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Safe Water: Is your plastic container poisonous to your water?

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Divya Khanna
Safe Water: Is your plastic container poisonous to your water?

Plastic bottles, storage tanks and water storage containers are widely available in a variety of local markets and are used to store drinking water and food throughout the country. The production of water storage containers every year is increasing and has doubled over the past 15 years. Plastic water tanks are generally preferred because they are made of stronger materials, weigh less and are easier to handle than many other options available in the market.

However, the lack of awareness and insufficient information about the toxins caused by the plastic and synthetic chemicals used in these tanks has raised serious concerns. Aside from manufacturers' requests regarding their safety, these plastic tanks have more barriers than benefits. Plastic water tanks can only be considered as a good alternative to ceramic or cement water tanks if they are resistant to heat and ultraviolet (UV) radiation and are produced from non-toxic substances that do not affect the smell and taste of water.

The plastic tanks and bottles available on the market today are mainly manufactured from Polyethylene (PE), Polypropylene (PP), Bisphenol (BPA), High Density Polyethylene (HDPE), Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) and Polyethylene (PEX) highly bonded. These chemicals begin to mix with water when used for long periods of time and when these tanks are washed with cleaners. Leaching also occurs when these tanks are exposed to UV rays, high temperatures and environmental degradation. When these plastic tanks are exposed to extreme heat, especially in the long summer months when the level of mercury rises above 40°C, chemicals begin to dissolve in water. These plastic tanks are also known for altering the visible properties of water despite the manufacturer's claim that these changes are eliminated over time.

Soluble chemicals, when infused with drinking water, have many known effects on the human body. For example, Bisphenol A adversely affects the endocrine system and is also known to cause cancer, asthma, heart problems, and female genital mutilation. These problems are more common in children and adolescents than in adults. Due to all these problems, developed countries have banned the use of plastic tanks for storing drinking water.

There are a variety of water storage tanks available in the market. These can be purchased with a variety of specifications, as well as building materials. However, with all the options available in the market, most consumers always choose to buy a stainless steel water storage tank or a plastic tank. Both stainless steel and plastic tanks have their own unique properties, making them a popular choice for water storage applications. While it’s hard to say which is better than the other, this post tries to list a few advantages of stainless steel storage tanks over plastic storage tanks.

Why Are Stainless Steel Tanks Better than Plastic Tanks?

Though both stainless steel tanks and plastic tanks are popular these days, stainless steel tools surpass their plastic counterparts in several ways. This is discussed below.

  • Stainless water tanks ensure the safe and clean storage of water as the inside does not produce algae.
  • Compared with its plastic variety, stainless steel tanks last longer. They are resistant to impact, fire and rust.
  • Stainless steel tanks do not require much maintenance compared to plastic tanks.
  • Metal tanks can be made of ointment / finish to increase their resistance to corrosion, especially when used in destructive applications.
  • Compared to plastic tanks, stainless steel tanks can be manufactured to a higher capacity.
  • With plastic tanks, there is always a danger of leak However, this is not a problem with stainless steel water storage tanks. In addition, plastic tanks tend to increase and decrease depending on changes in climate.
  • As stainless steel tanks are rigid, strong and durable in construction, they are safe to move without causing any damage. However, extra care should be taken while moving plastic tanks as they can get damaged.
  • Lastly, stainless steel tanks can be easily recycled as compared to plastic tanks.

Nowadays, contractors have a wide range of options for plumbing. While copper pipes are still considered an industry standard, largely because of their strength, compactness, plumbing and installation, PEX tubing is an emerging favorite despite its high price tag. This is because PEX tubing is a robust and flexible method. A third option to bring drinking water, which lasts longer, and yet more expensive, is PVC.

Because of this, most hobbyists and savvy contractors consider the use of CPVC and PVC water pipes for their plumbing needs or projects. It also acts as excellent protection, so the external environment will not affect the water temperature in the pipe. Although PVC is used by many homeowners to clean and distribute water, it can serve as the only type of plumbing in the house, especially when CPVC is used with it.

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Divya Khanna
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