Hoses are specialized tubes widely used to transport fluids from one place to another. They are made of various materials, the most common of which are PVC and rubber. Although both hoses may seem alike and perform the same tasks, they vary in many aspects. So, a debate arises: PVC vs rubber hose – which one is more reliable?
Knowing the key differences is crucial before making the final selection. Imagine you buy a hose to handle high-pressure fuel, but it melts because it was not designed for this job. So, picking the wrong hose not only causes cracks but also leads to financial loss. Are you confused about which is right for you? No worries! This guide will simply differentiate rubber and PVC hoses. So, let’s get started!
What Are the Differences Between PVC & Rubber Hose?
As I said above, PVC and rubber hoses might seem alike. However, many factors set them apart, from their composition to their durability. In this section, I will discuss some common differences so you don’t end up with the wrong one. Let’s dive right in!
1- Material Composition
One prominent difference between PVC and rubber is their composition. For instance, PVC hoses are made of a special type of plastic known as ” Polyvinyl Chloride.” It is a synthetic or man-made plastic polymer made of several monomers. Along with PVC, manufacturers add plasticizers, stabilizers, and additives to increase flexibility.
Conversely, rubber hoses are made of natural or synthetic rubber. Natural rubber comes from the latex of the rubber tree and undergoes several processes to produce a rubber hose. EPDM or Nitrile rubber is commonly used in synthetic rubber hoses to handle extreme conditions.
2- Flexibility
Flexibility is the most common difference between rubber and PVC hoses. Flexibility refers to how easily a hose can bend without breaking. If we discuss a rubber hose, it is naturally elastic, so it is highly flexible. WHY? The reason is its higher tensile strength, which means you can stretch and bend it without the risk of breaking.
On the reverse side, the PVC hose is less flexible and more rigid due to its low elasticity and tensile strength. When bent or compressed, these hoses crack easily. As I said above, they add stabilizers to enhance flexibility. However, these stabilizers start losing flexibility at low temperatures and become brittle.
3- Durability and Strength
Durability is the most critical factor that differentiates between the two hoses. HOW? Strength is somehow related to flexibility. The higher the flexibility, the stronger the hose. For example, a PVC hose is less flexible and hardens and cracks more easily. Moreover, when exposed to UV rays, plastic ingredients lose their flexibility and strength.
Conversely, rubber hoses offer superior durability and flexibility. They can withstand twisting, bending, and stretching without breaking. This is due to their impact resistance, which means they absorb shocks and retain their shape. Moreover, rubber hoses last longer in varying environmental conditions.
4- Temperature Resistance
Temperature resistance indicates how well a hose can handle high and low temperatures. Both rubber and PVC hoses vary in this term. For instance, PVC hoses have a melting point of 60°C, so they become soft and start melting above this temperature. Moreover, these hoses become brittle and crack at below -10°C low temperature. This means that PVC hoses can handle low to moderate temperatures.
On the opposite side, rubber has a melting point of 120°C, higher than PVC. Rubber hoses remain strong and do not warp or soften when exposed to heat. Besides, in freezing conditions, such as below -40 °C, these hoses do not lose their flexibility or become brittle. This means rubber hoses can even withstand frost conditions.
5- Pressure Handling
As you know, hoses are designed to transfer high-pressure liquids and gases. Pressure handling is one of the critical differentiating factors between PVC and rubber hoses. HOW? Actually, PVC hoses are made of lightweight plastic. So, high-pressure liquids cause the PVC hoses to expand and eventually burst. Moreover, high pressure can also cause kinking of edges, which blocks the fluid flow.
So, PVC hoses can withstand a maximum pressure of 50-300 PSI. On the other hand, rubber hoses have superior pressure resistance. The reason is that they are more flexible and slightly heavier than PVC. So, these hoses do not kink on high pressure and allow a smooth flow of fluids. For example, rubber hoses can handle pressure up to 300-6,000 PSI without bursting or expanding.
6- Chemical Resistance
Chemical resistance is a common difference between composite and rubber hoses. This difference also exists between rubber and PVC hoses. For instance, PVC hoses often contain additives to improve their flexibility. These additives also add chemical resistance to some extent. For example, they can handle mild acids, cleaning solutions, and non-corrosive liquids.
However, PVC hoses are unsuitable for fuel, strong alkalies, acids, and gasoline. These chemicals break down the plastic and cause the hose to melt. On the flip side, rubber hoses are highly resistant to all diverse types of chemicals. They have reinforcement layers that make them stronger against corrosive substances. Rubber hoses can efficiently carry gasoline, alkalies, acids, and harsh solvents long distances.
