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Galvanized Steel, Copper, PEX, and CPVC: Pipe Materials and Repiping

In the long history of plumbing, many different types of pipe material have been used to channel water and sewage. (The very earliest “piping” was actually grooved wood.) Depending on the age of your home, you might have metal pipes from steel or copper, or perhaps specialized plastic—and chances are high you may not know exactly which type you have, and whether it needs replacement.

To help you understand the plumbing in your home and if it’s time for repiping, we’ll go over four common types of pipe material. If you want more help with your plumbing in Apopka, FL, call Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc. We offer pipe replacement and whole-house repiping services and will find the right material for your home.

Galvanized steel

This is the old standby of the plumbing world… and it’s also outdated. Galvanized steel was used in home plumbing for many decades because of its strength. However, steel suffers from the problems of inflexibility, making it susceptible to breaking when up against too much force, and eventual corrosion, which leads to leaks and contamination of the water supply. If your house is old enough to have galvanized steel pipes, you should give serious consideration to a whole-house repiping. It’s possible that your plumbing no longer lives up to local codes with steel pipes.

Copper

Copper took over from steel and became immensely popular in homes. Copper isn’t as strong a material as steel, but it has many advantages that make up for it. It’s lightweight and flexible, and it resists corrosion, making it longer-lived in general than steel.

PEX

Plastic piping is now very popular, and one of the most common types is cross-linked polyethylene, or PEX. It has become the principle alternative to polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and is a top choice to replace copper pipes that carry drinking water. PEX costs less than copper, does not corrode or develop pinhole leaks, and has an expected lifetime of 50 years.

CPVC

Chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC) is frequently used as piping for hot and cold water. The advantages it has over standard PVC piping is an increased resistance to heat.

Consult with a professional plumber about your options and their specific benefits. At Modern Plumbing Industries, Inc., we offer full service replacement and repiping for your plumbing in Apopka, FL. We’ll help you choose the most cost-effective plumbing for your home.

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