A Guide to Choosing the Right Type of Plumbing Pipe | Plumber in Fort Worth, TX
Do you know that copper piping – the basic material of pipes that are being used today – was also used in 2500 B.C by the Egyptians to lay their own pipe system? While this may be interesting to know, it also raises the question: has there been no or very less advancement in the plumbing industry so far?
To answer this question, it is necessary to understand the need and importance of different types of pipes available today to carry out the plumbing in Fort Worth, TX. Given that different types of pipes hold a different level of flexibility and durability, knowing and recognizing the several types of pipes is also essential to use the right repair technique. This is because not every type of pipe will be able to handle the different technique or methodology of repair.
Hence, there are different types of pipes available depending upon their application and usage for different purposes and installation locations. The most common ones out of many are Copper, PVC, stainless steel or PEX pipes. However, with this variety of pipes available for use, it may get a little confusing to choose the right type of pipe when you go out to buy the material for your project.
In order to remove this confusion and to give you an in-depth knowledge of different types of pipes, let us have a look at the most common pipe types used for plumbing. Whether you perform the task by yourself or hire a professional plumber in Fort Worth, TX, you will be able to find the right match for your plumbing project without any hassle.
Stainless Steel Pipes
The use of stainless steel pipes by local plumbers in Fort Worth, TX is preferred in the areas that are close to coastal areas and are subject to corrosion. Where these pipes are used to give a very neat and expensive look to your plumbing project, this pipe also provides the strong support with its flexible and rigid material properties. These pipes are available in multiple sizes and lengths. However, these pipes require special couplings in order to get attached to other pipes of different materials. Likewise, it is important that the stainless steel pipe not be confused with galvanized pipes.
PEX Piping
Pex plastic piping is a popular material for use in residential and small applications due to its flexibility. From its minimal maintenance to the fast installation procedure, this makes this pipe the best selection for a water distribution function inside a structure. Although this type of pipe has a slightly high initial cost, it provides an advantage over a copper piping with its leak-free property. However, due to its exterior plastic layer, this piping holds a drawback of inapplicability in the outdoor area as the UV rays may damage the pipe severely.
Copper Piping
As mentioned earlier, copper pipes are the most common pipes used in plumbing in Fort Worth, TX. Being known as the traditional plumbing pipe, these pipes are famous for their longevity and reliability. Likewise, these pipes are highly resistant to corrosion and are a perfect material to be used in water – both hot and cold.
Copper pipes are easily manageable. However, before you choose to go with copper piping, you must know that such type of pipes require extensive soldering with some additional fittings to connect the pipes together.
PVC Piping
PVC pipes are commonly used with sewage applications by the local plumbers in Fort Worth, TX. Moreover, they are also used for hot and cold potable water plumbing in Fort Worth, TX. PVC pipes are available with different thickness and configuration options, depending on the application area. For instance, sewer pipes significantly differ from the pressure water pipes, or the ones used for storm drainage.
Galvanized Pipes
Several years back, the galvanized pipes were mainly used for residential projects. However, due to its rust-building drawback, its usage as a standard for residential plumbing in Fort Worth, TX, has now reduced significantly. The small diameter pipes build up the rust and in the case of an old pipe, you can clearly see the water (full of rust traces) coming from the faucet. This usually happens when the scale breaks loose inside the pipeline and therefore, they are now left to be used for non–potable water, or to transport gray water only.
Brass Pipes
Brass pipes serve as a great rust-resistant material if it’s made up of 65-85% copper. Brass piping provides a material that is long-lasting and corrosion-free from the inside. The best grade of brass pipe is achieved when the alloy contains 86% copper, which is known as the red brass pipe.
Additionally, these pipes are great for hot-water and other large distribution systems such as water tanks and pump fittings. Likewise, brass pipes are easy to thread and normally last longer than steel or any other material pipes used by plumbers in Fort Worth, TX. Usually, a brass pipe comes in 12 ft lengths.
Cast Iron Pipes
For plumbing in Fort Worth, TX, cast iron pipes are mainly manufactured as bell or spigot types. These pipes are usually heavier than the other types of pipes and are commonly used for sewer systems, underground installations (as a main pipe on drainage), or water distribution systems. However, the size of a cast iron may vary from a 4” pipe to larger ones that are mostly used in residential applications.
In addition to the information provided above, if you like to have more professional insight before choosing the right type of pipe, or if you plan to carry out a plumbing task for your commercial building, do visit the website of Benjamin Franklin Plumbing Fort Worth. Their team of expert professionals is well-versed in resolving your plumbing matters with the use of advanced tools. With them, you get a chance to hire the best plumber in Fort Worth, TX and rest in peace as your plumbing issues are fixed by them. Benjamin Franklin Plumbing is a member of the BBB with an A+ rating.