There are a lot of choices when it comes to the material to use for your water pipes. If you want to replace your pipes, you’ve come to the right place. What’s the best material for plumbing pipes? There are a number of factors that go into selecting water pipe materials for your home. Let us walk you through those factors to help you make an informed decision. After you make a decision, you should speak with a professional plumber to discuss the best option for your situation.
Need New Pipes?
If you are interested in upgrading your current plumbing, you have to think about several factors. First, what kind of pipes are they? Typically, water pipes are made of iron, copper, PVC, PEX, and even lead. There are a few other options as well but these are the most common ones.
If your home was built in the first 50 years of the 1900s, you should get the pipes tested for lead. It was extremely common to have lead pipes from this time period which causes irreversible health problems.
If you’re experiencing discolored water, bubbling, or any other strange issues, you may want to consider an upgrade in piping material.
Below are 3 of the best options for water pipes to consider for your home.
PVC Pipes
PVC stands for polyvinyl chloride. It is a type of plastic that usually serves as main supply lines, drainage lines, and irrigation piping. There are all kinds of different thicknesses of PVC, but the most common thicknesses of PVC is schedule 40.
Something to consider with PVC is that it is usually only used for cold water lines because heat breaks down the pipe over time. Despite this, we think PVC is a great option in your home for sinks, toilets, and main sewer line applications.
Usually, PVC is only used for cold water pipes since hot water can eventually break down the plastic material. It also tends to degrade when exposed to UV rays from the sun. As long as they are installed with local code and regulations in mind, they are a great option for drain lines.
Copper Pipes
Copper is one of the best plumbing materials because of its ability to withstand hot, cold, and pressure. More often than not, though, copper is the more expensive option. It is labor-intensive to install, but it can be worth it in the long term.
Copper pipes can last close to 100 years and have natural corrosion-resistant and antimicrobial properties. Copper lines are an excellent option for drinking water lines because of these properties. With this option, it really comes down to the budget.
PEX Pipes
Cross-linked polyethylene, or PEX, is a great option for any home. It is cheap, coming in at about fifty cents per square foot, and it is extremely flexible. This means when there is a big freeze, your pipes most likely will not burst. Unlike copper and PVC, PEX has the ability to expand and contract.
The installation of PEX is the most affordable option and the safest option if you live in a cold climate.
How to Select the Best Water Pipe for Your House
When you’re deciding what material you want for plumbing in your home, you should really talk to one of our certified plumbers for an honest opinion. At the end of the day, every home is different and there isn’t a “best” option when it comes to plumbing pipe material for your home. Every situation is different, and we’ll be there every step of the way.
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