Pipes that make up your plumbing system are of utmost importance, and selecting the incorrect type can lead to serious clogs and other problems in your home. With such a vast selection of pipes available, finding which is suitable can be difficult.
Rigid copper pipe is the traditional choice for plumbing a water supply and highly durable. Unfortunately, however, it can be expensive and requires professional soldering services for installation.
Copper Pipes
Copper pipes are the standard hard pipe choice within the plumbing industry, offering high water pressure capacity while remaining corrosion resistant over decades of use. Copper is also resilient against harsh environments that might damage other hard pipes – direct sunlight or disinfectants may damage them instead.
Type M copper is often chosen when making repairs or expansions to interior water supply lines, as its thinner pipe wall makes for faster installation times than either Type K or L copper, and often proves less costly than its alternatives; identifiable by red markings.
PEX pipe is flexible and can easily pass through walls and basements without fittings, which greatly reduces installation time and cost. Plus, PEX is safe as soldering presents health risks; furthermore it resists mineral buildup, pitting corrosion ensuring its integrity within your plumbing system. However, due to this relatively new technology homeowners should carefully evaluate all their options prior to choosing one over the other.
Stainless Steel Pipes
Stainless steel pipes are highly resilient against corrosion caused by chemicals, solvents and the environment. Their strength enables them to withstand extreme temperatures and salt water environments while not oxidizing or rusting over time like their copper counterparts do.
Lastly, stainless steel pipes are easy to maintain and sterilize, as well as looking sleek and modern in appearance. However, it should be noted that stainless steel piping can be more costly than other forms of pipe construction and often requires special couplings.
At Totten Tubes, we understand that choosing the ideal plumbing solution for your home depends on a combination of budget, local building codes and desired lifespan factors. Before embarking on any plumbing project it’s always recommended consulting a professional plumber or contractor first to help select a product suitable to your needs – reach out today for a quote if this sounds appealing to you! We look forward to working together.
PVC Pipes
PVC pipes are affordable, durable and simple to install – ideal for drains and vent lines due to their lightweight build and resistance to corrosion. Furthermore, PVC’s long lifespan and ability to withstand high water pressure make it an attractive option.
PEX piping can also provide an easier plumbing route through your home, as its flexible nature enables it to navigate around corners and obstacles more easily. Plus, its resistance to freeze damage makes it ideal for Northeast Florida’s fluctuating weather patterns.
ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) is another popular plumbing material. Resembling PVC but darker and softer in appearance, ABS meets ANSI/NSF 61 standards for safety in drinking water applications as well as being compatible with pressure and temperature changes – making it suitable for DWV systems that may experience pressure fluctuations over time. Unfortunately, however, ABS contains BPA which has been linked to reproductive and developmental issues and may lead to warping when exposed to extreme temperatures.
PEX Pipes
PEX pipes are constructed from cross-linked polyethylene plastic and don’t corrode over time like copper would, making it safer for drinking water than metals like lead and zinc. Furthermore, this flexible tubing allows you to maneuver it into tight spaces without needing extra fittings at every bend – decreasing leak potential significantly.
PEX tubing is also more cost-effective than other materials and easier for plumbers to work with than many alternatives, with flexible pipes being run through more easily with fewer joints, thus cutting costs and installation time significantly. PEX can withstand freezing temperatures by expanding slightly when exposed to freezing conditions but returning back to its original size when the temperature thaws – an invaluable feature for Texas homeowners prone to frozen pipes! Furthermore, its resistance against scale buildup makes it suitable for both hot and cold water use and even underground burial.