There is a large variation of piping material used in the construction of plumbing systems. The main materials used in these systems are galvanized metal, copper and PVC. Pure Plumbing, located in Las Vegas, offers all of these different materials. It’s important to note that each material has its own advantages and disadvantages. However, some piping materials, such as galvanized metal, are less ideal for a number of reasons. The hard water in Las Vegas makes having galvanized piping an even less ideal material to have in your home.
Why Galvanized Piping is Not a Good Choice
Unfortunately, galvanized piping has huge disadvantages. In fact, it’s rarely used in residential areas for this very reason. Galvanized piping has the tendency to accumulate rust inside plumbing pipes, causing low water-pressure and possible blockage. Aside from that, this rust accumulation poses a health hazard. Galvanized piping is also known contain lead, a cancerous chemical. Luckily, there are much better options for piping material. One of the best materials is copper and PVC. As with anything, copper and PVC have their pros and cons.
Copper Piping
The most commonly used material for piping in homes is copper. For one, copper is lead free, making it far safer compared to galvanized piping. Copper also inhibits the growth of bacteria. The material requires far less maintenance and is quite corrosion-resistant. Homes that have copper piping are worth more in value. The disadvantage with copper is that it can give water a metallic taste.
Copper Piping
In some ways, PVC has many more advantages over copper. It’s very
light weight and easy to work with. PVC is also the most inexpensive material
used in piping. Surprisingly, it can handle water pressure better than
copper. It can’t conduct electricity and does not rust. This type
of piping happens to be the most quiet when water is ran through it at
high pressures. The biggest disadvantage of PVC piping is that it isn’t
fire-resistant. Although it’s uncommon, some people claim that PVC
gives water a plastic taste.
Overall, both copper and PVC piping are light-years ahead of galvanized
piping. Both materials are safe health-wise. If one still has galvanized
piping inside their house or building, then they should seriously weigh
out the risks and consider switching to copper or PVC piping. The switch
will seriously pay itself off in the future.
Call (702) 710-7388to schedule one of our expert Las Vegas plumbers to inspect your property for any leaks in your pipes and give you the best advice on what kind of piping to use for your needs and your budget.
