Safety in most home includes locking doors and installing an alarm system, but in my home, we go beyond this. We make sure our home is clean of toxins and other things that will hurt us. We have air purifiers, we consistently replace the air filters, and we have a water purifier so we can have the cleanest water possible.
While many homes have all of these things, we’ve taken it a step further by investing in pipes that won’t release a large number of toxins into our water. Have you thought about just how good your pipes are?
Below, we’ll discuss some of the most popular piping materials, and how they can be beneficial for your home.
The Versatile PEX Pipe
PEX Piping is becoming the most common piping material in the U.S. This is a cross-linked polyethylene pipe that’s made using an extrusion method, and is ideal for most homeowners due to the benefits.
These pipes are affordable, yet extremely durable. It’s also extremely easy for plumbers to work with these pipes because they’re very flexible. PEX pipes are also great for retrofits, and are highly heat-resistant, meaning they can be used for cold or hot water supply. Like most plastic piping, however, there are some concerns as to the toxins that it potentially releases.
The Durable Stainless Steel Pipes
It used to be that stainless steel pipes were common in homes, but then the concern over harmful minerals meant they were soon replaced by PVC piping.
While it’s less likely to find these in homes, they’re still widely used in many industries. Stainless steel pipes are highly durable and versatile, and they can resist corrosion far better than some other materials.
Because of this feature, it’s common to find them being used in industries like food, construction, and mechanical where certain toxic and harsh materials get washed away on a daily basis.
Classic Brass Pipes
Like stainless steel, brass pipes are also a common option in locations where a plastic pipes simply can’t stand up to the materials that are being flushed away.
They’re also more common with home piping than steel pipes. These pipes are extremely durable, known for being leak-resistant, and are the best option if you’re looking for a pipe that won’t pollute your water.
Another great feature is that they are able to bend, which means they can be worked with better than other metal pipes, and they can resist extreme temperatures so they’re great for homes that experience frigid winters.
Built to Last Cast Iron Pipes
It’s difficult to find many homes that still use these pipes, but if a home was built prior to 1920 then chances are it uses cast iron pipes.
Similar to many metal pipes, cast iron is strong and durable, and when maintained properly can be successfully used for several years.
These pipes are also easily fitted with PVC parts, making it easy to repair them if any damage occurs.
Modern Pipes – CPVC
Likely the most common piping used in modern homes, this material has seen heavy use since 1959. Its application extended to sprinkler systems since 1985, and it’s very easy to find replacement parts and experts with plenty of experience working on these.
While these are a form of PVC, they’re safer than the regular kind because they won’t release as many toxins into your water. Unlike metal piping, however, these aren’t that capable when dealing with very cold temperatures and might split when frozen.
Choose Healthier Pipes!
Choosing the right pipes can help you maintain the water quality in your home. Plastic pipes might be cheaper originally, but after some time they can begin to release toxins more heavily.
The quality of your water isn’t just a concern when drinking it, bad water can have harmful effects on the skin when bathing or washing. Help your friends learn more about the right pipe for their home! Share this article with them so they can make the right choice when it’s time for a re-piping.