The most common types of plumbing pipes you might find in your home are copper, PVC, PEX, and galvanized steel. Copper: This type of plumbing is a champ when it comes to durability and corrosion resistance. It often looks like shiny, reddish-brown tubes running through your house.
PVC pipe is by far the most commonly used pipe in residential homes. This type of pipe is affordable and available in a number of different fittings and sizes. It's also a great choice for most warm and cold water applications.
It is recommended that if a home has polybutylene pipes, the entire plumbing system should be replaced immediately, as a costly leak can happen at any time, without warning, and cause large-scale damage.
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Pipe PVC pipes are widely used in new water main connections.
PVC and CPVC have more strength and durability than PEX because they are more rigid, making them better suited to outdoor applications where the piping may be subjected to trauma. Because of its rigidity, PVC is less flexible than PEX. You must install an elbow instead of simply bending it around a right angle.
No single pipe/tubing system used in the US has been 100% problem free, and PEX is no exception. Some of the disadvantages of PEX include: It cannot be used outside. It cannot be recycled.
PEX: Due to its flexibility and durability, PEX piping should last at least 50 years. PVC / CPVC: Under typical conditions, these pipes should last up to 100 years. Keep in mind that PVC pipes are often used for drainage because extreme heat can damage them.
PVC piping is better for water distribution in residential settings due to its corrosion resistance and ease of installation. Steel pipes, often galvanized, are better suited for industrial applications or where high pressure and temperature resistance are needed.
PVC has a peak temperature threshold of 140° Fahrenheit. For applications requiring temperatures above that, CPVC (chlorinated polyvinyl chloride) is recommended. CPVC offers some benefits over PVC, but at a slightly higher price point.
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.
However, a homeowners policy won't cover slow, constant leaks or other plumbing problems resulting from neglect or improper maintenance. This also applies to backed-up sump pumps or sewage systems that have not been routinely inspected and maintained.
The average price of poly-b replacement is usually between $5,000 and $15,000. Although this is a considerable investment it can save you spending even more when dealing with damages from a burst pipe. It also gives you the peace of mind in knowing an inevitable leaking or burst pipe is no longer on the horizon.
Polybutylene pipe, or Poly-b as it's often called, is a grey plastic pipe that was manufactured from the late '70s until the late '90s and used heavily in residential plumbing systems during that time.
You can use a magnet to determine if you have galvanized pipes, because it will stick. A magnet will not stick to copper or lead. Copper pipe: where you scratched will be a shiny orange color, like a new penny. Lead pipe: where you scratched will be a shiny silver color and will be easy to scratch.
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.
The use of CPVC in NAHB research homes proved to be one of the program's lasting successes. The first NAHB research home built with CPVC plumbing was in 1959 in East Lansing, Mich. By 1963, more NAHB test homes had been built with CPVC in California, Maryland and Ohio.
It's a good idea to install 1/2-inch or 3/4-inch PEX for your main lines for adequate water flow. When replacing old water supply lines with PEX the standard is to use the same size plumbing, although you can transition from 3/4-inch to 1/2-inch plumbing with an adapter.
CPVC Has Better UV Resistance
UV light consumes the antioxidants used in PEX to protect against chlorine degradation. In some cases, just 1 month of exposure to UV rays can reduce the time-to-failure of PEX by up to 21%.
Copper pipes are considered by many to be the standard for residential hot or cold water applications. These lightweight and durable metal pipes are available in rigid 2- and 10-foot lengths with diameters of ½ inch to 1 inch.
Although being a plastic it doesn't support combustion as it requires 60 % of oxygen to burn. Additionally, CPVC also has low thermal conductivity, ensuring reduced heat loss. Cons: Some of CPVC's drawbacks include being more expensive than PVC and potential to become brittle over time.
CROSSLINKED POLYETHYLENE (PEX) Crosslinked polyethylene (PEX) is a high-temperature, flexible, polymer pipe. Crosslinking technology was first developed in Europe in the late 1960s and has since come into use around the world for a variety of applications.
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.
PEX Pipe Class Action Lawsuits
A number of manufacturers, including Uponor, Viega, Nibco and Zurn, have already been sued over their PEX piping products.
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.