Exposed pipes are vulnerable to damage from harsh weather, temperature extremes, and corrosive elements. Over time, unprotected pipes will degrade, leak, or fail completely. Replacing damaged pipes is expensive and disruptive. Fortunately, plastic covers offer an easy and affordable way to shield your pipes from corrosion and extend their usable lifespan.
Plastic pipe covers slip over existing pipes to create a protective barrier. Made from durable materials like PVC and thermoplastics, these covers seal out moisture, UV rays, and other threats. Their smooth surfaces prevent buildup and make cleaning a breeze. With simple installation and years of proven performance outdoors, plastic covers are a smart preventative measure to save you money and headaches down the road.
Types of Plastic Pipe Covers
Plastic pipe covers are available in a range of styles to suit different needs. The three main types each offer unique benefits.
Pre-Molded PVC Covers
Pre-molded PVC covers are a popular choice for general corrosion protection. These covers are formed in standard sizes to slip over common pipe diameters. Their tapered design creates a tight seal against the elements. PVC covers are lightweight yet very durable against cracking, peeling, and breakage. Installation is quick and easy without any tools or heat application required. Just clean the pipe surface and slide on the pre-molded cover for instant protection.
Outdoors, pre-molded PVC guards well against rain, humidity, and UV rays. The smooth exterior deters dirt buildup and makes cleaning simple. PVC covers handle temperature swings without becoming brittle. While not optimal for extreme cold, they work well in general outdoor settings. Their combination of convenient slip-on application and rugged performance makes pre-molded PVC covers a versatile corrosion solution.
Thermoplastic Pipe Covers
For more extreme conditions, thermoplastic covers provide superior insulation against both hot and cold environments. Materials like polyethylene possess flexibility to expand and contract without damage. This high resilience to temperature fluctuations keeps the pipe protected in climates from desert heat to arctic chill.
Thermoplastics can be molded to custom configurations for a tight seal around complex or irregular pipe networks. This conformability also allows the covers to bend as needed without cracking. While more costly than PVC, thermoplastic covers offer maximum durability and corrosion resistance even in the harshest conditions.
Custom Designed Covers
For specialized applications, custom designed covers deliver precision protection. pipe measurements and specifications are used to create covers tailored to exact fit. Durable materials like polyethylene, thermoplastic rubber, or Dupont’s Griffolyn blend can be fabricated for superior UV, chemical, and abrasion resistance.
Custom covers prevent gaps that expose the pipe to corrosion risks. Their tight seal withstands vibration, expansion and contraction. Though more expensive, custom covers provide optimal protection on critical pipelines or in extreme environments. They also accommodate unique configurations that off-the-shelf options may not.
Key Benefits of Plastic Pipe Covers
Regardless of type, all plastic pipe covers share common advantages that make them a smart corrosion prevention method.
Long-Lasting Durability
Plastic covers are designed to endure decades of outdoor exposure. Premium materials like Griffolyn resist damage from UV radiation, moisture, chemicals, and mechanical abrasion. Thermoplastics flex and stretch to accommodate movement without cracking. Covers maintain protective integrity and outlast paint, tape or other temporary solutions.
By shielding pipes from wear and corrosion, quality plastic covers significantly extend service life. Replacement or reapplication costs are slashed. One investment in protective covers can save thousands in maintenance over time.
Ease of Installation
Installing plastic covers is far simpler than applying paint, tape or foam. Pre-molded PVC and slip-on thermoplastic covers can be installed without tools, heat, or additional labor. Even custom covers only need simple mechanical fasteners for assembly. Minimal preparation of the pipe surface is required.
Once installed, plastic covers are maintenance-free. They won’t chip, peel or degrade like pipe paints. There’s no need for frequent re-taping like with wraps. Just occasional cleaning is required. Overall, plastic covers provide comprehensive protection without the hassle and upkeep of temporary methods.
Cost-Effectiveness
The long service life and durability of plastic covers make them extremely cost-effective. A one-time purchase protects pipes for decades, avoiding frequent repairs or replacements. Maintenance and labor costs are slashed compared to high-maintenance solutions.
Though more expensive upfront than tape or paint, plastic covers’ lifespan and effectiveness make them cheaper in the long run. They offer permanent protection at a fraction of the cost of pipe repairs or replacement. Plastic covers let you invest small in preventative measures now to avoid huge expenses later.
Applications and Use Cases
Plastic covers safeguard pipes in diverse settings. Their versatility makes them a universal solution for any application needing long-term corrosion resistance.
Outdoors, they protect pipes on bridges, chemical plants, refineries, power plants, and pipelines. Municipalities use them to boost the longevity of street drainage and sewers. In cold environments, they prevent freeze damage to pipes and valves.
Coastal facilities rely on plastic covers to shield pipes from saltwater corrosion. Covered pipes withstand decades in marine environments. Underground, they add a protective barrier before backfilling trenches.
Plastic covers also reinforce pipes against vibration and impact damage. On vehicles and machinery they dampen noise and vibrations for a smoother, quieter ride. Anywhere long-term reliability is critical, plastic covers extend pipe service life.
Don’t leave your pipes vulnerable when effective protection is readily available. Plastic covers offer a simple, long-lasting corrosion barrier for any pipe. With minimal hassle and upkeep, they provide years of maintenance-free service.
Contact a supplier to find the right plastic covers for your application requirements. Adding this preventative measure now will save you untold costs and headaches down the road. Defend your pipes with a durable yet affordable armor against corrosion.