7- Weight and Handling
Weight and handling are other factors that set rubber and PVC hoses apart. In this regard, PVC hoses are the clear winner. HOW? Basically, these hoses are made of plastic with lower density. This means they are lightweight, easy to install, and can be moved from one place to another. Due to their lightweight, you can coil these hoses and store them easily.
Remember that the lightweight of PVC hoses can cause kinking and reduce their stability at high pressure. Conversely, rubber hoses are heavier due to denser rubber construction. These hoses are difficult to carry and move, and require more effort to store and coil. However, their higher density helps them stay in one place under high pressure. They do not kink or burst.
8- Environmental Impact
Environmental impact indicates how a house impacts our environment. For instance, PVC hoses are made with petroleum-based materials, such as additives. Thus, they release harmful chemicals, such as dioxins, into the environment. These chemicals can negatively affect humans and other living things. Moreover, PVC hoses are non-biodegradable.
It means they take hundreds of years to break down. So, PVC hoses mostly end up in landfills and increase pollution after use. Conversely, rubber hoses have lower environmental impacts. HOW? First, Natural rubber is biodegradable, which means it breaks down naturally and does not cause pollution. Moreover, rubber can be recycled and reused, contributing to environmental sustainability.
9- Applications
Due to variations in several aspects, the usability of both hoses also varies. Let’s discuss their applications one by one. PVC-reinforced hoses are commonly used in:
- Garden and irrigation system for watering plants
- They are low-pressure hoses and are hence used in compressors and pneumatic tools.
- Some food-grade PVC hoses transfer drinkable water.
- They are used in swimming pools and hot tubs for water circulation.
Now, look at some typical applications of rubber hoses;
- These hoses are used in fuel and oil transfer.
- Rubber hoses handle high pressure in hydraulic systems machinery.
- They are used to transport heavy-duty chemicals safely.
- Rubber hoses are used to handle steam and hot water in different industries.
10- Cost and Affordability
Last but not least, cost is another factor that distinguishes these types. In terms of process, PVC hoses are a cost-effective option. WHY? The first reason is their readily available raw materials. As you know, these hoses are made from synthetic plastic, which is widely available. Moreover, due to their lightweight, PVC hoses are easy to process, reducing manufacturing costs.
While these hoses are cheaper, they may need more replacements and maintenance, so they may prove more costly in the long term. On the flip side, rubber hoses come at a higher initial cost. The reason lies in their expensive raw materials and complex manufacturing process. However, due to their enhanced durability and lifespan, these hoses prove cost-effective in the long run.
PVC vs Rubber Hose: Which One Should You Choose?
Both PVC and rubber hoses offer unique features. Thus, choosing the right one for your specific needs can be tricky. Right? But some factors can help you make a wise choice about these hoses. Let’s discuss them in this section.
- First, understand the nature of your project. For example, PVC hoses suit light-duty operations such as low-pressure water transport. However, a rubber hose is reliable for heavy-duty operations. You can use it to transfer hot water and harsh chemicals.
- Consider the durability and strength of each hose. For instance, PVC is comparatively less durable. It becomes soft at high temperatures, so using it in a moderate environment is best. On the flip side, rubber hoses are naturally durable. They can handle high and low temperatures, so you can use them in any environment.
- Another factor you should consider is their flexibility and weight. For example, PVC hoses are less flexible but lightweight. So, you should use them for applications where ease of use is a priority. However, rubber hoses are more flexible but heavier. So you can use them for harsh working conditions and maintain stability.
- Keep environmental sustainability in mind while choosing a hose. For instance, less eco-friendly PVC takes hundreds of years to break down, creating pollution. However, a natural rubber hose is more eco-friendly as it breaks down quickly and does not cause pollution. Synthetic rubber still has some environmental impact, so choose a more sustainable option.
- Lastly, consider your budget and maintenance. For example, if you have a tight budget, you should go for a PVC hose. However, they require more maintenance and replacement, which can add cost. On the other hand, rubber hoses have higher initial prices. However, their durability and long lifespan justify this high price.
Conclusion
Hoses are essential in transporting critical liquids and gases. They come in various materials; the most common are rubber and PVC. These hoses look alike at first glance but possess unique properties. For example, PVC hoses are lightweight and less flexible. Hence, they offer low durability and handle low-pressure liquids.
PVC hoses are cheaper and handy for moderate to light-duty operations. Conversely, rubber hoses are more durable and offer more flexibility. They can handle all types of chemicals and easily resist low and high temperatures. So, they have a high initial cost. However, I recommend rubber hoses due to their durability, which proves cost-effective in the long run.