There are various kinds of pipes you can choose from when creating a home plumbing system, but the best selection depends on factors such as your location, water type and budget.
PVC (polyvinyl chloride) pipes are economical, easy to work with, and make an ideal option for cold and hot water lines. More recently, PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) piping has gained in popularity as its rigid core can withstand water supply pressure while still remaining flexible enough for weaving through walls.
PVC
PVC plumbing pipes are popular because of their resistance to acidic and alkaline environments. Furthermore, PVC’s flexibility enables it to make tight turns easily while withstanding high water pressure levels, and fitting seamlessly into existing systems without breaking. Plus, its relatively cheap cost makes PVC ideal for newcomer plumbers.
PVC pipe material is both affordable and long-term reliable; unlike its copper counterpart which tends to cost more. When properly installed by professionals, PVC will not leak easily either. In addition to PVC, other pipe materials commonly used in home plumbing projects include rigid copper, CPVC and PEX piping materials; rigid copper being suitable for drains while PEX works great as interior hot and cold supply lines.
Copper
PEX (crosslinked polyethylene) pipes may have overshadowed copper as the go-to material for new construction and replacement plumbing projects, yet copper remains an ideal choice for repiping older homes. Copper’s resistance to high water pressure and temperatures as well as cold climates makes it suitable for repurposing after being used to repipe. Furthermore, it works well with hard water environments while being recyclable.
Copper pipes are durable and resilient against sun exposure and corrosion, making them suitable for underground applications that involve freezing-thawing cycles, soil movements, or natural events such as floods. Copper is also resistant to chlorine disinfectants which could otherwise cause corrosion; making copper an investment for long-term performance. While more costly than plastic alternatives, copper may outlive them both over time making this option well worth considering!
PEX
As its name implies, PEX pipes are composed of plastic material which has become increasingly popular over time. Their many advantages over traditional metal plumbing materials make them increasingly appealing.
First and foremost, they’re more affordable. Additionally, their freeze resistance makes them better at avoiding burst or cracked pipe issues that could lead to leakage and water damage issues during colder weather months.
PEX tubing is versatile, making it easier to handle in tight spaces. Furthermore, PEX doesn’t corrode like metal pipes do and resists leaching and pitting; additionally it boasts superior thermal insulating properties over metal, helping reduce heating costs. Although its benefits make PEX the superior choice over metal pipe material; rodents may chew through it to gain access to food and water sources.
ABS
ABS pipes do not rust or flake, making them perfect for underground use. Indoor plumbing applications also benefit from ABS as it has shock-resistant qualities as well as being easier to work with than PVC. They’re easy to work with and less expensive.
Plastic pipes may be safe to drink from, yet some studies suggest they contain a small amount of Bisphenol A (BPA). This chemical used during production could possibly have harmful health implications.
ABS and PVC pipes differ by being instantly bondable with special cement blocks; PVC must first be primed before cement can be applied, adding time and complexity to your project. If you need advice regarding which pipe type would best fit into your home environment, speak to a plumbing professional for guidance.
Brass
Every home and office requires plumbing systems. Without working piping systems, washing dishes or taking a shower would be impossible, making the material choice critical for smooth operations. It is therefore vital that we select resilient pipe materials.
There are various pipe options that may fit your needs; let’s examine some of the most effective ones here.
Brass is an alloy used in water lines and plumbing applications. It’s hardy, corrosion resistant, malleable and easy to work with for fittings that require bending and shaping compared to copper pipes, making brass ideal for these uses.
Plastic pipe fittings are safe to drink from as they won’t corrode or deform in hot water environments, while also acting as antimicrobial protection from harmful microorganisms – making this material the perfect choice for systems exposed to harsh environments.