Top 5 Piping Picks to Keep Your Home Safe
We know you’d do anything to keep your family safe--safe from intruders, safe from fire, and safe from harmful contaminants. You understand the need for security alarms and smoke detectors, but how exactly can you protect from contaminants?
The answer lies within your plumbing and pipes! We’re going to talk about several materials that you should consider when you decide to repipe your home. Keep reading for more information!
Piping With PEX
PEX stands for cross-linked polyethylene. It is a relatively new plumbing material compared to certain metals but has actually been around since the 1950s. With that said, PEX is less expensive and easier to install than copper.
It doesn’t require glue so ensuring proper ventilation is not an issue during installation. This piping material is also non-corrosive in acidic water and is less likely to burst if frozen in the winter.
Stainless Steel Pipes: Light & Effective
Stainless steel is popular in kitchens because it is aesthetically pleasing. However, it doesn’t just look nice--it is highly functional. Stainless steel does not rust or corrode which means it will last your home a long time.
In addition, it is resistant to high temperatures and can be machined easily. Finally, stainless steel has the advantage of strength to weight, meaning the pipes can be thin and light but still be strong and functional.
Brass Benefits
In high school, there was a brass section of the band. There have been songs about ‘big brass beds.’ What you might not know is that brass also makes fantastic pipes for your home’s plumbing.
Opting for brass pipes gives you the benefit of heat resistance and efficiency when it comes to distributing hot water. This metal does not easily disintegrate, crack, or corrode which will ensure its longevity. It is also malleable which makes it easy to bend to needed positions allowing for easy installation.
CPVC: PVC Piping on Steroids
PVC stands for polyvinyl chloride, whereas CPVC stands for chlorinated polyvinyl chloride. These two piping materials are definitely related in that they are budget-friendly and rust-resistant.
However, PVC piping can only withstand temperatures up to 140 degrees while CPVC can handle heat up to 200 degrees. This fact alone makes it better for repiping a home. Aside from the temperatures that CPVC can handle, it is also very smooth which reduces friction when delivering water.
Grandma’s Favorite: Cast Iron
Your grandmother was probably quite partial to her cast iron skillets and her home was likely piped with the same material. There are multiple reasons for this! One of the downsides to cast iron is that it is heavy but that same downside plays into the metal’s many benefits.
Because it is so dense and heavy, cast iron piping reduces the amount of noise heard throughout the home as water runs. Also, it can be used for heavier drainage including water with sand or sediment without risking damage. Finally, cast iron skillets are known for their ability to withstand high temperatures and great amounts of pressure--cast iron piping is no different!
Choosing The Healthiest Pipes For Your Home
When you are considering repiping your home, you will have numerous options and they won’t be limited to the five mentioned here. Some stores may try to sell you the most expensive pipes while others may have the ‘latest and greatest.’
At Captain Rooter Emergency Plumbers of Chicago, we don’t try to sell you on any of these features. We want to educate you on what is best for your home, your family’s health, and your budget. Finding the right pipes for your situation may include analyzing the acidity of the water, amount of sediment, and even how your household uses hot water.
We take each of these into consideration when helping you decide what material to repipe your home with! If you learned a thing or two about piping material, take a minute to share this article with your friends!
