Long ago… and in some places not so long ago… the standard pipes used for the plumbing systems in homes were made from metals like cast iron, lead, and galvanized steel. In some places, even clay pipes were used for water and sewer lines.
But in the period after World War II, and speeding up after 1970, these piping materials were replaced with newer ones. Specifically, copper and different types of plastic such as CPVC (chlorinated polyvinyl chloride) and PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) pipes. These are the types of pipes that we use almost exclusively today for working on your residential piping in Clovis, NM.
You don’t need to be more curious about copper and plastic pipes beyond knowing our licensed plumbers understand they’re the best for the jobs of repiping and plumbing repairs. But there’s nothing wrong with wanting to know a bit more, so we’re going to go into detail about why these materials have become dominant in the plumbing industry.
The Advantages of Copper and Plastic Pipes
- Corrosion resistance: Corrosion, which weakens material until it creates leaks, is one of the primary enemies of a plumbing system. Iron and steel were prone to corrosion over time, giving them definite limited lifespans. Copper is corrosion-resistant (which means it can corrode, but most forms of corrosion won’t affect it), and CPVC and PEX are almost corrosion impervious. They will outlast other types of piping material.
- Easy to work with: Using both plastic and copper pipes saves labor and makes any plumbing job move faster. Copper is a lightweight metal, and its more ductile than steel or iron so it can fits in more places without needing joints or elbows. Plastic piping can often be twisted and turned so it can fit almost anywhere, which makes it excellent for repiping homes.
- Great for hot water: Hot water causes trouble for some types of pipes, but copper and plastic pipes can handle high heat without losing their strength. Plastic pipes, in particular, are popular for hot water lines in homes.
- Non-toxic: One of the reasons for declines in water quality in a number of big cities is outmoded pipe materials that release toxic chemicals into the freshwater supply. Copper and plastic pipes are relatively non-toxic and help keep household water safe to drink. If you still have lead pipes in your house, get on having our plumbers replace them right away!
- Good value: Compared to the cost of other materials, copper, PEX, and CPVC are a good value. Plumbers save their customers money when they use these less expensive and readily available materials.
- Recyclable: Both copper and plastic pipes are made from recyclable material, so they are beneficial for the environment.
What type of pipe gets used in a project is something your plumbers will decide. Usually, copper and plastic are used in combination, with some plumbers leaning toward PEX and others toward CPVC when it comes to plastics. Our plumbers have the training and experience to know the right pipe for the right job. We’ll see you have the best piping services possible.
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