Among the most important parts of your home are the plumbing pipes. These pipes run through the interior of your walls and your home’s foundation, and carry your water supply or drain waste to your sewage system, which makes it really inconvenient when broken.
If your house has different floors, it makes it more difficult to troubleshoot. Water pipes have been around for quite some time, and the staple ones are galvanised steel or cast-iron pipes. Plumbers normally choose these pipes because of their availability, versatility, and durability. But now, the world of plumbing has significantly evolved and there are other pipe alternatives now in the market that are safer, and less prone to corrosion or breakage.
1. PVC PIPES
PVC pipes are very common and are used as part of the sink, toilet, or shower drain. In some cases, it is also used as the main water pipe. What makes this popular is, it’s versatile, blockage and pressure-resistant, very lightweight, and affordable. However, some raise concerns about toxicity, as PVC pipes are made of polyvinyl chloride, a widely produced synthetic plastic polymer. Because of this, PVC pipes may not be able to withstand hot water and may deform. PVC pipes could not also be detached from one another, and are fragile.
2. PEX PIPES
Unlike PVC pipes, PEX pipes are made to withstand both hot and cold water, thereby making it a common choice among professional plumbers. It is versatile and easy to install, and affordable too. These pipes are flexible enough even for hard-to-reach areas and can easily be adjoined with copper pipes. PEX pipes, though, easily deteriorate when exposed to the sun and can only be used indoors. There are also issues on toxicity as PEX pipes are also made of plastic. PEX pipes also could not be recycled and since they are new in the market, it’s long-term performance and benefits are yet to be proven.
3. ABS PIPES
These pipes are similar to PVC except that they are stronger and are good for underground exterior use, as ABS pipes also withstand cold temperatures exceptionally. These pipes are black in colour and are used for drain and waste piping. ABS pipes are also generally easy to install. You would only need cement to seal them together. But while they work well in the cold, ABS pipes don’t do well in warm temperatures. Exposure to sunlight can already warp and damage these pipes.
4. COPPER PIPES
Copper pipes are an excellent choice nowadays for plumbing. It has been tried and tested and can last for over 50 years. It can withstand high water pressure and tolerate different types of temperatures. What makes it great is that it is corrosion-resistant, and environment friendly too. Though it is the best choice for plumbing pipes, it is not easy to install. You need to get a professional plumber Bexley expert who is available in town because it requires welding the pieces together. Copper pipes are also less versatile compared to plastic ones and are more expensive than the other piping alternatives in the market. But if you can afford it, it is definitely a great investment.
These four alternative piping ideas may have their own pros and cons, so it is still a good idea to talk to your plumber and discuss the most suitable one for your home.
