Having a new pipe replacement can help save you money and increase the lifespan of your system. But it’s important to know what kind of pipe material is best for your home. We will let you know everything you need to know about if a pipe replacement will be best for your home and the different kinds of pipe materials and their benefits.
How To Tell You Need New Pipes
Here are some of the signs that mean it’s time to replace your pipes.
- Odd Smell to Your Water – When mildew and mold build up in your water pipes it will cause a bad smell to your water. You should not consume or use this water until the pipes have been replaced.
- Water is Draining Slowly – When your water drains slowly it usually means there is a clog somewhere in the lines. Corrosion will also cause your pipes to clog more easily.
- Pipes or Fixtures Leaking – If you’re seeing water run from your pipes or fixtures or feel damp spots behind appliances and walls, you have a leak. This can cause your water bill to increase much more than normal.
- Lower Water Pressure – The main culprit for low water pressure is clogs and leaks. If your water pressure continues to get low even after you’ve tried DIY remedies or had plumbers out to fix the problem, a pipe replacement is highly recommended.
- Water is a Brown Color – Brown-colored water is usually caused by corrosion in your pipes. The only thing that can fix corrosion in your pipes is to have a replacement.
What Are The Different Kinds Of Pipes To Choose From?
There are many different materials that pipes are made from. Depending on your home’s needs one will be better than the others.
Copper
Because copper pipes are known to be durable, resistant to corrosion, and handle temperature fluctuations and extreme temperatures well they are one of the more common types of pipe materials to use in your home plumbing system.
But even though these pipes are great for your plumbing system, they also have a more complicated installation process. A licensed plumber will need to install these kinds of pipes since the copper piping will have to be soldered together. If you are using other kinds of pipe materials along with copper, specific fittings will need to be used.
Brass
Brass pipes are a great option if you’re looking for a pipe that is essentially rust-proof and can avoid lower water pressure due to having less friction on the inside of the pipe. They are also one of the longest-lasting pipe materials. Brass pipes are best used for hot water distribution, water tanks, inside walls, and for pump fittings.
Stainless Steel
One pipe material that is considered to be the “Rolls Royce” of plumbing pipes is stainless steel. They are flexible, dependable, corrosion-resistant, and durable, making these a great option for your plumbing system.
However, this also makes them much more expensive than other kinds of pipes. The installation process is also a little more complicated since they need very specific coupling to adhere to other pipes. These kinds of pipes are usually used in areas where it is hard to place insulation or other vulnerable areas.
PEX
PEX is a plastic type of pipe that is commonly used in residential homes or small commercial businesses. If you’re planning on installing your pipes on your own, you’ll be glad to know that it has an easy installation process and is easily maintained.
Even though PEX has a higher upfront cost, it is a great investment. But it’s also important to know that these kinds of pipes can only be installed indoors since the sun’s UV rays will strip away the outside layer of the pipe.
Galvanized
Galvanized pipes used to be known as the normal and traditional pipe material in residential homes. But since they have a small diameter which will cause low water pressure and are more prone to corrosion and rust accumulating, they are no longer the go-to pipe material.
PVC
If you’re looking for a pipe material that comes in a variety of thicknesses and configurations, PVC is the answer. This is also a much cheaper option, and the installation of these pipes is much easier than others. These pipes are not usually permanent plumbing solutions even though PVC can be used for many plumbing needs.
Cast Iron
Cast iron piping is commonly used for the drainage system or main pipe in plumbing systems that are installed underground. They are the heaviest-duty pipe material that there is and are commonly used in large or commercial buildings.
What To Do After You’ve Chosen Your New Pipes
The next step after you’ve decided which kind of material you want to be used in your plumbing system replacement is to contact a licensed plumber.
The ASI team is experienced in all plumbing pipe replacements and will help make this process stress-free. Give us a call today to schedule an appointment!