Have you ever taken a good look at your plumbing pipes or wonder about what they are made of? Plumbing pipes are constructed from a variety of different materials and the type that you choose has a lot to do with the chemicals in the air, your home's age, and your budget.
Here is a rundown of the top 4 most popular plumbing pipes. Chances are you’ve got one or more of these in your home.
1 - Sleek Brass
Brass pipes are by far the most aesthetically pleasing of the plumbing pipes. In fact, many décors feature exposed brass pipes as one of the design elements. They do cost a little more initially than some of the other plumbing pipes, but they tend to last longer and are less prone to damage (i.e. to water leaks). It is often worth the extra investment.
2 - PEX is Popular
PEX pipes are the most popular with the DIY crew and that is because of their color coding. The different colors make it easy to distinguish between pipes to carry hot and cold water and are therefore easier to install.
They are made from plastic that has been heat-treated to make them more pliable, and extremely durable. They are also a very affordable option. They originally were installed specifically with radiant heat flooring, but are now used everywhere in the home.
3 - Cast Iron Classic
Cast Iron is probably the heaviest and the most durable of all the plumbing pipe materials. This is why cast iron is a good choice for commercial buildings that are likely to use high water pressure.
Water pressure that is high is notoriously hard on pipes and will weaken them over time, causing breakage and leaks. They are made in shorter lengths (because they are so heavy) so that they are installed more easily.
4 - Stainless Steel
Stainless steel plumbing pipes are highly resistant to many of the factors that will cause pipes to break and leak, like corrosion, temperature and UV light. Mineral buildup is less likely to occur, which is another cause of plumbing pipe leaks.
Get support from a professional plumber to make sure your plumbing pipes are helping your family’s health, not hurting it. The wrong pipe could be contaminating the water. Share this important article with your friends and family to ensure their health as well.
