Plumbing contractors Edmonton

What Are The Different Types Of Plumbing Pipes Available?

There are a wide variety of plumbing pipes available to homeowners these days. Whether you’re looking to replace your home’s or businesses’ pipes or you’re embarking on a new build, it’s important to know your options! Depending on the job at hand, some pipes are more suited than others to get the job done right. It is important to know about these pipes in order to be knowledgeable when calling the expert plumbing contractors in Edmonton. Let’s take a look at what is available and the ideal pipes for your home’s plumbing needs.

Pex piping

(PEX) – Polyethylene piping is made from plastic and used for water supply piping systems throughout homes or businesses. Flexibility is a major component of PEX piping, making it easier to install than other more rigid options. It is also highly heat resistant and durable. Initial costs of PEX installation tend to be higher than other piping materials; however, it requires little to no maintenance. PEX comes in sizes from ¼ inch to 4 inches in diameter. Most commonly, ½, ¾, and 1 inch are used for water supply piping.

Benefits of PEX piping are:

• Ease of installation
• Doesn’t require soldered or threaded connections
• Corrosion resistant
• Energy conservation through reduced heat transfer
• More resistant to scale buildup than other pipes
• Less expensive than copper pipes
• Generally leak-free
• Ideal choice for small businesses and residential homes

Copper piping Often used to construct or renovate gas line plumbing systems, copper pipes are a durable and reliable option for homeowners and businesses alike. Copper pipes are capable of handling pressure up to 1000 psi, and they are great at withstanding hot and cold temperatures. While copper pipes are more expensive than other options, they will last a long time (upwards of 50-70 years if properly installed). One thing to note is that copper pipes won’t perform as well if your water is highly acidic. A plumbing contractor can help you choose the best copper piping for your building based on the purpose.

Benefits of copper piping are:

• Reliable against corrosion
• Fire resistant
• Most common material available
• Can be used for both hot and cold water
• Must be soldered together by an expert
• Will not release dangerous materials such as lead into water

PVC piping PVC pipes are used for a variety of piping applications, from transporting drinking water to fire sprinkler systems. PVC piping is a durable and cost-effective alternative to lead-based piping that is being widely utilized throughout the U.S. and Europe. Further, PVC piping can operate effectively for upwards of 100 years.

Benefits of PVC piping are:

• PVC pipes are available with different levels of thickness
• PVC is a low-carbon, recyclable plastic, making it an environmentally friendly option
• Used for potable (drinking) water and sewage-related applications
• PVC piping used for potable (drinking) water will be specially designed so that it can meet the proper health requirements

Galvanized piping

Galvanized pipes are constructed of steel that has been dipped in a protective molten zinc coating to prevent or delay rust and corrosion. It was a popular choice after the First World War and prior to the 1960s and was invented as an alternative to lead pipes. Some homes even installed galvanized pipes as late as the 1980s. However, after decades of use, galvanized pipes can suffer rust and corrosion buildup, which can significantly disrupt your home’s plumbing system.

Benefits of galvanized piping are:

• Visible pieces of rust can be seen in contents of water over time
• Wider diameter to allow more water flow than alternatives
• Less expensive and more durable than copper pipes
• Mainly used for gray water (excess bath, sink, and appliance water)

Plumbing contractors Edmonton are the best professionals who can help you or bring you the best piping for your building. Also, as a smart homeowner, you can determine if a wrong piping is provided by any professional.