How to Choose the Right Plastic Tube for Your Project
Have you ever started a project only to realise halfway through that you're using the wrong materials? Selecting the right plastic tube might seem simple at first glance—but with so many types available, from PVC to PTFE, the decision can quickly become overwhelming. Whether you're tackling a DIY plumbing job, upgrading a lab setup, or managing a commercial build, choosing the appropriate tube can make all the difference in durability, safety, and performance.
In this guide, we'll walk you through the most common tubing options, compare materials like FEP vs PTFE, explore their ideal applications, and explain how external factors like temperature or chemical exposure can influence your choice. Plus, we'll give you practical installation tips and answer common questions Australians have when choosing flexible tubing.
Choosing the wrong plastic tube isn't just inconvenient—it can be dangerous. If the tubing isn't built to handle the temperature, pressure, or chemicals of your setup, it could lead to leaks, contamination, or early failure. For instance, hot water supply lines need high-temperature tolerance, while gas lines require strict compliance with safety standards.
Before selecting, ask yourself: Will the tube handle hot liquids or gases?
Will it be exposed to corrosive chemicals?
Do you need flexibility or rigidity?
What's your long-term budget?
Getting these basics right will help you choose a solution that performs well without overspending.
There's no one-size-fits-all solution—each plastic tube type comes with its own strengths:
A popular choice for general plumbing, PVC is durable, affordable, and chemical-resistant. However, it's not ideal for high-temperature applications.
Flexible and crack-resistant, PE tubing is widely used in irrigation and water transport. It's budget-friendly but not suited for hot water systems.
Offers higher temperature tolerance and chemical resistance than PE, making it suitable for lab and food-grade applications.
Known for its extreme chemical and heat resistance, PTFE is excellent for demanding environments—but it comes at a higher cost.
Similar to PTFE but slightly more flexible and transparent, making it easier to monitor fluid flow. Often used in chemical and medical applications.
When comparing FEP tubing to PTFE, the key differences lie in transparency, flexibility, and temperature limits. PTFE handles slightly higher temperatures but is more rigid. FEP is often preferred for applications where visual inspection of fluids is needed.
Choose FEP if: You need clear tubing.
Your project involves moderate to high temperatures.
Cost is a concern, but chemical resistance is still required.
Choose PTFE if: Your system handles extremely high heat or aggressive chemicals.
You need maximum durability.
For gas lines, safety is non-negotiable. In Australia, strict standards apply, and not all plastic tube materials are approved. Copper and steel are traditional choices due to high durability and pressure resistance.
are traditional choices due to high durability and pressure resistance. PE tubing (especially MDPE) may be used underground but must meet specific certifications.
(especially MDPE) may be used underground but must meet specific certifications. Always consult a licensed gas fitter before choosing or installing gas piping.
When it comes to hot water lines, you'll need materials that won't degrade over time: PEX and CPVC are ideal for hot water due to high-temperature ratings.
are ideal for hot water due to high-temperature ratings. Copper remains reliable but may require professional installation.
remains reliable but may require professional installation. Polypropylene offers a good balance of durability and safety for hot liquids.
Flexible plastic tube options reduce joint count and simplify installations, making them a favourite for both DIY projects and professional setups.
These two commonly used plastics often confuse people: PE (Polyethylene) : Flexible, cheaper, and great for low-to-moderate temperature water transport.
: Flexible, cheaper, and great for low-to-moderate temperature water transport. PP (Polypropylene): More rigid, with higher temperature resistance, suitable for food and lab use.
If you're navigating around corners or working on a backyard irrigation system, go with PE. For high-heat or chemically sensitive environments, PP is the better choice.
Choosing the right material is only part of the equation—correct installation is equally crucial.
Tips for a smooth setup: Use clean, straight cuts to avoid leaks.
Don't overtighten fittings—plastic can crack.
Ensure all components (fittings, clamps, etc.) are compatible.
Check UV resistance if the plastic tube will be used outdoors in Australia's strong sun.
Regular inspection helps spot wear or minor leaks early, extending your system's life and performance.
Choosing the right plastic tube comes down to understanding your project's unique requirements—pressure, temperature, chemical exposure, and flexibility. While cost matters, investing in the correct tubing now will save you from repairs and replacements later.
Whether you're weighing FEP vs PTFE, installing a hot water line, or working on a chemical setup, use this guide to help you make an informed, confident decision. And remember: always consult a professional for installations involving gas or complex systems.
