When it comes to plumbing pipes for Kenyan homes and buildings, PVC and PPR are the two most common options. Here is how they compare:
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride): PVC pipes are rigid, affordable, and widely available across Kenya. They are ideal for cold water supply and drainage systems. Their main limitations are that they cannot handle hot water and can become brittle with prolonged UV exposure.
PPR (Polypropylene Random Copolymer): PPR pipes are more flexible, have a longer lifespan, and can handle both hot and cold water up to 95°C. This makes them essential for systems with solar water heaters or instant showers with built-in storage. They are also resistant to scaling, making them ideal for hard water areas like Mbita and Nyanza.
Cost comparison: PVC pipes are generally 30-50% cheaper than PPR pipes. However, for hot water systems, PPR is the only viable option and is a worthwhile long-term investment.
Our recommendation: Use PVC for cold water supply lines, drainage, and sewerage. Use PPR for hot water supply lines and anywhere chemical resistance is important.
Kisiago Plumbers stocks both PVC and PPR pipes in our Mbita shop, and our plumbers will help you choose the right solution for your specific project in Mbita, Homabay, Kisii, Nyanza, or Kisumu.