road map. Yet, there are a number of variables for engineers to take into account before making the final decision. You should understand the main differences between ductile iron pipes and PVC pipes to choose the most sustainable selection.

Today’s blog helps engineers select the best after understanding relevant and factual details about ductile iron and PVC pipes, their applications, and their benefits. 

What Is Ductile Iron Pipe? 

Ductile iron pipe, also known as DI pipe, was introduced into the marketplace in 1955. They are considered long-lasting pipe solutions, being mainly utilized in water and sewer lines. In these five decades, ductile iron pipes have proven their fantastic strength, reliability, and durability.

These features make them an outstanding candidate to transport potable water and other chemicals. These pipes offer more professional applications than their alternative, especially PVC pipes. Keep reading to learn some of the most common applications of ductile iron pipes and understand why they are popular. 

Main Applications of Ductile Iron Pipe 

For a better understanding of the differences between ductile iron and PVC pipes, you need to know their primary applications first. 

1. Sewer and Wastewater: The high level of toughness in ductile iron pipes make them a suitable candidate for sewer applications. They are extremely resistant to pressure, chemical attack, and corrosion. That’s why engineers choose ductile iron pipes over PVC for underground sewer systems.
2. Industrial Applications: There are many industries that choose ductile iron pipe over its alternatives for pipelines of substances. The main reasons behind this superiority are their resistance to corrosion, strength, and toughness to different chemicals.
3. Mining: Ductile iron pipe provides construction industries with the needed level of buried pipe strength. Therefore, engineers consider them a proper selection for underground mining projects.
4. Water Distribution: If you are confused about choosing a pipe for water mains, you shouldn’t hesitate to go with DI pipes. Their high resistance to corrosion makes them an adequate choice. They can deliver clean drinking water for water distribution systems.
5. Gas Distribution: As explained, the great strength and durability of DI pipes make them special. That’s why engineers also consider utilizing them to transport natural gas.
6. Irrigation: These days, experienced engineers prefer to use ductile iron pipes over PVC in irrigation systems. That’s because these systems involve long stretches of buried pipes requiring strength and sustainability.
7. Fire Protection: Experts in fire hydrant systems also utilize these fantastic pipes. The available alternatives, such as PVC, can’t withstand the high pressure and stress of firefighting operations as perfectly as ductile iron pipes.

What Is PVC Pipe? 

Polyvinyl chloride, or PVC, is a highly durable, and cost-effective material for different uses. They are offered in two basic forms that are rigid and flexible PVC. Engineers use this material when they don’t want to break the bank while enhancing performance versatility. 

Main Applications of PVC Pipe

Here are some common applications of PVC pipes. So you can have a better understanding of their differences compared to ductile iron ones. 

1. Agriculture: From bore-well to water irrigation, PVC pipes are used to manage farm activities. They approximately last for 50 years in optimum conditions.
2. Industrial Use: They can benefit many different industrial sectors. These pipes are able to handle a wide range of substance. Many experts use PVC pipe to carry harmful waste or chemicals since they provide safe transportation.
3. Water Pipes and Plumbing: It’s the most common application of PVC pipes. But they still can’t compete with ductile iron pipes. The good thing about PVC is that these pipes are offered at different lengths, dimensions, and sizes.
4. Rainwater Management: Engineers use PVC pipes for the distribution and maintenance of rainwater.
5. Fittings: Experts use PVC to manufacture a broad range of valves, pipes, and fittings. They are created in different shadows to meet a wide range of industrial needs.
6. Waste Control: They are significantly used to manage and control industrial waste. Engineers install PVC pipes in drains, vents, wastewater transportation, and swears.

Now you comprehend the main applications of ductile iron pipes and PVC. Let’s dive into their differences and why DI pipes are superior. 

 

What Are the Main Differences Between Ductile Iron Pipes and PVC (Ductile Iron Pipe Vs. PVC)?

You may not know whether to choose ductile iron pipes or PVC for your project. If so, you should keep reading to know the critical differences between Ductile Iron Pipe Vs. PVC in key engineering aspects like strength, pressure, and longevity.

Ductile Iron Pipes Offer a Safe Installation. 

DI pipes are excellent if you are working on a high-profile project. No skillful engineer prefers using plastic on such projects as bridge installation. Ductile iron pipes provide experts with expansion and contraction capabilities. Generally speaking, the physical properties of ductile iron pipes versus PVC make them superior in such projects. That is because they can endure high internal pressure. 

DI Pipes Can Perfectly Withstand Surges. 

Do you know how many PVC leaks should be repaired when professionals assess hydrants? That’s because opening or closing hydrants can reduce the potential for a surge. The PVC pipes aren’t as resistant as ductile iron pipes to these surge changes. So, they get damaged every time it occurs. That’s why using these high-quality DI pipes is a wiser choice since they can prevent such incidents. 

Ductile Iron Pipes Provide Better Water Flow. 

As mentioned, these two types of pipes are widely used in water systems. However, DI allows experts to manufacture pipes with larger inside diameters. It results in additional flow and volume compared to PVC. It finally saves time, money, and energy in large amounts. 

DI Pipes Joints Can be Easily Deflected. 

Another point to consider before choosing between PVC and ductile iron pipes is joint deflection. PVC pipes don’t have defective joints, while DI pipes provide engineers with this advantage. Joint deflection can reduce the chance of safety issues or installation failures later. 

Ductile Pipes Have the Ability to Direct Tap. 

When it comes to tapping, PVC can’t compete with ductile iron pipes. It’s a great benefit in reducing overall installation costs in the end. 

DI Pipes Are Impermeable. 

Regarding water mains, you should seek an impermeable material to protect the water supply from toxic infiltration. While ductile iron pipes are perfectly impermeable, PVC may still be subject to permeation. 

Ductile Pipes Offer a Better Protection Against Fire. 

There is a reason behind manufacturing all fire hydrants from ductile iron. That’s because these pipes are non-combustible and can resist fire, unlike PVC. The fact is PVC can’t handle the stress caused by fire as well as DI pipes. That’s why you don’t see hydrants made from PVC since they are combustible. 

DI Pipes Follow International Seismic Standards. 

Another fantastic advantage of DI pipes is their high tensile strength. This feature makes them firm and steady enough during seismic activity. It explains why experts use ductile iron in restraint systems since it doesn’t rely on ground surfaces for its firmness. On the other hand, PVC pipes easily break on such occasions, making them an improper option. 

Ductile Iron Pipes Are Easier to Install. 

You should consider trenching aspects before installing DI or PVC pipes. IV or V trench is needed to install PVC pipes requiring higher degree of soil density. The process of compacting the soil needs extra time and complicated equipment. It logically explains why PVC pipe installation is more complex. On the other hand, ductile iron pipes need type I or type II trench. This process does not require those complex steps such as PVC pipes. 

Ductile Iron Pipes Bell Less Than PVC. 

Over-belling is a serious problem in PVC pipes. This is because these pipes can’t withstand excessive stress as well as ductile iron pipes. Over-belling ultimately results in leaks. That’s why some professionals use a ductile iron bell clamp behind the PVC bell to solve this problem.