During the installation or replacement of a water supply system, it might be difficult to decide the kind of piping material to employ. The two primary possibilities are copper and PEX pipe, both of which are adequate. Many company owners and households love the advantages of each and despise its drawbacks. This post will examine the two types of piping material in detail so that you can compare them and determine which is best for your application.
Copper Plumbing
As seen from their bright reddish-brown color, copper piping materials are primarily made of pure copper. Household water supply lines mainly use these piping materials which are frequently made of rigid copper. Unlike other pipe materials that can leach pollutants, copper plumbing supplies do not pose any health dangers.
Around the 1970s, copper pipes began to outsell competing products. Since then they have quickly taken over as the preferred pipe material for water supply channels, replacing other metal pipes that leak harmful substances. When compared to other materials, copper plumbing is far more durable and often lasts longer.
Pros
- Reliability. The durability of copper plumbing pipes is exceptional. Depending on factors like the local environment, copper piping has an average lifespan of 50 to 70 years. The resistance of copper plumbing pipes to both cold and heat is another factor in its popularity.
- Environmentally friendly. Copper is an eco-friendly material since it is recyclable. Unlike synthetic plastic, which generates a significant quantity of pollutants during production, it is made of naturally occurring metal. Additionally, it is health-safe.
- Malleable. It can flex to accommodate practically any space that is required. Plastic pipes are significantly simpler to use for plumbers because they may designate certain colors for hot and cold plumbing.
- Corrosion resistant. In contrast to earlier galvanized pipes, which often corrode once their protective zinc coating wears off both inside and outside the pipe, copper as a piping material is unlikely to do so.
Cons
- Pricey. One of the most significant drawbacks of copper is this. Copper costs more than plastic even if it is less expensive than steel. However, copper piping eventually pays for its initial expenditure because of its higher resistance.
Pex Plumbing
PEX pipe is strong plastic piping that is used to supply water. This material is both flexible and rigid enough to handle the water supply pressures. Additionally, PEX pipes are far less expensive than many other piping materials. After its invention in the late 1960s, PEX manufacturers first appeared in American homes and new construction in the 1980s and 1990s.
PEX quickly gained popularity because of its effectiveness, affordability, and adaptability. To some extent, PEX can be crushed, twisted, or bent without losing its original shape. The pipe will be able to restore to its previous state with the application of modest heat.
Pros
- Affordable. This is a significant benefit of PEX piping. It is often 25% less expensive than copper! That implies installing PEX plumbing in your home will save you thousands of dollars while still accomplishing the desired result.
- Flexibility. Compared to copper pipe, PEX pipe is flexible and simple to control in tight places. From the water distribution panel, PEX runs continuously to every fixture, including the sink. PEX is an excellent material for remodeling since it can be snaked through finished walls without cutting drywall.
- easy to use fittings. Easy-to-use fittings and a variety of connections make PEX pipes versatile. Simply pushing them together is one of the quickest and most frequent ways to connect. Just like clamp fittings, crimp fittings can be attached using a crimp tool. Only two connections will be required because PEX piping is flexible.
- Durability. Copper pipe commonly develops scale, but PEX can withstand it. It can handle extremely high and low temperatures and is also resistant to corrosion. PEX pipe is more resistant to bursting in cold temperatures and has passed testing for the greatest level of chlorine resistance. Unlike copper pipes, which are rigid, PEX is not. installation of PEX is also unaffected by the weather.
Cons
- Deteriorates when exposed to sunlight. In residences where pipes will be exposed to sunlight, PEX is not a recommended material. The lifespan of PEX pipes exposed to UV light is only a few months. It is advised that you refrain from PEX for outdoor applications
Conclusion
In order to choose the ideal pipes for your home, it is crucial to gather all available information. This post has gone through the two most common piping materials and their pros and cons. With its experience and certification, Tubomart can assist you in repiping your house with PEX pipes. If you have any inquiries or would like a free quote, kindly contact us.
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