With the right knowledge and materials, your next project can flow smoothly—literally.
TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
ABC News
an hour ago
- ABC News
The Care Squeeze: 1.5 million 'sandwich generation' Australians care for both children and parents
Did you know that 1.5 million Australians are simultaneously raising children while caring for ageing parents? Today across ABC Radio and around the country, our teams will find solutions and share stories of real Australians who find themselves caught in the middle. You'll find highlights from all our coverage below, use the key moments to jump between different stories.
West Australian
3 hours ago
- West Australian
From wages and parental leave to battery rebates, here's what's changing for new financial year
Minimum wage, superannuation and parental leave are all set for a shake-up next week as the new financial year is ushered in next week. From how you get paid to how much you'll be charged for electricity, there are plenty of changes in store and PerthNow spoke to two financial experts to break down what it will mean for you. From July 1, those on the national minimum wage will have their pay boosted by 3.5 per cent. The wage will be lifted to $24.95 per hour or $948 per week. About 2.9 million people will benefit from the boost. In Western Australia employees over the age of 21 will see a 3.75 per cent increase to the minimum wage, equivalent to $953.00 per week. Canstar data insights director Sally Tindall said the increase would be welcome but was unlikely to help everyone in need. 'This is a really important increase for those workers on the minimum wage and award wages,' she said. 'The cost-of-living crunch has really hit those on the lowest incomes the hardest, and this increase will help those people keep up with additional expenses. 'It's not a silver bullet ... this increase is incredibly welcomed but for some people it won't go far enough in helping them make the dollars and cents add up month after month.' Along with a pay increase for those making the least, all workers will now have more paid into their super accounts. From July 1, the mandatory minimum payment rate will be upped from 11.5 per cent to 12 per cent. The increase caps off the gradual rise in the super guarantee which has resulted in incremental rises from 9 per cent in 2013. Ms Tindall said the changes would be especially good news for younger people. 'More money will be going into people's super accounts, which means it will take the pressure off Australians when they hit retirement, knowing that they have a decent amount of money in super,' she said. 'It will impact younger Australians the most because they will be on that 12 per cent guarantee for a long period of time and see that nest egg grow. 'Not just from their employers contributions over time but also hopefully from the returns that are generated within the super fund over that time as well.' Expectant parents will be eligible for up to 24 weeks or 120 work days paid leave., if their child is born or adopted from July 1. It is an increase from the previous 110 days, and is part of a four-year move to boost the number of days to 130 by mid-2026. Secondary carers will now have 15 days of paid parental leave reserved for them as part of the total 120, up from 10. Both parents will also be able to take up to 20 days at the same time, up from 10. Those taking parental leave will also now be paid superannuation during their time off for the first time, equal to the superannuation guarantee rate. personal finance expert Sarah Megginson said families were benefitting from multiple changes. 'With the new hourly rate of minimum wage up ... that of course, impacts things like paid parental leave,' she said. 'If you're eligible for paid parental leave, it means that you'll be getting $948 per week for almost six months and you can share that between both parents.' It's not all good news come July 1. From next week West Australian households can expect to be slugged an extra 2.5 per cent for their utility bills. The change was confirmed in the 2025-26 State Budget which indicated that average household would pay nearly by nearly $100 more a year for their water and power. Motor vehicle charges, such as a registration fees and the cost of a driver's license, will increase by a total of 3.3 per cent. The Emergency Services Levy — an annual charge paid by all property owners — will also increase by 5 per cent. Ms Megginson said those doing it tough would not be looking forward to increased bills once again. 'Our bills have just been going up and up and up for many, many years and no one really has the appetite to hear they're going up again,' she said. 'But on July 1 we will see an increase to energy prices and it's not insubstantial. it's a pretty decent price hike and it depends where you live.' West Aussies are set to benefit from two battery rebates at once with the combining of State and Federal initiatives. Synergy customers will be able to claim up to $5000 for a rebate on their battery purchase while Horizon Power customers can claim up to $7500. For households with a combined salary of less than $210,000 they can also access no-interest loans of up to $10,000 with a repayment period of up to 10 years. Ms Tindall said while not everyone could afford to make the investment, the rebates were still likely to boost uptake. 'These battery incentives will help increase the take up of solar batteries and with the State Government combining with the Federal Government I do expect that that will see as a decent boost in WA,' she said. 'It is limited to people who can afford the cost of the battery, even with the rebate, and that to many families will be a difficult expense to have to stump up even with the rebates.'
