This question is among the most frequently asked questions when selecting the product type to develop. When passing pipes for water delivery in a home or repairing the water supply system, selecting the material for water pipes is the most appropriate choice. This has implications for the recurrence of the system’s wearout, customer water quality, costs of system maintenance, and overall performance of the given system at different loads and temperatures. In this article, we will focus on the materials most used for water pipes, their merits, and demerits so that you can make the right decision.
Copper pipes
Copper pipes are a traditional pipe for water supply systems, and they have been used for many years. Copper is valued for its long working life (up to fifty years and more), resistance to corrosion, and high heat, which is essential for conveying hot water. Copper is self-sanitizing and reduces the chances of bacterial development on pipes, in addition to being an environment-friendly material that can be recycled. Yet copper is one of the most costly options for the pipeline; such pipes require professional installation and soldering tools. In acidic water, copper pipes corrode internally, eventually causing leakage
When choosing the right water pipe material, it is important to get expert advice to make the best decision based on your specific needs and project requirements. The professionals at Superior Plumbing and Heating can help you evaluate factors such as water quality, system durability, and pipe material: https://superiorplumbing.ca/. They will help you avoid costly mistakes and ensure that your system is running efficiently. Whether you’re installing new pipes or upgrading an existing system, our team will guide you through the process, recommend the best materials, and complete the installation with the highest level of precision.
Polypropylene pipes (PPR)
PPR pipes—polypropylene pipes—are easy to install compared to metal pipes since they can be welded only thermally, are corrosion-resistant, have high durability (from 25 to 30 years), and are relatively cheap. They can be used in hot and cold supply lines because they can accommodate high temperatures of up to 95°C. However, PPR pipes have low flexibility and hence cannot be used in curves. They are also not easy to install and require special tools to do so. Their use at maximum temperatures should be careful, and this is one factor that will lead to their premature failure.
Polyethylene pipes (PEX)
The new type of pipe is polyethylene pipes (PEX). Due to their flexibility, PEX pipes can be laid down without many joints, which leads to fewer possibilities of leakage. They are easy to install and only require special fittings. They do not freeze and, therefore, do not burst and have a use life of 50 years or more. Some of the drawbacks associated with the use of PEX pipes include the fact that they are very sensitive to ultraviolet radiation and should only be used in indoor or underground systems. The matter of recycling is still debatable.
Polyvinyl chloride pipes (PVC)
PVC pipes are cheaper, durable and easy to lay with adhesive or by joining the edges of the pipes together. They are popular in water supply and sewerage systems because they are cheap and light compared to other materials. Nonetheless, PVC pipes are not suitable for the hot water supply since they are likely to melt under heat. They can become brittle at low temperatures or when exposed to direct sunlight. A further disadvantage of PVC is that it is not easy to recycle, which is equally likely to have multiple environmental impacts.
Stainless steel
This pipe material is resistant to corrosion, has long durability, is easy to clean, and offers an appealing appearance, making it suitable for use in water supply systems. If used, it does not pollute water or release toxic compounds. However, stainless steel is a costly water pipe material, and its installation involves special tools and expertise. Stainless steel pipes are also not as varied in some cases, depending on the region where they are to be bought and used.
Cast iron pipes
Cast iron pipe material is durable and soundproof, especially when employed in sewage and drainage systems. They offer good soundproofing, making them suitable in systems where it is desirable to suppress noise resulting from water flow. Cast iron pipes can last for decades, depending on their condition; they can also be coated with another material. Cast iron pipes’ disadvantages include their weight, the installation process, and their tendency to rust during usage, particularly in areas of high humidity or chemically active conditions.
The type of material used in water pipes depends on several factors, including price, the environment in which it is used, the codes and regulations normally adopted by builders, and mechanical requirements and desires. However, each of the materials described has strengths and weaknesses that define the appropriateness of the corresponding project. However, it is advisable to seek the service of an expert plumber for your project to provide the specific details of the project and guide you on which type of material to use for your water pipes.