Plastic pipe probably will never account for more than a small percentage of the pipe market, but there are almost as many varieties of plastic pipe as all other types combined and more plastic pipe materials are being developed rapidly.
Polyethylene pipe accounts for over 65 percent of the market in the United States. Acrylonitrile butadiene-styrene (ABS) and rigid vinyl pipe account for approximately 20 percent and 10 percent of the market respectively. U. S. commercial standards have been developed for these types which are available with the National Sanitation Foundation’s seal of approval, indicating that they are suitable for conveying potable water.
Uses of plastic pipe range from water mains to acid and hot oil service. Specific types have been developed also for high temperature and high pressure service.
Thousands of miles of plastic pipe are giving satisfactory service. More than 50 miles of schedule 120 Type 2 rigid...
