Repiping an entire home is very expensive, but eventually, every home is going to need its pipes replaced. If the time has come to replace the pipes in your home, you may be wondering which piping material is best. So, we are going to discuss some of the more common piping materials and their advantages and disadvantages.
If your home is old, it may have pipes that are made of materials such as galvanized steel or iron. These materials are durable; however, because of their tendency to become corroded, they are generally no longer used. Here are some of the common piping materials used today.
Copper
Copper is one of the most common materials used in home plumbing. This is due to its durability, strength, and flexibility, as well as its tolerance to heat. It is also easy to maintain and does not need to be repaired very often. It can also be recycled if you ever decide to switch to another material. This makes copper an ideal material for all of the pipes in your home. But, it does have one downside; it is quite expensive.
CPVC
CPVC (Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride) is one of the most popular choices for piping material, likely due to its very reasonable price along with its ability to tolerate high temperatures. Because of this, it is excellent for drain lines as well as hot water lines. This material is also non-toxic, flame-resistant, insulated, rust-free, and can support high water pressure.
Additionally, it is stronger than standard PVC and has extra chlorine, which makes it safe to use for drinking water. This material is available in a variety of sizes, is flexible, and is a good option for someone wanting to install their own pipes. But, it is probably not a good choice for your entire house as it sometimes becomes brittle over time, making it vulnerable to cracking or even bursting.
PEX
Another option for repiping your home is Cross-linked polyethylene or PEX. This is a very flexible type of plastic piping. It is one of the newer piping options and is becoming quite popular. It is lightweight and can even be easily installed in very cramped locations. Additionally, it outlasts CPVC piping and is cheaper than copper piping.
This piping is particularly popular in new homes because it is resistant to both hard water build-up and corrosion. It is also good for transferring cold or hot water and is considered energy efficient. This piping material works well for the whole house and should not need to be replaced for 50 years or longer. It could last up to 100 years. However, PEX piping should only be used indoors as it is not approved for outdoor use.
The Best Piping Material
It is really best to consult with a plumber to determine which piping material is best for your home. There are a number of factors that could affect which piping material is best for your home, and a plumber can discuss these with you along with your budget for the project.
Contact Us
If you need your home repiped, contact J Griffin Heating & Plumbing. Our experienced plumbers have more than 30 years of plumbing experience and are ready to help you. Call us at 781-520-1212 and connect with us on Facebook.