Piping: Pros and Cons

6/12/2019 (Permalink)

There are many different piping options to choose from.

Terra Cotta Pipes 

• Pros:  
  • Environmental Friendly 
  • Does not corrode with high levels of acidic water 
  • Mainly used for outside 
• Cons: 
  • Clay pipes can crumble due to tree roots 
  • Harder to work with, not light like plastic 

Copper Pipes 

• Pros: 
  • Long Lasting and Very reliable 
  • Good for indoor and outdoor plumbing 
• Cons:  
  • Expensive 
  • Some older Homes use lead-based solder, but can be removed.  
  • Lower Temperatures require extra attention in the winter 

Stainless Steel Pipes 

• Pros:
  • Corrosion Resistant 
• Cons:
  • Very Expensive 

PVC Pipes 

• Pros:
  • Does not corrode 
  • Very inexpensive  
  • Good at insulating 
  • Easy to work with 
• Cons:
  • Can melt and warp in high temperatures 
  • Cannot interchange with metal parts later 

Polybutylene Pipes 

• Pros:  
  • Inexpensive 
• Cons:  
  • PB pipes can corrode under certain conditions making your home prone to water leaks. 

Pex Piping 

• Pros:
  • Heat Resistant 
  • Good for cold and hot water supply 
• Cons:
  • Manufacturing is not environmentally friendly 

Galvanized Steel 

Used between the 1920’s - 80’s.  Galvanized Steel is easily corrodible that can lead to lead contamination in water.  These pipes should be replaced within your home.  

If you believe your pipes are leading to water damage, give us a call. We will work with you to locate the source and elleviate your home of all water damage.