Perth Now
3 hours ago
- Perth Now
Five huge changes to WA household budgets coming this week
Minimum wage, superannuation and parental leave are all set for a shake-up next week as the new financial year is ushered in next week. From how you get paid to how much you'll be charged for electricity, there are plenty of changes in store and PerthNow spoke to two financial experts to break down what it will mean for you. From July 1, those on the national minimum wage will have their pay boosted by 3.5 per cent. The wage will be lifted to $24.95 per hour or $948 per week. About 2.9 million people will benefit from the boost. In Western Australia employees over the age of 21 will see a 3.75 per cent increase to the minimum wage, equivalent to $953.00 per week. Canstar data insights director Sally Tindall said the increase would be welcome but was unlikely to help everyone in need. 'This is a really important increase for those workers on the minimum wage and award wages,' she said. 'The cost-of-living crunch has really hit those on the lowest incomes the hardest, and this increase will help those people keep up with additional expenses. 'It's not a silver bullet ... this increase is incredibly welcomed but for some people it won't go far enough in helping them make the dollars and cents add up month after month.' Canstar data insights director Sally Tindall said a number of changes on July 1 would help household's bottom line. Credit: Supplied Along with a pay increase for those making the least, all workers will now have more paid into their super accounts. From July 1, the mandatory minimum payment rate will be upped from 11.5 per cent to 12 per cent. The increase caps off the gradual rise in the super guarantee which has resulted in incremental rises from 9 per cent in 2013. Ms Tindall said the changes would be especially good news for younger people. 'More money will be going into people's super accounts, which means it will take the pressure off Australians when they hit retirement, knowing that they have a decent amount of money in super,' she said. 'It will impact younger Australians the most because they will be on that 12 per cent guarantee for a long period of time and see that nest egg grow. 'Not just from their employers contributions over time but also hopefully from the returns that are generated within the super fund over that time as well.' Expectant parents will be eligible for up to 24 weeks or 120 work days paid leave., if their child is born or adopted from July 1. It is an increase from the previous 110 days, and is part of a four-year move to boost the number of days to 130 by mid-2026. Secondary carers will now have 15 days of paid parental leave reserved for them as part of the total 120, up from 10. Both parents will also be able to take up to 20 days at the same time, up from 10. Those taking parental leave will also now be paid superannuation during their time off for the first time, equal to the superannuation guarantee rate. personal finance expert Sarah Megginson said families were benefitting from multiple changes. 'With the new hourly rate of minimum wage up ... that of course, impacts things like paid parental leave,' she said. 'If you're eligible for paid parental leave, it means that you'll be getting $948 per week for almost six months and you can share that between both parents.' personal finance expert Sarah Megginson. Credit: Supplied It's not all good news come July 1. From next week West Australian households can expect to be slugged an extra 2.5 per cent for their utility bills. The change was confirmed in the 2025-26 State Budget which indicated that average household would pay nearly by nearly $100 more a year for their water and power. Motor vehicle charges, such as a registration fees and the cost of a driver's license, will increase by a total of 3.3 per cent. The Emergency Services Levy — an annual charge paid by all property owners — will also increase by 5 per cent. Ms Megginson said those doing it tough would not be looking forward to increased bills once again. 'Our bills have just been going up and up and up for many, many years and no one really has the appetite to hear they're going up again,' she said. 'But on July 1 we will see an increase to energy prices and it's not insubstantial. it's a pretty decent price hike and it depends where you live.' West Aussies are set to benefit from two battery rebates at once with the combining of State and Federal initiatives. Synergy customers will be able to claim up to $5000 for a rebate on their battery purchase while Horizon Power customers can claim up to $7500. For households with a combined salary of less than $210,000 they can also access no-interest loans of up to $10,000 with a repayment period of up to 10 years. Ms Tindall said while not everyone could afford to make the investment, the rebates were still likely to boost uptake. 'These battery incentives will help increase the take up of solar batteries and with the State Government combining with the Federal Government I do expect that that will see as a decent boost in WA,' she said. 'It is limited to people who can afford the cost of the battery, even with the rebate, and that to many families will be a difficult expense to have to stump up even with the rebates.'
