Sewer pipes of different colors: their purpose and differences

Not so long ago, builders and home craftsmen did not have any questions about the choice of pipes for laying sewers - only steel and cast iron products were produced. Currently, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, and polyethylene are used as the material of manufacture. In addition, manufacturers use different colors, which simplify the determination of its characteristics. In the article, we will figure out what is the difference and what pipes of different colors are for.

Criterias of choice

Color separation of pipes is used to simplify the selection of a variety for certain operating conditions. So, when choosing, the following criteria should be taken into account:

1. The place for laying pipes is an apartment or a private house. Accordingly, the presence or absence of soil pressure is taken into account, which depends not only on its volume, but also on its future location on the surface of a road, a parking lot, etc.
2. Weather conditions in the current region, in the context of the depth of soil freezing.
3. Operating temperature range.

Now we will consider the characteristics and purpose of pipes of different colors in order to easily cope with their choice.

Gray pipes

They are used indoors, where there is no strong mechanical and temperature impact. The material of manufacture is polypropylene. Gray pipes are designed for the temperature of the liquid passed through them in the range of 60-75 degrees. However, they can withstand a short-term increase in the indicator up to 90-95 degrees. The outside temperature must not fall below 0 °.

They are distinguished by chemical inertness: there are no corrosive processes and the release of harmful substances.

Since deformation occurs with a relatively small force - 50-75 kgf / m², then such pipes are not recommended to be installed in places where external pressure will be exerted on them. The use for external sewage is justified only by financial savings, which, however, may result in the need to dig a trench and replace the entire drain.

White pipes

Also used for indoor installation. In terms of their properties, they do not differ from the previous variety. They have a more attractive appearance, so they can be laid in places where it is impossible to finish walls or floors to hide communications.

Distinctive features of white pipes are good thermal and noise insulation. Withstand liquid temperatures up to 95 degrees. The diameter ranges from 32 mm to 150 mm. The length of a single piece can be from 15 cm to 5 meters.

For ease of installation, manufacturers place a centimeter scale on the pipe surface, which simplifies the process of measuring the required dimensions.

Red pipes

They are used to create a sewage system outside the house. Manufacturing material - polyvinyl chloride. Such pipes are more durable, which varies depending on the class of the product:

• L - withstands loads up to 200 kgf / m²;
• N - up to 400 kgf / m²;
• S - up to 800 kgf / m².

Another classification assumes differences in wall thickness: pipes marked SN4 have a thickness of 3 mm, SN8 - 3.3 mm.

Orange pipes are not able to withstand the high temperature of the fluid passing through them. The working range is 40-60 degrees. The external influence of negative temperatures does not affect the properties of the material.

Red pipes can withstand the weight of the soil if the depth of the laying does not exceed 2 meters.Placement under roads is not recommended, as there is a high probability of deformation, which will eventually lead to the settling of solid wastewater components and the formation of blockages.

The significant disadvantages of PVC pipes include:

1. They are destroyed under the influence of aggressive effluents - acids or oils. If you plan to drain such materials, you should pay attention to a separate class of PVC-U product, which has special properties.
2. Elongation of the material when exposed to high temperatures.

They can be made in the form of a smooth cylindrical pipe or corrugated, which is characterized by a higher strength.

Black pipes

They are made of polyethylene and are often used in the organization of urban sewerage, which must withstand significant volumes of passing fluid. A characteristic feature of black pipes is their diameter - usually this figure varies in the range of 250-850 mm. However, there may be wider pipes with increased traffic.

Among the advantages are:

• resistance to possible water hammer;
• absence of corrosive processes in contact with active substances;
• increased service life - from 50 years.

They are installed mainly at great depths - up to 15 meters. Strength is achieved through corrugated walls, smooth on the inside. The temperature of the passing liquid should not exceed 60 degrees.

The second purpose of such pipes is to protect the cable that is laid underground. There are also varieties used for drainage.

The cost of black pipes is relatively low, while the positive side is durability. Polyethylene is resistant to temperature changes, does not corrode. No special tools are required for installation, only a compression fitting.

Green pipes

Pipes that are used to organize drainage are painted green (sometimes blue). A distinctive feature is the ability to bend and withstand the strong pressure of the soil settling from above.

Since the product is used in an external environment, the material easily tolerates temperature fluctuations, as well as its reduction to negative values. The walls may have perforations that allow water to penetrate inside. Some manufacturers equip their products with a geotextile filter.

Let's summarize. For home use, gray pipes are suitable, if the sewage system goes into the ground, then in this place it is advisable to switch to orange pipes. Whites have the same properties as grays, but are more attractive in appearance. Black - they are of increased size and are used for laying city sewers. The green ones are used for drainage.

When choosing pipes, the main attention should be paid to the material of manufacture and its properties. They must be suitable for future operating conditions, otherwise the service life of the products will be significantly reduced.