Various materials have been used for pipes since the early days of plumbing. Lead pipes were commonly used in homes and remain in use in many older houses, despite the known dangers associated with them. Today, other widely used materials are copper, chlorinated polyvinyl chloride, and galvanized steel. Cross-linked polyethylene or PEX is also becoming increasingly popular. Cost and performance are the two most common factors influencing piping material selection.
PVC piping
PVC stands for polyvinyl chloride and is the most common pipe used in houses. This pipe is commonly used for water service and is not approved for use inside of the house, although it is often used for drain piping. It is available in cream or yellow colors and is similar in size to PEX pipe. It is highly corrosion-resistant and can withstand higher temperatures than most pipes.
Today, PVC piping is the standard for sewer piping. Most houses built after 1985 are made from this type of plastic. It is corrosion resistant and is not vulnerable to rust. PVC piping is also easier to spot and is less likely to clog than other types of pipe. Its white plastic also makes it easier to identify problems in your piping system. It is also much less expensive than metal piping, which can be tricky to detect.
Another type of plastic pipe is PVC piping. It is the most common in houses. It is lightweight and durable, making it a perfect choice for water supply lines. It can withstand pressure from high water and cold temperatures. It is also resistant to corrosion and has a low heat conductivity, making it a good choice for drain lines and water supply lines. The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) administers and coordinates voluntary standards.
Galvanized steel pipes
Although most pipes in houses are galvanized, they can experience corrosion or joints that do not seal properly. This can cause leaks to develop behind walls or under floors. Not only can this cause a great deal of damage, but it can also attract termites. So it is crucial to have your plumbing checked by a professional. There are many ways to identify the problems associated with galvanized pipes.
There are different ways to fix corrosion in galvanized pipes. While welding can be used on some types of pipes, zinc-coated pipes cannot be welded. If you are not sure how to fix the problem, consider a mechanical coupling. Threading involves screwing a female nipple into male-threaded sections of pipe. This method is most common with steel and galvanized pipes, and can be used on some plastic pipe materials. Threaded joints are stronger and can withstand pressures in all directions.
While it is possible to replace galvanized steel pipes with copper or plastic, you should also consider replacing galvanized steel pipes if they are more than 40 years old. These pipes are not as durable as copper pipes and can develop corrosion if not repaired immediately. They also tend to break down sooner than copper or brass pipes. Therefore, you should replace galvanized pipes before you build a new home.
ABS pipes
When choosing pipe, it is important to consider the type of environment in which you are installing it. If you are installing it in a cold climate, ABS pipes should be kept in a well-ventilated area. For hot climates, you can use PVC pipes. These are light-colored and easy to cut. They are also flexible and are suitable for a variety of applications. Regardless of the material, local governments may have specific requirements for certain types of pipes. While choosing a pipe, make sure to check with local authorities to determine which one is best.
If you’re purchasing a house built before 1988, it’s important to ask about the type of pipe used. Houses built in this period may have ABS piping. Inspect window drain lines for cracks and leaking. Look for mixed plastic types and cracks at the glue-line joint. Also, check the vent piping system from the accessible areas. If you spot any of these defects, you can contact the manufacturer and have it fixed.
ABS is less likely to deform under high temperatures than PVC. It’s also durable, resistant to chemicals, and is ideal for both cold and hot water applications. One downside of ABS is that it contains Bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical that has been linked to a number of health problems. In addition to BPA, it leaches into water, making it harmful to human health. If you’re concerned about BPA, it’s important to ask the plumber about whether it’s safe. Hire the best piping services from candu plumbers.