While there are other sealing methods available, plumbers often sweat the joints of copper water lines to provide a good seal so that water doesn't leak out.
State law prohibits the use of any pipe, pipe or plumbing fitting or fixture, solder, or flux that is not lead free in any public water system or facility providing water for human consumption.
Sweating a pipe refers to soldering a pipe or the joint. Sweating seals a new joint or mends a fault. When sweating a pipe, it is important to do the job correctly so that a soldered pipe can last for years and years.
Copper pipes are pretty terrible. Copper reacts with minerals and chemical additives in the water. After a long time, the copper pipe will wear out. You end up with a leak.
This condensation is due to the cold water inside your pipes and the humid air on the outside of your pipes which produces the “sweating” or “leaking” that you see. To rid yourself of this problem you can insulate your pipes with pre-formed pipe insulation that is available at most hardware and department stores.
If you do find water stains on your ceiling or walls, it is important to determine whether the water is coming from the pipes or if it is just condensation. To do this, you can tape a piece of plastic over the area and check it after a few hours. If the plastic is wet, then the water is coming from the pipes.
Insulate your pipes with some type of foam or nitrile rubber pipe lagging, as this will help keep the air surrounding them warm, preventing condensation. Foil-faced mineral wool or fibreglass pipe insulation also help reduce condensation on pipes.
Copper is usually preferred for water supply lines and heating systems but plex is most often used for drain or waste lines because copper corrodes over time. Ultimately, it's up to the homeowner to decide where to spend the construction budget.
PEX Pipe. PEX, a cross-linked polyethylene pipe, is considered by some to be the greatest innovation for DIY plumbers. PEX pipes often replace copper for hot and cold water in residential retrofits. They are easy to cut, install and connect and less costly than copper.
Climate Considerations Related to PEX Pipes
In colder climates, insulating PEX pipes can help prevent the water inside from freezing, which could lead to burst pipes. On the flip side, in hot and humid environments, uninsulated cold water lines may sweat, leading to potential issues like mold growth or water damage.
Please try again. A: In terms of this valve, CC means copper connection. You'll have to solder to copper pipes to make the connection. I believe the other choice is IPS, which refers to a threaded connection.
Getting the proper tools, materials, and steps in place to properly sweat copper pipes is critical to maintaining a leak-free plumbing system. The benefits of sweating copper pipes yourself include saving a lot of money. In fact, you should be able to do the job for around $50.
The federal government banned the use of leaded pipe and solder in new plumbing systems in 1986, but many remaining pipe networks in older cities and homes predate the policy; the EPA estimates there are still 6 to 10 million lead service lines across the country.
The state of California requires that you must be a licensed contractor to perform plumbing on projects valuing more than $500 in labor and materials.
Currently, PEX plumbing is one of the most widely used plumbing systems around the world. It was temporarily banned in California for a while due to concerns about toxic materials but this was later disproven by laboratory tests.
The Cons of Using Copper Pipes
Installation costs: Copper is more expensive than other piping materials. Since they're also rigid, you must incur the cost of elbow fittings. The rigidity makes them more challenging to cut and fix during installation. The longer it takes to handle the materials, the more cost you incur.
Your water line must be buried at least 12 inches below the frost line to meet local code requirements. However, a minimum depth of 6 inches below the frost line is often recommended for extra security against freezing.
Like any other material, multiple factors could lead to problems with PEX. Some of these factors could be simple over-chlorination of the water running through it or dezincification, which could weaken and break down the fittings used on the piping. Another issue could be the piping failing to pass a pressure test.
Vulnerable to Damage
Plumbing failures can be caused by defective copper pipes several years after installation. Acidic water can be very bad for copper systems. Scale builds up inside the lines and blocks the flow of water through the plumbing system.
Copper is more likely to freeze and break.
The challenge arises more frequently in older homes needing more insulation. If you reside in a colder region or have experienced water pipe freezing, opting for PEX when it's time for a repiping endeavor is a wise choice.
Metal Pipes: Metal pipes, including copper, galvanized steel and iron, are especially prone to sweating due to their high thermal conductivity and lack of insulation. Older Plumbing Systems: Older homes may have plumbing systems without proper insulation, making these pipes more susceptible to sweating.
Leaks with a constant flow rather than slow drip can mean a condensate pipe has become disconnected or punctured. If that's the case, it's important to get your HVAC system serviced as soon as possible to avoid additional problems including further damage to your house.
In general, foam insulation is a popular choice due to its ease of installation and effectiveness at reducing heat loss and preventing condensation.