Pipe Material | Plumbers Arlington, TX

When your home requires repiping, or if you’re planning to build a new home, you are likely to compare pipe materials, weighing the advantages and disadvantages of each. Unfortunately, there is no single material that is the preferred choice for all situations. The preferred pipe material for your home will depend upon the environmental factors involved in the home’s location. Factors such as the weather and the chemical composition of the water and soil will determine which pipe materials will perform the best in the long term. Your plumbers in Arlington, TX will be your best source for the recommendation of the best pipe material in the home’s location.

The use of reputable, experienced and licensed plumbers in Arlington, TX will ensure a professional grade plumbing installation. In addition, you will receive the benefit of the plumbers experience in selecting a pipe material that will hold up to your homes unique considerations.

In the following we compare the benefits and disadvantages of copper, CPVC and PEX pipe. If you plan upon DIY plumbing, it will be of benefit to consult with plumbers in Arlington, TX. The plumber will be aware of the local environmental influences that can affect your selection of pipe material. The consultation will also provide you with plumbers in Arlington, TX who are already aware of your goals, in the event you decide plumbing a whole house is more than you are prepared for.

Copper Pipe

Copper pipe has been installed in buildings and homes within the U.S. for decades. Copper provides the following benefits:

1. Clean Water Modern copper pipe is lead free, and contains a biostatic property, which inhibits the growth of bacteria. It is resistant to corrosion and ultraviolet light, making it a suitable pipe material for outdoor use.
2. Durable
   Copper pipe provides some flexibility, enabling long runs of copper pipe, which reduces the number of joints necessary. Joints are soldered to provide a strong, tight connecting bond between joints that resists corrosion.
3. Easily Installed
   Coppers natural flexibility enables it to be installed without as many required joints, connectors and fasteners. While not as flexible as PEX, it provides adaptation to a number of bends and will fit into narrow spaces. Furthermore, copper is more durable during natural disasters, such as during earthquakes, when other pipes such as PVC could break.
4. Copper does not release toxic gases in the event of a fire.
5. Copper does not rust, and it will resist freezing if installed below the frost level.
6. Copper is recyclable, making it an environmentally sound selection.
7. Offers a medium service life of 50 – 75 years under normal conditions.

Disadvantages of Copper

1. Copper is not recommended for use with water with a low pH. Acidic water, such as hard water, for example, will corrode copper.
2. Will freeze if not adequately protected.
3. The cost of copper has risen.
4. May impart a slightly metallic taste that water filtration will remove.
5. Copper pipe isn’t a DIY project for the average homeowner. The process of soldering joints requires the expertise of experienced plumbers in Arlington, TX to ensure quality joints that will endure the test of time.

CPVC Benefits

CPVC is for the purpose of carrying hot water and it is stronger than PVC. PVC is only for cold water distribution. Its benefits are as follows:

1. Easy and fast to install, uses PVC glue rather than solder.
2. Extremely light weight.
3. Easy to cut, though it requires proper cutting and care.
4. Resistant to corrosion. Suitable for most regions where corrosion of metal pipe is common.
5. Tested and established as safe for home water systems.
6. Used for over 35 years in the U. S.
7. Suitable for indoor use.
8. Resistant to household chemicals.
9. Extended service life of 75-100 years under normal conditions.

CPVC Disadvantages

1. Requires a number of fittings.
2. Not suitable for outdoor use due to degradation by ultraviolet light.
3. Requires bracing.

PEX Pipe

PEX is a fairly new pipe in the U. S., being in use for the last 20 years. However, it has been used in Europe for decades.

Benefits of PEX

1. PEX is exceptionally easy to install. The extreme flexibility of PEX allows the pipe to be routed around obstacles with fewer fittings required. Fittings are of compression type and provide a fast and easy installation. The high flexibility makes it tolerate of freeze and thaw. PEX will freeze, but bursting is less likely than other pipe materials due to its flexibility.
2. Can’t corrode or rust.
3. A service life of 75-100 years under normal conditions.
4. Can be used with metal and PVC pipe.

Due to the excessive cost of the tools for compression fittings, PEX isn’t a typical DIY task, requiring the use of plumbers in Arlington, TX.

Disadvantages of PEX

1. Installation generally requires bracing and support to prevent the pipe from moving within the walls when taps are turned on and off.
2. Extremely susceptible to ultraviolet light, PEX can’t be used outdoors.
3. It can’t be recycled.

Most plumbing systems are expected to last for decades under normal conditions. The proper jointing of any plumbing is essential to the pipes reliability and longevity. Using licensed and qualified plumbers in Arlington, TX will ensure the proper installation of PEX, and will provide a longer lasting product.

Remember, there are environmental conditions that can affect water quality and pipe longevity. When planning to install new pipes in your home, our experienced plumbers in Arlington, TX will provide the best assurance of receiving both the appropriate pipe material and a professional grade installation. When you need reliable plumbing, contact the plumbers in Arlington, TX, known nationwide for their plumbing expertise. Benjamin Franklin Plumbing serves Fort Worth, Arlington and the surrounding areas.