Durable Plastic Coverings for Pipes: A Complete Guide
Pipes form the backbone of plumbing and HVAC systems, carrying water, gas, refrigerants, steam, and more throughout buildings. But left unprotected, pipes are vulnerable to damage from impacts, weather, sun exposure, chemicals, and natural wear. Plastic pipe covers offer an affordable and versatile shield against these hazards.
Types of Plastic Pipe Covers
Plastic covers suitable for protecting pipes come in several material types, each with unique properties and advantages:
- Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) - PVC is a lightweight, low-cost plastic with good durability and weather resistance. It has high impact strength but can become brittle in cold temperatures.
- Polyethylene (PE) - This flexible plastic withstands chemicals and abrasion well. PE pipe covers have excellent water resistance but degrade faster in sunlight than other plastics.
- Polypropylene (PP) - With high temperature tolerance and chemical resistance, PP plastic covers are ideal for hot water pipes up to 200degF.
- Rubber - Rubber covers provide outstanding impact absorption and noise reduction. Consider synthetic EPDM or natural rubber blends.
Key Benefits of Plastic Pipe Covers
Utilizing plastic covers for pipes offers a wide range of advantages:
- Prevent corrosion and rust caused by moisture on metal pipes
- Insulate against heat loss/gain for temperature control
- Protect pipes from impacts that cause leaks or breaks
- Shield pipes from sun damage; add UV inhibitors for outdoor use
- Conceal unsightly pipes running through visible areas
- Defend pipes from abrasion and wear
- Guard against damage from rodents, insects, or wildlife
- Are customizable; covers can be cut to size and painted
- Available in high visibility colors for safety
Properly installed plastic covers reliably shield pipes from threats that lead to costly damage and downtime.
Choosing the Right Cover
With many types of plastic covers available, it's essential to select the optimal one for your specific pipes, environment, and application. Here are key factors to consider:
Pipe Material
Will the covers shield PVC, copper, steel, iron, or CPVC pipes? Choose plastics compatible with the pipe material.
Pipe Size
Measure pipe diameter and obtain covers sized for a tight fit. Loose covers can detach, leak, or allow debris inside.
Temperature Rating
Verify the cover's rated temperature range suits the operating range of the pipes. Use high-heat options for steam lines or heating pipes.
Environment
Will covers be indoors or outdoors? Outdoor covers need UV inhibitors and weather-resistant materials like rubber.
Noise Reduction
Rubber dampens pipe vibrations and noise. PVC and other plastics provide less soundproofing.
Aesthetics
Covers can be painted to blend with walls. Select colors to designate pipe contents.
Proper Installation Techniques
Installing pipe covers correctly ensures they deliver maximum protection:
- Clean piping thoroughly before applying covers
- Measure diameter and obtain proper size covers with a snug fit
- Cut covers to necessary lengths allowing for any insulation
- Open slits/seams and fit covers over pipes, aligning evenly
- Seal seams completely with adhesive, snap closures, zip ties, or tape
- Secure covers to pipe using clamps or fasteners as needed
- For elbows and T-joints, use shaped covers or cut multiple pieces
- Overlap cut edges by at least 1" and orient to shed water
Taking time to correctly measure, cut, seal, and secure covers ensures they protect pipes over the long term.
Maintenance for Longevity
With routine inspection and care, plastic pipe covers provide years of reliable protection:
- Inspect covers twice yearly for cracks, gaps, loose fittings
- Replace damaged covers immediately to maintain protection
- Re-secure any detached covers with new adhesive/fasteners
- Check pipe insulation; replace if damp or degraded
- Clean exterior with detergent; avoid solvents damaging plastic
- Remove debris/sediment blocking drainage channels
Well-sealed covers that remain securely fastened to pipes last for decades with proper maintenance.
Disadvantages of Plastic Covers
While very useful, plastic pipe covers also come with a few drawbacks to consider:
- Can become brittle and crack over time when exposed to weather
- Not intended for extremely high-temperature steam lines
- Require insulation in very cold environments
- Rubber and metal covers offer greater durability
- Plastics degrade faster than metal and must be replaced sooner
- Require careful installation for waterproof, protective seal
Plastic covers provide excellent low-cost protection for moderate temperature water lines, drains, condenser pipes, and gas pipes. Just take care when selecting materials and installing for high heat uses.
Alternatives to Plastic Covers
Beyond various plastics, other pipe cover materials include:
Rubber
Rubber covers provide outstanding shock absorption and noise reduction. Look for synthetic or natural rubber blends.
Metal
Stainless steel, aluminum, copper, or galvanized steel covers offer superior durability but are costly. Use for high heat applications.
Foam
Closed-cell foam covers insulate pipes from heat loss, moisture, and noise. Use with plastic cladding for durability.
Fittings
Rubber boots, caps, and grommets protect pipe joints, endings, and protrusions.
Coatings
Liquid epoxy, urethane, or rubber coatings directly applied to pipes provide seamless protection.
Troubleshooting Common Pipe Cover Issues
While robust materials installed properly should last for years, here are solutions for common pipe cover problems that can occur:
Detached Covers
Reattach immediately with fresh adhesive and clamps to prevent pipe damage. Replace deteriorated covers.
Cracks
Repair small cracks with plastic epoxy adhesive. Replace covers with major cracking or dry rot.
Poor Drainage
Ensure drainage channels are clear. Flatten dents with rubber mallet. Maintain slope to drain water.
Leaking Seams
Disassemble, clean thoroughly, and reseal with fresh adhesive and seam tape. Replace damaged covers.
Insufficient Heat Insulation
Upgrade to foam covers or wraps. Ensure insulation is intact beneath plastic covers. Add foil-faced insulation.
Protecting pipes from damage and weatherization with covers extends system lifespan. Plastic covers offer customized, affordable protection for most low-temperature indoor and outdoor pipes. Follow best practices outlined here for optimal cover selection, professional installation, and routine maintenance necessary to keep pipes safe.
Assess your specific piping setup and environment to select durable plastic materials that withstand on-site conditions. With quality covers properly maintained, critical plumbing and HVAC pipes will enjoy a long and reliable service life.