High-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipe is a good choice for underground water lines because of how the pipe is connected. Rather than using joints, which can leak, or glues and cement, which can degrade over time, HDPE pipe is connected via plastic fusion.
PVC (polyvinyl chloride) is a durable plastic pipe that is highly resistant to corrosion and impact damage. The material doesn't melt easily, which works well for underground water lines. PVC pipes also come in different diameters, so it is easy to find the right size for both residential and commercial applications.
Comparison between PEX pipes and PVC pipes for water supply systems. 1. Durability: Both PEX pipes and PVC pipes are known for their durability and long-lasting nature. However, PEX pipes tend to have better resistance to extreme temperatures and thermal expansion/contraction, making them less prone to leaks or bursts.
Copper pipes with lead-free joint materials are the best choice for water pipes. They are long-lasting and won't leach chemicals into your drinking water. However, copper pipes are generally more expensive, and copper's intensive extraction and manufacturing process presents some environmental trade-offs.
Copper pipes:
Copper pipes are prized for their durability and resistance to corrosion. They are also non-toxic and safe for carrying drinking water.
Avoid using polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC). These pipes contain the highest levels of chemicals of concern and they are typically installed using hazardous solvents.
Is PEX safe for drinking water? Yes, our PEX-a and PEX-b are both safe for drinking water. Our piping system solutions are all third-party tested through IAPMO or NSF to the following standards: NSF/ANSI 61 drinking water systems components - health effects.
PEX pipe leaching and contact water toxicity was directly evaluated. Plastic pipe carbon leaching increased with elevated water temperature. Chemicals leached caused microbial growth to increase compared to glass controls. Developing zebrafish exposed to PEX waters exhibited body and brain length changes.
Copper pipes remain popular among plumbers and homeowners alike because they are corrosion-resistant and best suited to protect the quality of the water. Copper pipes are able to handle high water pressure and are tolerant of both hot and cold water temperatures.
With water pipes, the water can lower the temperature of the smoke and help filter some of the harmful substances in the smoke. However, this doesn't make pipe smoking safe. Research has shown that water pipes can produce greater levels of second-hand smoke than tobacco cigarettes.
Cast Iron
Despite the heat resistance and noise-dampening properties of cast iron, it's not as suitable for underground water supply as newer materials. Cast iron is not resistant to corrosion, which can compromise the quality of the water supply and damage the integrity of the piping, leading to leaks and breaks.
Material Concerns: One of the primary concerns about Pex plumbing is the material itself. While Pex pipes are undoubtedly flexible, making them easier to install in tight spaces, they are not as durable as traditional materials like copper or even PVC.
On average, PEX pipes can last anywhere from 40 to 50 years, and in some cases, even longer.
Yes, PEX pipes can be buried underground. However, it's important to follow local building codes and guidelines to ensure compliance and the longevity of your plumbing system. To ensure optimal performance and protection against external factors, it is essential to bury insulated PEX pipe at the appropriate depth.
Both the IPC and IRC state that all water lines as well as sewer lines must be a minimum of 12 inches below grade, i.e., a foot underneath ground level.
PVC pipe schedules can range from 10 to 160 but schedules 40, 80, and 120 are the most commonly used for underground applications. The higher the schedule, the thicker the pipe wall.
Chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC) is a tougher form of PVC that can withstand a wider temperature range, making it appropriate for water supply lines. Because of its increased chlorine content and other aspects of its chemical makeup, CPVC is among the safest plumbing pipes for transporting drinking water.
Key Takeaways. All PEX pipes are flexible and can expand in high-pressure, freezing conditions. PEX pipe is more durable than rigid pipe in cold weather but is still susceptible to burst in extreme conditions.
It comes in different colors–red, white, blue, white, and grey. However, there are no performance differences between these colors and all are intended for use in potable water systems. The colors can be used to easily distinguish between hot and cold distribution lines.
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.
PEX pipes are very thick but they are still susceptible to rodent damage that can cause pipes to crack or break. Possible Leaching: Although uncommon, some homeowners and plumbing companies have reported a few PEX pipes leaching harmful contaminants like BPA (Bisphenol A) into the water supply.
Bacteria
This mostly happens when PEX pipes are installed deep under the ground and vulnerable to moisture. In extreme cases, the bacteria caused by moisture can penetrate inside the PEX pipes and contaminate the water.
PVC is most commonly used for drain, waste, and vent lines. It is not recommended for use in potable water lines because it can leach chemicals into the water.
PEX Pipe Class Action Lawsuits
A number of manufacturers, including Uponor, Viega, Nibco and Zurn, have already been sued over their PEX piping products.
PEX is resistant to leaching, pitting and mineral buildup. SharkBite PEX-b offers the highest-rated chlorine resistance and six-month UV resistance. PEX doesn't carry the theft concerns that copper does.