Though they are universal in carrying water and gas, straight, water and steam fittings Malaysia pipes are variable when it comes to materials. In this case, both black iron and steel pipes have only one thing in common with each other: they are made of metal. It may sound indifferent to a new pair of ears, but each is different in several aspects.

Black Iron

Black iron is a form of steel pipe, but made of a different composition of materials so it is easily hammered or pressed into shape without breaking or cracking. Coarse and grainy, black pipes have threads that can be easily connected with other pipes. Its convenience lies in its wider availability than steel.

Prior to the 1960s, most homes were fitted with black iron pipes before PVC pipes were replaced as the main preference since it is cheaper and easier to work with. They are still mainly used today for gas fittings as water can easily rust them. Repairing black iron pipes is time consuming whenever they leak at homes, especially in connector spots.

Steel

In comparison to black iron, steel pipes are more durable and long lasting, and are common in bodies of water near houses because they don’t corrode as easily. The durability factor is also why it is used so much in industrial and engineering applications. Steel pipes do not use seams to connect with other pipes and need to be welded. This method of fitting pipes together is also a repairing method, thus it doesn’t have the same time wasting problems as black irons. 

Probably the only detractor of steel pipes is that they are more expensive than both black irons and PVC, considering their stronger properties. However, they are worth the price and energy in the long run, so if one could afford it, it is a worthy investment and may save a lot of headaches from constant leaks.

PVC?

steam fittings Malaysia may be cheaper

Suppose steel pipes cannot be afforded and knowing that black irons are rarely used to direct water to homes, what about a PVC pipe? Why is it still popular aside from its cheap price and easy maintenance? What makes it worth the price aside from the two positive properties?

Though not as durable as both black iron and steel pipes, PVC is still resistant to chemical attacks such as acid and alkali, and is never corrosive, eliminating the need to apply anti-corrosion treatments when installing them. The small number of joints also increases the flow speed of water and reduces chances of leakage. Additionally, the smooth surfaces offer little resistance to fluids and friction, saving energy in the flow of water. 

In terms of the PVC’s downsides, it isn’t suitable for hot water, otherwise its strength is reduced. It is easily cracked or brittled on impact. Furthermore, lower quality UPVC (unpracticed polyvinyl chloride) pipes are added with plasticizers, a substance that makes the material soft, flexible and elastic. However, it can affect the environment and decrease the aging period of UPVC pipes.