Having a reliable plumbing system is important for your home and choosing the best pipes that fit your home’s needs will help you save money and increase the lifespan of your system.
Here we will share with you everything you need to know about the different types of plumbing pipes available and their benefits and how to know when you need new pipes.
Do I Need New Pipes?
There are many signs that your pipes will need to be replaced. Here are some ways to decide if pipe replacement is best for your home’s plumbing system.
- Leaking Pipes or Fixtures – You’ll be able to tell if your pipes or fixtures are leaking by your water bill increasing and having damp spots behind appliances and walls.
- Water Is Discolored – Corrosion in your pipes will cause your water to turn a brown or orange tint. There is no fix for corrosion besides pipe replacement.
- Lower Water Pressure – A drop in your water pressure is a sure sign that there is a clog or leak in your pipes. If you’ve tried fixing it before but it continues to persist, a pipe replacement may be necessary.
- Bad Smell To Your Water – When mildew and mold build up inside your water pipes, you may notice a bad smell to your water. You should avoid using and drinking this water until the pipes have been replaced.
- Slow-Draining Water – Slow-draining water is usually due to a clog in the pipes. When pipes become corroded it will cause the drains to clog easier.
What Pipe Options Are Available?
There are many kinds of pipe materials to choose from when you are thinking about replacing your plumbing pipes. Every kind of pipe material has different benefits, and some may be better than others for your home’s needs.
Galvanized
At one point galvanized pipes were the traditional, normal pipe material used in homes. But due to plumbing technology advancing and the problems these pipes can cause they are no longer the first choice. They rust easily and have a smaller diameter which will cause your home to have low water pressure.
PEX
PEX is commonly used for plumbing inside residential or small commercial buildings. It is a plastic pipe material and has much easier maintenance and installation. This can make a huge difference if you’re installing these pipes on your own.
The upfront cost of PEX is higher but makes a great long-term investment. If you’re considering PEX for your pipes, it’s essential to know that they can be used indoors only. This is because UV rays will remove the outside layer of the pipes.
Stainless Steel
Since stainless steel is flexible, resistant to corrosion, dependable, and durable it is considered to be the highest-tier option as far as piping options go. However, due to its benefits, it is also a more expensive piping material than others.
Installation for stainless steel pipes is more difficult since it requires very specific coupling in order to adhere them to other pipes. Typically, this kind of pipe material is used in areas where insulation is hard to place.
Copper
Copper is the most common and traditional material used for home plumbing pipes. They are considered to be a great option if you need a durable pipe. They are also very resistant to corrosion and can handle extreme temperatures and temperature fluctuations which gives them a wide range of uses.
PVC
PVC pipes can be used for a wide range of plumbing needs. They come in many different thicknesses and configurations making them versatile. PVC is a cheaper option when it comes to plumbing pipes because they have an easier installation process and lower-cost materials. However, PVC is not typically used as a permanent solution.
Cast Iron
Cast iron pipes are commonly used for plumbing installed underground such as the main pipe or drainage system. These are heavy-duty pipes typically installed in large buildings.
Brass
Brass plumbing pipes are best used for pump fittings, water tanks, inside walls, and hot water distribution. Since brass pipes are made up of copper and zinc they are essentially rust-proof and are known to be one of the longest-lasting pipe materials. There is less friction on the inside of the pipes which allows your water pressure to continually flow steadily.
What To Do After You Choose Your New Plumbing Pipes
Once you’ve weighed all your options for your new pipe material, the next step is to get them installed in your home.
The Adeedo team are experts in new pipe installation and are ready to help get yours completed. Give us a call today to schedule an appointment!
