New home owners can certainly ensure that their plumbing system is in tip top shape by checking a number of items, from pipes, taps to fittings. You will be faced with the need to select the right plumbing type, whether you are doing residential or commercial plumbing. The type of pipe to select will, for instance, depend on the application: PEX, Copper and PVC. Location will also determine which type of pipe to choose from.
Apart from PEX, copper and PVC, there is black, galvanized and brass plumbing pipes that you can choose from.
Below are the options you have when doing residential or commercial plumbing.
1. Stainless steel pipes: Although they can look very neat and available in different sizes, these are very expensive. However, if you are doing a commercial plumbing project in an area where pipes are subject to corrosion and near coastal areas, stainless steel could be the way to go. You can get flexible and rigid stainless steel pipes but you will need special couplings when attaching to other types of pipes.
It is a considerate pipe when doing commercial boiler repairs.
2. PEX piping: This is a flexible plastic piping that is very popular for residential and small business applications. It is at a higher initial cost but associated with minimal maintenance and fast installation process. This means it is the best for distributing water in a building.
It is much better than copper piping and provides a leak-free product. However, UV rays can damage the outdoor plastic layer and this makes it less applicable in outdoor applications.
3. Copper piping: Copper pipes offer extensive duration and reliability and probably the most common traditional piping solution for commercial plumbing and commercial boiler repairs. Due to their superior corrosion-resistance properties, they can be used for hot in addition to cold water. However, it needs to be soldered together and you might require additional fittings.
4. PVC piping: These are used for cold and hot potable water in sewage applications. They vary in thickness depending on the type of application -- pressure pipes can be thicker than sewer pipes for instance.
5. Galvanized plumbing pipes: Used as a standard for residential projects many years ago, these small diameter pipes can rust inside so water coming out from old pipes in faucets could have rust traces.
6. Brass pipes: Brass pipes are rust-resistance. It is made of 67% to 85% copper. The interior does not rust after a long period of service.
7. Cast Iron Piping: Normally manufactured as bell-and-spigot type. With threaded joints, it is more expensive than the bell-and-spigot type.