Plastic tubing is the best choice for many plumbing projects, but which one should you use? There are many reasons to choose PEX, ABS, or Copper, but which is best for your needs? Read on to learn more about each type of piping. Here are some pros and cons of each. For example, PVC pipe tends to leach rust into the water it transports, so it’s not ideal for drinking water. ABS and Copper are great choices for your plumbing needs, as they’re both flexible and easy to work with.
CPVC
CPVC is a highly flexible material that is available in a wide range of sizes and colors. It is an excellent choice for plumbing applications in both residential and industrial settings. Schedule 40 is thinner than Schedule 80 and is less stiff. Both pipe materials have a wide range of applications, and there are numerous advantages to each. Listed below are some of the advantages of CPVC. To get an idea of the benefits of CPVC in your home, read on.
CPVC is resistant to internal and external corrosion, making it a superior choice for water pipes. Moreover, CPVC pipes do not release harmful elements into water, reducing the risk of leaks. Also, unlike metal pipes, CPVC pipes do not scale. Scaling is a problem with metal pipes, so CPVC pipes resist bacteria growth. Besides being durable, CPVC pipes also offer a range of benefits for your home.
PEX
You may have heard that PEX is the best piping for plumbing, but are you sure about its benefits? While some pipes can be more durable than others, it is important to consider the pros and cons of different materials. For instance, PB pipes no longer exist. They have been known to break and cause damage to homes, and galvanized steel pipes can leach lead into the water supply. As a result, Morris-Jenkins recommends PEX for plumbing.
The best thing about PEX is its ease of installation. Installing it in plumbing can be a breeze, and it’s easier to work with than copper. Unlike copper, PEX expands more than copper, so you should install it in loops. Loops allow for expansion and contraction, and they also make it easy to steal extra tubing. PEX piping should also be installed in oversize holes so that it can expand and contract as necessary. Using a heat gun will expand the PEX tube so that it can slip over the fitting. Once it has cooled, it will contract.
ABS
While most plumbers and builders recommend PVC piping for their projects, they can also use ABS if they want a cost-effective solution. Unlike PVC, ABS will not peel, rot, or dissolve, making it ideal for both residential and commercial applications. The pipes are also resistant to UV light, extreme cold, and flaking. Many plumbers use ABS for drainage pipe systems and electrical insulation. If you are not sure about the benefits of ABS piping, consult with a professional plumber.
Despite the concerns over the quality of ABS piping, it is still widely used in many homes. However, it is banned in some areas. The pipe is made from recycled plastic resin and was created to be cheaper than PVC. Unfortunately, this process also weakened the material and caused it to fatigue and break. Unfortunately, ABS pipes are still in widespread use in sewer and drain lines throughout many homes. If you have an ABS pipe in your drains or sewer lines, it’s best to replace it with PVC or install a new drainpipe made of PVC.
Copper
As a reddish brown, ductile metallic element, copper is an excellent conductor of electricity and heat. Copper is a versatile metal that has many uses, including water piping and electrical wiring. It is also used for corrosion-resistant parts, and in many alloys, including bronze and brass. In fact, copper plumbing tubes have been installed in U.S. buildings for over 2,500 years, making it the best piping material available.
PEX (polyethylene) is a relatively new material used for re-piping water supply pipes. It is remarkably flexible and durable in extreme temperatures, which makes it an excellent choice for plumbing. PEX is also ideal for spaces that are too small or tight for rigid copper pipes. Copper pipes retain their natural properties and are highly resistant to corrosion. Copper is also unaffected by ultraviolet rays. Copper is the most popular piping material.
Grey plastic polybutylene
Polybutylene piping is commonly grey in color, but can also be black, blue, or silver. This type of pipe is typically 1/2″ or 1″ in diameter and is marked with the code “PB2110”. Polybutylene pipes can leak, but you shouldn’t worry too much about them as they can be repaired in the crawl space below the house. You can find them in the basement walls as they are the best insulators against heat and cold.
Another drawback to polybutylene piping is the cost of replacement. It’s not cheap, and the funds that were formerly available for the lawsuits have long since dried up. The greatest risk of failure is unseen leaks. Water will often pool inside the walls, causing unseen damage and potentially harmful mold growth. If you notice any water stains, you have a leaky pipe. The best way to prevent this is to have a professional replace the piping with the new ones. You can also get new pipes that are equipped with an optional hot water recirculation system.