Plumbing pipes carry water, waste, and other utilities to your home or business. They have been in use since ancient times and have been made of many different types of materials.
One of the most popular piping materials used in homes today is polyvinyl chloride (PVC). This pipe is durable, budget-friendly, and easy to install. A plumber in Mount Barker will be able to install plumbing pipes easily.
Cast Iron
Cast iron was used for sewer and water piping for many years until the 1970s when Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) plastic began to replace it. This was because PVC is cheaper and easier to make, so it’s more durable for long-term use.
Cast-iron pipes can be problematic, as they’re prone to rust and corrosion. The rust can cause clogs in your drain, and can also damage the interior of the pipe.
If you see that your pipes are rusted and have a lot of toilet paper buildup, it’s time to get your system checked out. It’s a good idea to replace your pipes with a newer type of plumbing if you don’t want to deal with rust, corrosion, and the health hazards associated with it.
Other problems with older cast iron pipes include root intrusion and a high likelihood of shifting due to natural ground movement. This can lead to cracking and joint breakage. It can also reduce the strength of the pipes and shorten their lifespan.
Polybutylene
When it was first introduced in 1978, polybutylene was considered the pipe of the future. It was lightweight and easy to install, and it was a much cheaper alternative to copper.
However, it had a big problem that no one knew about. Over time, poly pipes began to fail.
The failure process is called micro fracturing and it happens inside the pipes. These small cracks and flaking will eventually work their way out of the pipe and into your home if left untreated.
If you have a leak that appears to be coming from the toonily toilet flush test or is causing a reduction in water pressure, it might be time to have your plumbing system replaced.
There have been many lawsuits and settlements over the failure of polybutylene piping and you may be eligible to receive compensation for your property damage if you have had it installed in the past. You should consult with your insurance company to find out if they will pay for the replacement or if you will be responsible for paying it yourself.
PVC
PVC is a familiar and versatile thermoplastic material used in many different types of plumbing applications. This material is commonly used to make pipes and fittings for residential and commercial plumbing systems.
It is produced by polymerizing a monomer with a chlorine atom. The monomer is then combined with other chemicals to form chains called polymers that are extruded and shaped into various products.
Thermoplastic polymers such as PVC can be formulated with a variety of additives to enhance their performance. These can include heat stabilizers, UV stabilizers, plasticizers, impact modifiers, fillers, flame retardants and pigments.
Despite its reputation as a safe, eco-friendly material for many uses, PVC has been linked to health risks and environmental issues such as the release of harmful chemicals during production. These include dioxin and phthalates, which have been associated with cancer and fetal developmental setbacks.
However, with advances in technology and research, PVC can now be manufactured from bio-based materials such as soy or wheat. This can lead to a reduction in the use of non-renewable fossil fuels and also reduce the release of harmful chemicals into the environment.
PEX
PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) piping is a flexible plastic that’s becoming increasingly popular for both new construction and DIY plumbing projects. While it’s not as long lasting as copper piping, it has a number of advantages over traditional copper and galvanized steel piping.
The biggest advantage of PEX piping is that it’s extremely flexible. This allows a single length of pipe to connect to a water supply manifold and then wind through the walls and floors all the way to each individual fixture, eliminating the need for separate connections.
Another important advantage of PEX piping is that it’s less sensitive to oxidation than other types of piping. This means that it’s less prone to cracking, especially in cold weather.
All homes have a plumbing system to remove wastewater and recycle in new clean water. Keeping a good clean plumbing system is important.
