When it comes to agriculture especially in hydroponic systems you need pipe-like materials to transport water. PVC pipes are popularly used for hydroponic systems.
The polyvinyl chloride PVC pipes are majorly used for most household waste plumbing.
In hydroponics the PVC is more common than other materials. We shall answer, is using PVC pipes safe for hydroponics?
Advantages of PVC in hydroponics
- The PVC pipes are cheap
PVC pipes are very affordable compared to metal or plastic. The low price of the PVC pipes makes one to set up a nice hydroponics garden system. The inexpensiveness of the PVC pipes leaves you enough room to try out the whole hydroponics idea.
- PVC pipes are efficient for use
When you compare other materials to the PVC pipes, PVC is neither soluble nor toxic. It is lighter, resistant and flexible as compared to the other materials used to make a hydroponics system.
- PVC pipes can be used indoors or outdoors
Regardless the weather conditions the PVC pipes perform very well. This is a quality that other materials lack. There are materials that cannot withstand the weather conditions and they may end up breaking or even cracking.
If the PVC pipes can withstand the harsh outdoor weather conditions, then indoors the PVC pipes will actually perform excellently.
- PVC pipes have variety of configurations
PVC pipes have a great variety of configurations that you can work with. There are several sizes and types of PVC fittings available. They are available in different thickness and schedules.
They are also available in different rigidities. This means that you can customize and design your hydroponic pipe system as you want to.
- Durability
PVC pipes are very durable. When they are kept under all the right conditions then these pipes will serve you and your crops a great deal. PVC pipes stay for a very long time without needing any replacement.
They can handle sudden pressure and stress unlike the polythene pipes that may break or crack.
- PVC pipes are safe
It is possible that nutrients could be contaminated by the plasticizer chemicals but PVC has been reasonably considered as a stable compound. PVC pipes are rigid and they are not plasticized hence they do not have phthalates.
In other terms the more flexible a plastic is, the more hazardous it is and the more rigid it is the safer it is.
Disadvantages of PVC pipes in hydroponics
- Plant roots may get inside the PVC pipes
The plant roots may find their way into the PVC pipes and cause a blockage hence preventing the flow of the water through the pipe.
This PVC pipes downside may be solved by coating the inside of the pipes with a permeable fabric that prevents the roots from getting inside the PVC pipes.
- PVC pipes are thermoplastic
They can melt when exposed to very high temperatures. If there is excess heat, then you risk your crops being burnt to become crispy.
The PVC pipes cannot withstand high temperatures they may end up being toxic when exposed to these conditions. However, these cases are very minimal maybe if the room you are using is on fire.
Can you do hydroponics at home?
Hydroponics is an agricultural culture that is growing fast and popular. We all want to get a productive hobby and we would recommend trying out hydroponics to you at home.
The good thing about hydroponics is that it can be done anywhere for as long as there is space. We shall highlight the advantages and disadvantages of doing hydroponics at home.
Pros of doing hydroponics at home
- It requires minimal space
The best thing and most relieving thing about hydroponics is that it is an advantage to those that do not have land.
At the comfort of your apartment you can do hydroponics and grow your vegetables in your house, in that extra bedroom. You are not limited.
- It requires very little water
Hydroponics is a practice that helps conserve water. It requires very little water as compared to plants grown on soils. It actually uses 10% of water. So, hydroponics is a good practice to try out at home.
- Less use of chemicals
If you are worried about extra costs of buying insecticides and herbicides for your plants, then quit worrying. Insecticides and herbicides use in hydroponics are very minimal and limited. This is a good thing because if you fear contamination then hydroponics should relieve you.
- You have climate control
Can you imagine having to grow your food all-round the seasons without worrying about the climate?
Hydroponics is this kind of farming. You are in absolute control of your crops’ climate. This is something that should trigger you to try out hydroponics at home.
This does not limit anyone even when you do not have a farm you could make yours in your house.
- Hydroponics use no soil
If you are afraid of planting your crops on soil that you think is polluted, then hydroponics is there to relieve your stress. Hydroponics agriculture does not involve the use of soil. It only relies on water and nutrients solution.
Cons of doing hydroponics at home
- It needs your time
Hydroponics needs commitment and time. You need to keep checking on your crops and check how the whole system is functioning. If you are always busy then you should reconsider doing hydroponics.
- It needs experience
Hydroponics need technical knowledge and experience. If you are new at hydroponics, then it may be critical since it needs a lot of care, if you make a mistake then you could ruin the whole hydroponics system.
- Safety reasons
Hydroponics use both water and electricity. We are all aware that this combination is not really the best for working with. If you are doing hydroponics, then you need to be very cautious.
You really cannot avoid using them because the electricity helps to light and pump water while the water is needed for the crops. Despite the disadvantages, hydroponics is worth it.
You can try it out at home since it is not limited to space. Hydroponics is a great deal and you can try it out even at the comfort of your home.
Just check out the advantages and consider hydroponics for growing your vegetables.