When it comes to the plumbing pipes used in residential homes, there is a wide array of different options to choose from, each with their own benefits and disadvantages. It is important to understand these differences when you are re-plumbing different areas of your home to ensure the best results.
Types of Plastic Plumbing Pipes
Plastic pipes have become more standard in modern homes over using metal pipes. There are several different types of plastics available as follows:
1. PVC Pipes – This is a basic plastic pipe and is easy to work with and inexpensive. It works well with cold water, but not hot water. Hot water can cause the pipe to warp, which leads to leaks, cracks, and breaks. They are also resistant to freezing so can be used as the main water line coming into the home, as well as drain pipes for toilets, sinks, bathtubs, and showers.
2. PEX Pipes – PEX pipes are a sturdier form of plastic pipe that works with both hot and cold water. They work great with retrofits and do offer some resistance to freezing. However, the materials used in PEX pipes can attract rodents that will chew on the pipes and lead to broken water lines, so they are not well suited for areas where rodents can be a problem.
3. CPVC Pipes – Another type of plastic pipe that contains chlorine and chlorinates the water to remove bacteria. CPVC pipes are stronger than PVC and can be used for both hot and cold water lines inside the home, but are not freeze resistant.
Types of Metal Plumbing Pipes
Depending on the age of your home, you could also have various metal pluming pipes. The most common type of metal used is copper. Copper is great choice because it will not rust, has a long lifespan, and fittings often remain secure, resulting in fewer leaks. However, copper is not suited for areas where freezing is a concern because the metal offers no protection.
Some modern homes will have stainless steel pipes in place of copper. Just like copper it is well suited for indoor applications and lasts a long time. However, the costs for stainless steel pipes is significantly more than copper.
Another type of metal pipe that is often found in older homes built in the 1980’s and earlier, but no longer used is galvanized steel. If you still have galvanized pipes in your home it is highly recommended to have them re-plumbed due to the concerns about lead being released into the water from corroded pipes.
You will also find cast iron pipes in older homes. Cast iron is very durable and has a long lifespan, but when it is time to replace it, it is recommended to use a different type of modern piping.
The last type of metal pipe could have in your home if you use natural gas are black iron pipes. These pipes are used specifically for natural gas lines and never used for water lines.
If you need help determining what type of pipes would be best for specific re-piping projects in your home or want to request a free quote for retrofits, contact Precise Plumbing at 647-878-9293 today for further assistance!