Pros and Cons of Each Piping Material

By Binford Supply House

4/1/2020

 

There are various materials that household plumbing pipes are constructed of. Depending on what your DIY project is, some work more efficiently and effectively than others. Here, you will find a handy outline of each of the seven most popular piping materials, detailing their strengths and weaknesses.

 

Copper

 

Copper pipes are traditionally a very co

mmon plumbing pipe thanks to their impressive durability and reliability. These strong pipes can be used with both hot and cold water, are corrosion resistant, and can withstand high water pressure. The copper used in the piping is also non-permeable, meaning it doesn’t absorb other substances that it comes in contact with. However, copper pipes also require the use of solder instead of basic fittings and caps, which isn’t ideal for everyone. Copper also encounters problems from water acidity. This means that they are not the right choice when drawing water straight from a well. