Because all plumbing jobs have different risks and requirements, pipe manufacturers make a variety of products for specific maintenance and repair situations. If you select a proper pipe, you’ll less likely experience leaks, flooding, and other plumbing problems after all of your fixtures are operational. Make use of the best plumbing pipe that can work well in your favor. At local hardware stores, you’ll find many plumbing pipes that can distribute water and process waste. However, if you’re looking for the best option for a bathroom or kitchen, there are five pipes that are worth considering.
PEX Pipes:
PEX piping is one of the most popular options for traditional jobs. They can supply water to various fixtures around a home or building. The housing is very rigid and strong, so these pipes can handle intense pressure from a water supply. It is one of the best plumbing pipe to make things easier for you. It is one of the best plumbing pipe that you can look for.
Pros:
Thanks to the color-coded designs, you can easily identify pipes for hot and cold water. The cold pipes are blue, and the hot water pipes are red.
Every PEX pipe is easy to cut during installation jobs. If a pipe doesn’t fit, you can make adjustments by taking advantage of its 90-degree curves.
Cons:
You can’t use PEX pipes with push-fit fittings because leaking may occur. When a pipe breaks and leaks, you can’t recycle it.
PVC Pipes:
PVC pipes are built for drainage and venting jobs. Many plumbers work with these pipes because they’re light and simple to use. The big advantage is that PVC piping is easy to cut. You can slice through the product quickly with a hacksaw. Whenever you need to secure PVC pipes together to extend the lines, you can connect them using solvents.
Pros:
All PVC pipes are inexpensive, and they’re great cost-efficient options for irrigation projects. If you ever need to bend a pipe, you can arch its flexible housing.
Cons:
PVC pipes are only great for simple jobs because they have fragile housing. You can’t apply glue on PVC pipes since water may leak through the seal.
Ridged Copper Pipes:
Ridged copper pipes are also made for water supply in a home, and you can also cut them using a hacksaw. In order to connect a riged copper pipe, you’ll need to use a soldering device. Many home builders and commercial building contractors rely on these particular pipes when they design plumbing systems because copper distributes drinking water without contaminating it.
Pros:
A ridged copper pipe can handle high heat well. It can also withstand intense water pressure. When you no longer need a riged copper pipe, you can easily recycle it.
Cons:
If you don’t have great plumbing skills, the process of connecting ridged pipes with soldering equipment may be challenging. Also, you’ll need to set aside plenty of cash to buy ridged pipes since they’re expensive.
ABS Pipes:
ABS pipes are commonly used during jobs that involve drains and vents. These pipes and PVC pipes have similar characteristics. However, the big difference is that ABS pipes have a black housing that’s somewhat softer.
Pros:
If you need great pipes for underground plumbing systems, ABS pipes are ideal options since they’re durable and strong. When the temperature drops outdoors, ABS pipes won’t break because their housing is engineered for cold weather.
Cons:
You’ll need to use ABS pipes in some locations wisely according to the building code. Also, you must pick the installation zones strategically since high temperatures can cause warping.
Flexible Copper Pipes:
These pipes are built for sinks, fridges, and water heaters. You can bend them to establish a secure connection during installation jobs, and you can cut them very easily with a sharp hacksaw.
Pros:
Flexible copper pipes will fit snugly in tight spaces. They can also handle high heat that builds up in confined areas. It is one of the best plumbing pipe that you can look for at your end.
Cons:
You must handle flexible copper pipes with care to avoid breaking them. Another disadvantage is that the pipes are expensive.
Winter Protection Strategies for the Best Plumbing Pipe:
After you have proper pipes for a job, you’ll need to implement procedures to protect them. Winter is a time when most pipes are damaged. As water freezes in a line, pressure builds up, and the intensity of the expanding ice can crack or break a pipe that isn’t properly protected. By following a few simple steps, you’ll maintain and protect your pipes whenever the temperature dramatically drops in your neighborhood.
Insulation can create a barrier that blocks icy air around your pipes. When applying insulation onto thick or thin pipes, ensure that there are no gaps because air can seep through any opening. Plastic pipes are more vulnerable than copper pipes, so they will need extra protection before a harsh winter storm.
Indoor pipes will also need protection against cold weather. You can keep arctic air away from vulnerable pipes underneath kitchen and bathroom fixtures by sealing cracks around your home. Caulking and spray foam is the best sealants for large cracks around doors and windows.
Heaters, furnaces, and other heat sources can protect vulnerable indoor pipes as well. To achieve the best results, use indoor heat sources throughout the night because the coldest temperatures occur long after the sun sets.
These five piping materials are great options for general residential and commercial projects, and you can protect each product using insulation, sealants, and heat sources throughout the winter. However, along the way, you may need professional help with an installation or maintenance routine. When this happens, always work with a professional plumbing company, such as Conrad Martens Plumbing.
Read Also:
