PVC stands for polyvinyl chloride. It is a chlorinated hydrocarbon polymer. In its natural state, it is rigid and brittle. But when combined with additives such as plasticizers, it becomes more resilient and malleable.
Some of its applications are in electrical insulation, medical tubing, flooring, furniture, signage and as a substitute for rubber. But its most widespread use is in the manufacture of pipes, which are used in water supply, plumbing and irrigation.
Depending on the application, a few variants of PVC pipes are used as hot or cold water conduits in industrial as well as commercial contexts. PVC pipes have been used for over 80 years for various commercial purposes. In the United States alone, two million miles of PVC pipelines are functional today.
