Types of Water Pipes in Residential Homes | Plumbers in Katy

Plumbers in Katy need extensive experience and training for the installation and repair of plumbing systems in residential homes. They must know all the latest techniques and have to be well-informed about the working, advantages, and disadvantages of old as well as modern plumbing equipment.

One of the main responsibilities of plumbers in Katy is to make sure that you get a constant, clear, and healthy supply of water in your home. Moreover, they have to ensure that all drains work perfectly fine, eliminating the possibility of clogs. For these purposes, it is necessary that they select and install the best water pipes in your home.

Since these pipes come in different shapes and sizes and various materials are used to build it, it ultimately it boils down to the experience and knowledge of the plumbers in Katy to assess which pipe system will work best in your home. As a homeowner, you must have a basic knowledge of the different types of pipes that are available today so you are able to install the right ones in your home.

Cast Iron and Galvanized Steel Pipes

If you have a home that was built in the 20^thcentury, it is likely that you may have cast iron or galvanized steel pipes.

Back then, galvanized steel pipes were used extensively in gas supply, drainage, water supply, and other home use purposes. Although they are still used today for gas supply to a limited extent, most plumbers in Katy do not use it anymore. Galvanized steel pipes had high tensile strength, .i.e. they could withstand high pressure from water or external elements. On the flip side, they were prone to corrosion, causing water blockage. Moreover, it was discovered that they were sometimes the reason behind the presence of lead in the water supply.

Cast iron pipes were used for drainage and sewer systems. As long as these pipes avoided rust, they worked well, after which they were quick to degrade. Furthermore, these pipes were hard to use for plumbers in Katy because they found it hard to cut and lift.

Types of Pipes

The above-mentioned issues with galvanized steel and iron pipes made it clear that their negatives outweighed their positives. As a result, plumbers started to install other types of pipes in residential homes. Some of these are the following.

PEX Pipes

Cross-linked polyethylene or PEX pipes belong to the family of modern-day pipes. Within a short amount of time, they have become quite popular among plumbers in Katy. The primary purpose of PEX pipes is to maintain a steady supply of water indoors. This material is highly sturdy and durable, which is why it can withstand the high pressure of water. However, what truly makes it valuable is the fact that, along with its rigidity, it offers a surprisingly great amount of flexibility that helps it weave within a large array of home areas: crawl spaces, basements, ceilings, and walls.

Advantages

• Cold and hot water pipes are distinguished via blue and red color codes respectively.
• Additional flexibility allows adjusting them as far as 90 degrees.
• Plumbers in Katy find them easy to cut.
• They are fairly inexpensive.
• Plumbing fittings such as push-fit ones can be used to attach them.

Disadvantages

• Since PEX pipes are still relatively new, they have not been extensively tested, which has raised question marks over their long-term performance.
• It is not possible to recycle these pipes.
• While the use of push-fit fittings is advantageous, it can also cause leaks.

PVC Pipes

PVC stands for polyvinyl chloride. Plumbers in Katy use them in vent and drain lines for homes. Earlier, PVC peaked in popularity, primarily because it was easy to install and was also quite light as compared to the older, galvanized steel pipes. This means plumbers only need a miter box and hacksaw for cutting it, after which they can use solvents to easily glue it.

Advantages

• PVC pipes offer a high degree of flexibility.
• They are used for irrigation, thanks to their low cost.
• The pipes are marked with diameters so plumbers can easy maneuver them.

Disadvantages

• PVC pipes are more prone to pipe breaks because of their fragile nature.
• Glued pipes can leak far more often than other types of pipes.
• It is not possible to un-join the pipe without cutting.

ABS Pipe

ABS stands for acrylonitrile butadiene styrene. Plumbers in Katy use it for drain and vent lines, just like the PVC pipes. Moreover, they look a lot like PVC pipes, although ABS pipes are softer and contain a blackish tone.

Advantages

• Many prefer it over PVC pipes due to its increased tensile strength.
• One of those rare pipes that run well in snowy and icy weather.
• They are particularly used for the exterior pipes in the underground.

Rigid Copper Pipe

These pipes are mainly used in residential homes to support the internal water supply. Plumbers can use a special copper cutter or hacksaw to easily cut it. However, it is complex to install: only a licensed professional can handle its installation and solder the pipe properly.

Advantages

• It can withstand a fairly large amount of heat.
• It is recyclable; keep in mind that waste from copper pipes can fetch a good price.

Disadvantages

• It is not the most affordable water pipe.
• It is prone to pinhole leaks.
• It is prone to corrosion, and it limits the flow of water.

Now that you are equipped with a basic understanding of the common types of water pipes, you can get rid of older pipes, like galvanized steel pipes or cast iron, and replace them with newer pipes. As such, you need the best in business, someone like Benjamin Franklin Plumbing® & Drain Services of Rosenberg, home to one of the finest plumbers in Katy.