If you’re having problems with plumbing in your home, the issue might be nothing to do with your behavior or maintenance. Often the underlying plumbing issues are based on the plumbing equipment that was installed long before you and your family moved in. When installing plumbing Portland Oregon allows many different materials for pipes, but many of them have serious drawbacks.
Plumbing regulations have changed over the years, and many dangerous or unsuitable plumbing materials have since fallen out of service. But old homes often still have these pipes installed, and for homeowners dealing with persistent plumbing issues, it may be better to replace your system with more modern materials. One major plumbing job can be easier than repeated small jobs.
If you’re tired of repeated clogs, leaks, and breakdowns, it’s time to look deeper into the roots of your plumbing issues. An experienced plumbing contractor can examine your pipes and determine if you need replacements, and We Do It Plumbing is a specialized plumbing Portland Oregon firm that can help solve all your drain issues. Read on to discover the good, the bad, and the ugly of plumbing materials.
Plumbing Portland Oregon: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
The Good
These materials are the gold standard of plumbing. Some have been in use for decades while some are new technology that is extending the lifespan of plumbing systems.
Copper pipes have been used for over fifty years for good reason, since they’re durable and not prone to leaks. They fit tightly and can last several generations thanks to their resistance to heat and cold. They’re non-polluting, but their drawback is that the valuable copper comes at a premium and can attract thieves.
Cross-Linked Polyethylene (PEX) pipes are common in new home construction and replacement systems. This artificial polymer compound is a versatile, durable choice because it snakes through walls and is resistant to heat and cold. While some environmentalists worry about its long-term impact, it’s passed all regulatory tests.
Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride (CPCV) pipes are praised for their temperature resistance, ideal for both hot and cold. They’re more flexible than common PVC pipes, and the extra chlorine helps to sterilize drinking water. The negatives include vulnerability to cracks when frozen, so more insulation is needed, and they’re not recyclable.
The Bad
These pipes are functional, but they have significant drawbacks that cause persistent plumbing issues.
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) pipes are among the most common and inexpensive pipes, and are liked for their long-lasting and rust-proof surface. They’re used for a sink, toilet, and bathtub drains and can handle high water pressure, but they can only be used for cold or lukewarm water.
Grey Plastic Polybutylene (PB) pipes are a common synthetic replacement for copper pipes, and they’re recommended as one of the easiest pipes to install. Their main negative is that they have the shortest lifespan of major pipe materials and are prone to leaks.
The Ugly
These pipes may look good, but they all have major drawbacks and potential health or safety risks.
Galvanized steel pipes were a common material decades ago, but construction experts no longer use them because of the level of dangerous lead. They’re often zinc-coated, which leads to internal rusting and early leaks. Most homes with these pipes are old and should be retrofitted.
Black iron pipes are never used for plumbing due to water contamination. They’re used for carrying gas, and mistaking a black iron pipe for a plumbing pipe can release dangerous fumes into a home. Familiarize yourself with the appearance of black iron and avoid it.
Safe Piping Means Safe Plumbing
Knowing your home piping is the first step to knowing how to repair plumbing issues. If you need your pipes repaired or replaced with a better appearance, contact We Do It Plumbing to set up a consultation today.