Geberit: Redefining drainage engineering

Geberit has played a crucial role in driving the transition from traditional materials to plastics in the building drainage sector. Its pioneering move in the mid-1950s met with initial scepticism which the Swiss sanitary solutions provider addressed by demonstrating the benefits of PE through R&D and training, says LOUISE PITT*.

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GEBERIT, a renowned Swiss sanitary solutions provider, has played a pivotal role in shaping the drainage sector. One of its most significant contributions has been driving the transition from traditional materials to plastics, particularly polyethylene (PE). This shift has had profound implications for the design, construction, and maintenance of drainage systems in buildings.

Before Geberit's innovations, traditional materials like cast iron, copper, and fibre cement were the norm in water systems. These materials, while durable, had several drawbacks, including susceptibility to corrosion, heavy weight, and complex installation processes. Geberit recognised the potential of PE as a superior alternative.

PE FOR DRAINAGE

Geberit's early adoption of PE for water systems was a bold move. The company started using PE plastic in the mid-1950s, making it one of the pioneers in establishing a material that has become an integral part of the sanitary world today.

In 1966, Geberit broke new ground: The Swiss company introduced its own range of fittings and pipes - made not from the traditional materials such as cast iron, copper or fibre cement, but from pitch-black plastic, polyethylene.

PE is ideally suited for sanitary applications. It is resistant to almost all chemicals, withstands both hot water and frost, and is impact-resistant as well as corrosion-free. Additionally, the material is extremely easy to process.

In terms of drainage, PE offers a broad range of applications - from residential to sophisticated laboratory installations. However, the company faced initial scepticism as craftsmen and engineers generally regarded plastics as inferior - as in the 1960s, PE was still a relatively new material.

WASTEWATER EXPERTS