Plumbing has drastically evolved from the first clay pipes in Ancient Greece. Now we have a variety of piping options- PVC, PEX, ABS, copper, cast iron, and galvanized. Each of these materials has pros and cons, and of course, the specific purpose of the pipe will dictate the type to be used. If you’re looking for repiping in Huntington Beach, you should be able to differentiate between the five major types of plumbing pipes in your home and decide which one would work for your situation.
#1: PVC Pipes
PVC pipes are most commonly used for toilets, drains, sinks, showers, and vent pipes. The plastic tubing makes this type superior for this purpose because it is not as susceptible to corrosion. Not to mention, this type of piping is very durable and might even last indefinitely, so long as it is regularly maintained. PVC pipes also have a lined core which effectively avoids sediment build-up and blockages. However, these pipes cannot tolerate hot water. Plus, the American National Standards Institute suspects that PVC pipes might contaminate drinking water with PVC chemicals, leading to reproductive and respiratory issues. So much so, some states have even banned PVC plumbing pipes for transporting drinking water. So, if you’re looking for PVC pipes for repiping in Huntington Beach, you should be aware of potential hazards.
#2: PEX Pipes
PEX, or cross-linked polyethylene, is an affordable plastic often used for water supply. Just like PVC, these pipes also prevent rusting. They are also plumbers’ favorite because of the flexibility and ease with which you can use them. In fact, you can easily weave them through ceilings, walls, crawl spaces, and basements. Moreover, these PEX pipes are usually color-coded to make it easier to identify hot and cold water pipes. Hence, if you need repiping in Huntington Beach for your water supply lines, PEX would be a good option.
#3: ABS Pipes
Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene or ABS pipes are easily identifiable by their distinct black color. The main advantage of using ABS pipes is their ability to tolerate cold temperatures. These pipes are mainly used for drain, waste, and vent lines. Also, they are pretty easy to install but can’t be exposed to direct sunlight. And be warned that these pipes can get a little noisy, so if that’s a problem for you, this might not be the best candidate when considering repiping in Huntington Beach.
#4: Copper Pipes
Copper pipes are popular because they can last up to 50 years, and they’re a very common sight in fixtures, showers, tubs, sinks, and water supply lines. These pipes continue to be favorites because they are non-corrosive and don’t disrupt water quality. What’s more, they can tolerate both extremely hot and cold temperatures as well as high pressure. And if you’re looking for an environmental-friendly repiping in Huntington Beach, copper pipes are your go-to because they can be recycled. And given all these benefits, it comes as no surprise that copper pipes can be a little over budget- though absolutely worth it!
#5: Galvanized & Cast-Iron Pipes
Although not commonly utilized in new construction, cast iron and galvanized pipes were pretty desirable up until the 20th century. These are durable and, thus, used for water supply, sewer, and drains in older homes. These pipes were favored because they are heat resistant and not too loud either. But we don’t use them as much anymore because they are pretty vulnerable to rust and corrosion. Thus, if you’re considering galvanized or cast-iron pipes for repiping in Huntington Beach, you should know beforehand that maintaining a clean water supply will be a problem.
The Bottom Line
Different pipes are used for different purposes. So, if you’re thinking of repiping in Huntington Beach, you must consult our guide on the different types of plumbing pipes in order to be able to pick the best one! Also, don’t forget to contact our team of expert plumbers to help you with repiping and other plumbing emergencies in Huntington Beach.
