5 Basic things to be aware of that will help in Choosing Pipes for Your Home.

Discover hidden facts vetted by experts to avoid using the wrong pipes in your house and making the pepper.

Life on Earth depends on the availability of water. Our domestic lives are not exempt as water is required for most of our domestic activities, whether it’s for cooking, doing the laundry, washing the dishes, drinking, cleaning, or taking a bath.

The water in our homes is transmitted through pipes in the plumbing system, and if you’re building a new house or renovating an old one, you’d have a say in the building materials to be used including the plumbing materials. 

Pipes are central to this and this means there are certain things you should know before choosing pipes for your home to enable you to make the best decision and provide the most satisfaction. 

Potential Effects of Choosing the Wrong Pipes

Pipes are the major channels for water flow within the home, and a wrong choice can subject your home to certain safety risks and damages which could prove costly to fix. 

Two such problems that may arise are: 

1. Water leaks

 Pipes, faucets, roofs, or appliances (such as washing machines and dishwashers) can all cause leaks. If not quickly fixed, even minor leaks over time might cause substantial harm.

2. Plumbing problems

Damage to the plumbing system, such as burst pipes or loose connections, can result in flooding of the home’s interior spaces. This may result from extensive damage to the walls, floors, and possessions. 

Effects of Choosing the Wrong Pipes for Your Home

Depending on the extent and length of the exposure, water damage resulting from the use of the wrong pipes can have a variety of repercussions. Here are a few possible outcomes :

1. Structural damage: Prolonged water exposure can compromise a building’s structural stability. It can jeopardize the stability of the entire structure by causing damage to the walls, ceilings, floors, and foundations.

2. Growth of mold and mildew: Moisture creates the perfect habitat for mold and mildew to flourish. These germs can spread quickly, harming the building’s structure as well as its occupants’ respiratory conditions and allergies.

3. Electrical risks: Water can corrode electrical components, posing a risk of electric shock or fire. Water can cause short circuits or electrocution risks if it comes into touch with electrical outlets, equipment, or wiring.

4. Property damage: Water can damage furniture, carpets, gadgets, paperwork, and personal items. When water damage occurs, salvaging some objects may be difficult or impossible.

5. Health risks : Stagnant water can foster the growth of germs and other dangerous microbes when coupled with organic items. Residents may be at risk for infections, respiratory problems, and allergic responses as a result of this.

 To lessen the long-term effects on the house in the event of significant water damage, it might be necessary to enlist the aid of specialists in water extraction, drying, and restoration procedures.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Pipes for Your Home

Faulty plumbing is one of the biggest causes of water damage, which emphasizes the significance of utilizing the appropriate pipes for house setups.

The entire state of a home’s plumbing system can be impacted by the differing levels of resilience and lifespan offered by various types of pipes. There are a variety of plumbing pipe options available for installation in homes.

Copper, PEX (cross-linked polyethylene), PVC (polyvinyl chloride), and galvanized steel are among the most used materials. Each style has a unique set of benefits and drawbacks, and the choice is influenced by things like:

• ‌Price
• Regional building codes and 
• ‌Personal preference. 

Common Types of Pipes You Can Choose for Your Home 

1. Galvanized steel pipes

Raw steel is used to make galvanized steel pipes, which are then coated in a corrosion-resistant coating. Steel is dipped into molten zinc as part of the coating procedure known as galvanizing. Due to its availability, affordability, and minimal toxicity to people, pure zinc is the ideal substance for galvanizing. Steel pipes that have been zinc-coated are known as galvanized pipes.

We started using this technique after learning that standard lead plumbing causes lead poisoning. City planners discovered galvanizing to be the simplest remedy to fix municipal lead piping that had been in place for more than 70 years.

Galvanized steel pipes were originally widely utilized, but their proneness to corrosion has caused them to lose popularity. The protective zinc coating on the pipes may eventually become worn off, causing rust and hazardous leaks. Galvanized steel pipes are not advised for use in places with hard water since they are more likely to clog.

2. PVC pipes

Polyvinyl chloride, sometimes known as PVC, is a thermoplastic substance that is used to make plastic pipes. PVC pipe is widely utilized in a variety of applications and industries and is available in several forms.

PVC piping is frequently used in plumbing supply applications for waste management, drainage, water supply, irrigation, chemical handling, vent tubing, and ductwork. Because PVC pipes are non-toxic, they are quickly replacing lead and other metal plumbing, including threaded steel, copper, and aluminum pipes. PVC pipes have several advantages over conventional metal pipework that have been used in the past.

Even though they can have a long lifespan, as they can last for between 25-150 years, depending on the type, size, installations, and operating conditions, PVC pipes are not without certain significant disadvantages. They include:

1. They contain traces of harmful compounds that are not environment-friendly.
2. They are also not suitable for carrying high-temperature water or hot water.
3. Finally, they are brittle and can break or crack under cold weather.

3. Copper Pipes

In the building sector, copper pipes are frequently used for drain and vent lines as well as domestic water supply lines. They have good corrosion resistance and trustworthy connections and can be produced as soft or hard copper.

They are lightweight, durable, non-toxic, corrosion-resistant, biostatic, and impermeable, meaning they restrict the growth of harmful bacteria. Since they have been in use for so long, plumbing installations can be trusted to employ them. Copper pipes are appropriate for both hot and cold water applications because of their excellent temperature tolerance and UV resistance.

Copper pipe still has a role, even though flexible PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) is now the more popular option for new installations and modifications. It is regarded as a more durable building material with a lifespan of up to 70 years. Copper can shatter, however, if the water inside the pipes is exposed to freezing conditions, and it is around 60% more expensive than PEX.

Type K, Type L, and Type M copper pipes are the most often utilized varieties in residential and commercial construction.

4. PEX pipes

In both new building and remodeling projects, PEX (cross-linked polyethylene), a form of flexible plastic, is currently taking the place of conventional copper and galvanized steel water supply lines. Because PEX pipe comes in a range of lengths and is color-coded, it is simple to determine a pipe’s intended function. White or gray PEX pipes can be used for either hot or cold water, while red, blue, and white PEX pipe all carry different types of water.

Over copper and PVC pipes, PEX has several significant advantages. It can withstand high temperatures and cracks well and is flexible. The vibrant tubing is essential for home plumbing repairs since it enables you to swap out old copper or galvanized steel pipes for flexible, lightweight alternatives.

Due to their adaptability, simplicity of installation, and low cost, PEX pipes have grown in popularity recently. Compared to copper pipes, they are more resistant to freezing and less prone to rupture in extremely cold conditions. PEX pipes can expand to handle the pressure of ice-cold water and are also resistant to corrosion. However, given that continuous exposure to sunlight might deteriorate the material, they might not be appropriate for outdoor applications.

Summary 

So, if you’re going for new pipes and you want the best option on the market, we’d advise you to go for PEX pipes, as they’re the best all-round option. If you should decide you want a more trusted option that’s been in the market for longer and you can afford it, then go for copper pipes.

Conclusion

In the aftermath of water damage, the restoration process involves thorough drying, dehumidification, cleaning, and repair. This should be handled by trained professionals who can assess the extent of the damage, prioritize necessary maintenance, and ensure a safe and thorough restoration of the affected areas.

Contact us for your home restoration if you have issues with your plumbing system. 

Remember, water damage can disrupt your daily life, compromise your property’s integrity, and pose health risks if not addressed promptly.

By being proactive, vigilant, and relying on professional expertise, you can minimize the impact of water damage and protect your property, ensuring a safe and secure living or working environment for years to come.