Move Over HDPE: Why ACO’s Stainless Steel Pipe is a Better Choice

Behind every drain is a complex pipe work structure, which facilitates the flow of wastewater throughout a building to the sewer. A reliable pipe system is crucial, particularly in food processing plants and commercial kitchen environments where hygiene control is vital. When selecting a system, the specifier must take into account the durability and flexibility of the materials that the drainage system is constructed from, plan to prevent spread of fire and select products which prevent pests from moving around the building.

Commercial and industrial pipes come in many different materials, such as polypropylene (PP) and high density polyethylene (HDPE), as well as stainless steel. However, stainless steel pipes stand out as having a clear advantage, especially over HDPE drain pipe systems.

Durability:

The ACO range of grade 316 stainless steel push-fit pipes is the modern metal alternative and superior choice compared to PVC and HDPE.

Polypropylene (PP) plastics can deteriorate quickly when exposed to heat, resulting in cracks and discoloration. Temperature changes mean all materials are subject to varying levels of expansion and contraction. Plastics are very susceptible to this, which often leads to pipe failures. Conversely, stainless steel is able to withstand larger temperature fluctuations as it expands far less than plastic - key for in-ground applications.

ACO Pipe stainless steel pipes also feature a unique, double lip seal for additional durability.

Fire:

The benefit of stainless steel drain pipe structures is that they are fire resistant, eliminating the concern of a fire spreading through pipe penetrations which connect rooms. Other drain pipe materials, like HDPE, must have additional fire collars installed to prevent fire from spreading to those adjacent rooms.

Robustness:

The drainage system can be compromised accidentally in the workplace. With some materials like HDPE and cast iron, impacts can cause ruptures leading to pipe leaks. Read More…