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There are five main types of plumbing pipes. Each type has its own uses for specific situations, but copper pipe is generally considered the gold standard. If your plumbing needs to be redone, you should consider the benefits of copper repiping with sewer & rooter services in Highland Park.

The Five Types of Pipes

There exist five primary categories of plumbing pipes. Some have fallen out of favor, but practically all of them remain found in American homes today. These types of pipes you most likely will encounter in your own home.

We have listed their strengths, weaknesses, and frequent uses to help you better understand the plumbing you currently have in your home.

PVC Pipes:

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is a type of plastic commonly used in piping. If you look under your bathroom sink, you will likely see PVC pipe.

PVC is great for withstanding high water pressure, reducing corrosion, and protecting against sediment build-up. However, PVC does not do well with hot water. And there exists growing concern over whether PVC may leak toxic chemicals into drinking water.

In response to these concerns, some states have outlawed the use of PVC in any form of plumbing that transports drinking water.

PEX Pipes

Cross-linked polyethylene pipes are an affordable form of plastic tubing. As with PVC they’re great for preventing rust and corrosion. PEX pipes may not be as strong as other materials, but they are highly flexible and are easily color-coded for hot and cold water.

ABS Pipes

Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) is very similar to PVC but black in color. These pipes are usually used in vents and drains.

ABS is particularly good at handling cold temperatures. However, it is also prone to warp when exposed to direct sunlight. ABS isn’t always popular with homeowners, as it can be much louder than other types of pipes.

Copper Pipes

Copper pipes are the best long-term option for homeowners who want to prevent corrosion and protect the quality of their water.

These high-quality pipes easily handle high water pressure, and they’re great for hot and cold water. They’re also recyclable, making them a more environmentally friendly option for households trying to reduce their use of plastics.

Copper piping can easily last more than 50 years with regular inspections. This piping type is highly durable and makes an excellent plumbing choice today.

Cast Iron and Galvanized Steel Pipes

You are unlikely to see cast iron or galvanized steel pipes unless you live in an older home. These pipes were gradually phased out of use in the early part of the 20th century because they are prone to rust and corrosion.

Benefits of Copper Repiping

There are many reasons you should consider hiring copper repiping services in Highland Park.

Common reasons include:

  • Concerns over chemical leakage from plastic pipes
  • The desire to perform a total remodel on an older home
  • A severely damaged plumbing system
  • The desire to invest in the long-term quality of your home

Copper repiping addresses all of these concerns and allows you to start off fresh with pipes that will last a generation.

The Logistics of Copper Repiping

Repiping your home is not a small project. For the best results New Generation Plumbing will need to revitalize your whole system.

The duration of the project and total costs will depend largely on the size of your home and the extent of the repiping. To learn more about what copper repiping entails for your home contact New Generation Plumbing today.