You can always find the necessary plumbing supply in Utah at an excellent price if you look carefully and patiently. Nevertheless, it does not pay to settle for the usual galvanized piping for the water lines in your home. You may have heard about the high cost associated with copper pipes, and be assured that is not a myth. How about a rundown of common piping materials to help you make a smart choice?
Small diameter pipes rust quickly. That is a problem with galvanized pipes. If your main concern is piping for potable water, perhaps you’ll be interested in some of the more favorable options on the market today.
Is copper piping a worthy investment?
You have to think about longevity and reliability. While many other materials are available, nothing else trumps the lifespan of copper plumbing lines. They have shown consistently good performance in various settings and environmental conditions. Copper is ideal for both underground and aboveground installations. Moreover, you can expect them to perform optimally for at least 50 years and in some cases, 70 years before corrosion sets in and holes result in leaks.
Homes with copper pipes do not experience too many problems with their hot and cold water supply for at least a couple of generations. Copper is only a great option if you can afford it. Let us look down the line and see what else is for the taking.
PVC plumbing for convenience and versatility
If copper pipes are traditional favorites, then PVC is the modern go-to material. Polyvinyl chloride is a synthetic plastic that accommodates both hot and cold admirably. PVC is available for a variety of uses. However, you must ask for specific subtypes for a particular use. For instance, there is a specific designation for potable water applications.
In addition, there is a different type of PVC for pressurized setups, as well as sewer lines. The thickness varies as well, and you must consult with an expert on the matter to make sense of the different “schedules”, the term used to differentiate the thickness of pipes. Today, PVC is the most commonly used plumbing pipe material for residential installations.
What is PEX?
A less familiar acronym you will encounter in your research about plumbing pipes is PEX (XLPEI) or cross-linked polyethylene. PEX is the popular term for the type of pipe, which not only belongs to water lines but for radiant floor heating systems as well. The best thing about PEX is that it is easy to use. Of course, you would be glad to know that despite its technical label, it is quite affordable.
Taking the time to choose from available options should give you the outcomes you expect. For sure, you want to live in a comfortable home with all the convenience of modern amenities. A sound and reliable plumbing system allows you to perform daily tasks and activities with ease and convenience. Will you invest in pipes that would only give you problems later on? Look for a trusted supplier of quality plumbing materials today.