Plumbing: Types of Pipes
Plumbing is part of many remodeling projects, whether the plan is to
install a small clean-up sink in a garage or the project is a bathroom
addition or a complete kitchen or bathroom remodel. Whether you are doing
the remodel yourself or you are hiring a
New York contractor, you will need to make
some decisions about pipes. If you have a contractor, s/he will be able
to guide you in choosing the most appropriate pipe for your project.
There are many types of pipe, and some are more appropriate for specific
jobs than others. To help you with the decisions, here is an overview of
the main types of pipe used in residential remodeling.
Plastic Pipe
PVC (polyvinyl
chloride) can be used only for cold water. PVC is most often used to carry
water from the main supply to a home. If you decide to use PVC, be sure
that the pipe you choose is approved for drinking water.
ABS (acrylonitrite-butadiene-styrene)
is use for waste removal, drain and venting, primarily in bathrooms. It
is a rigid plastic pipe that can be connected to several kinds of metal
pipe. If you are considering this kind of pipe, you will need to check
with your contractor or your local building codes office because ABS is
not permitted in some localities.
PEX can be
used to carry both hot and cold water. It is often used for interior water
pipes in residential plumbing.
CPVC
(chlorine-polyvinyl-chloride) is generally used to carry hot water, and is
often used as a substitute for copper pipe.
Metal Pipe
Cast Iron is
used in some parts of the country for drainage. It is very strong and very
durable. The challenge in using cast iron is that it is hard to cut and it
is very heavy. If your project involves replacing cast iron pipe, a good
choice is PVC because it can be joined with cast iron.
Copper is a
good choice for both hot and cold water supply lines, and is very
corrosion-resistant. It is light and durable, but costs more. If you are
replacing copper pipe, a good choice is CPVC.
Galvanized steel
is not used much today because it will corrode over time and because it is
hard to work with. It was used in the past for water supply lines.
If
you are doing the plumbing work yourself, you might want to use plastic
pipe because it is easier to work with. The key to using plastic pipe,
which is also less expensive, is to wrap plastic pipes tightly to prevent
the escape of noise because plastic pipe can be very noisy.
With
this information, you should be able to make some informed choices about
the type of pipe best suited for your specific project needs.
If you are looking for a plumber or heating contractor for your New York home please feel free to call us today at 845-569-1299 or complete our online service request form.
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