Repiping your home is a process no one looks forward to, although the benefits of new pipe material do allow homeowner’s a sigh of relief. The problems caused by worn, outdated plumbing include damaging leaks, potentially poor water quality, restricted flow, and ongoing plumbing repair. Benjamin Franklin Plumbing will provide the job with as little interruption, and inconvenience as possible to you. Contact our licensed plumbers for expert plumbing in Arlington today.
There are a number of pipe materials to select from, and the ideal option for your home will depend on factors pertinent to your home. These factors include water chemistry, your home’s characteristics, soil conditions when pertinent, and your budget. Pipe material options include:
Copper Pipe
Copper pipe offers a number of advantages, including:
- Copper is bacteriostatic, as a result it inhibits the growth bacteria.
- Copper pipe is resistant to corrosion under normal conditions, and won’t rust or degrade in the outdoor environment. UV light doesn’t affect it as it can in plastic pipe materials. However, it may corrode when water has an acidic pH. Our plumbers will be glad to assist you in the appropriate selection of pipe material for your plumbing in Arlington.
- Copper is fully recyclable.
- Copper offers some flexibility easing installation.
- Copper is more durable than some options in natural disasters, such as earthquake, without breakage.
- It is resistant to freezing below the frost line when installed outdoors. However, exposed outdoor pipe will require insulation.
- Copper pipe has a lifespan of 50 to 75 years under normal conditions. Although copper cost more than other alternatives, the long lifespan, it ability to be recycled, and its reliability more than compensate for the additional cost over time.
PEX Pipe
PEX pipe (cross-linked polyethylene) is a budget friendly option, and is often the preferred choice for plumbing in Arlington. PEX offers extreme flexibility, reducing the number of required fittings. In addition, its ease of providing long pipe runs without fittings can significantly reduce installation time, as well as the potential for leaks, in your home’s plumbing in Arlington. Other advantages include:
- Fittings attach with the use of a special crimping tool, eliminating the need for solder or glue.
- PEX is capable of 90-degree turns without elbows. Its flexibility facilitates installation in tight spaces that is prohibitive for copper or PVC.
- PEX’s saves energy by reducing heat transfer.
- The PEX system provides a shutoff valve for each supply line. When repair is required, the water can be shut off in the affected area, without shutting down the home’s complete water supply.
- PEX is resistant to the mineral buildup hard water may cause that clogs copper and PVC pipe.
- The flexibility PEX pipe provides allows for slight expansion and contraction. Due to its flexibility, PEX is less likely to burst than other pipe materials. However, wrap PEX with foam insulation to prevent freezing in locations susceptible to cold, such as un-insulated walls, and unheated attics or basements.
- PEX is approved for hot and cold-water use.
- PEX can be used with PVC or copper pipe with adapters.
- PEX is NSF International certified for water purity.
- PEX offers a budget friendly solution for re-piping of your home’s plumbing in Arlington.
Disadvantages of PEX
- PEX is not for use outdoors. It is vulnerable to freezing, and to UV ray deterioration. Only use PEX for indoor plumbing in Arlington.
- PEX is a non-recyclable material.
- Don’t use PEX where contamination may occur. PEX can absorb contaminants such as pesticides.
- PEX may require bracing and support to prevent pipe movement in long pipe runs.
- Don’t connect PEX directly connected to a water heater. However, PEX can be connected to an 18-inch piece of PVC or copper pipe connecting to the water heater.
CPVC and PVC Pipe
CPVC and PVC are plastic pipe providing a durable and cost effective option for repiping. CPVC pipe is rated for hot water use, while PVC pipe is compatible for cold water. Other advantages of CPVC and PVC pipe include:
- PVC and CPVC pipe are non-conductors of electricity and immune to electrochemical reactions caused by acids, bases, and salts that can corrode metals. Consequently, PVC pipe is an option in applications where soil is aggressive.
- The pipe provides wear, abrasion, and impact resistance.
- PVC and CPVC are non-reactive to drinking water.
- Flame resistant to 850 degrees, and is often called self-extinguishing.
Benjamin Franklin licensed plumbers offer expert plumbing services for residential or commercial plumbing in Arlington. These services include repiping, pipe repair, new installations, and a broad range of other services. Our professional plumbers will be glad to assist you in the selection of a pipe material right for your household, and your budget. We serve Arlington, Fort Worth, and the surrounding areas. Benjamin Franklin Plumbing is a member of the BBB with an A+ rating.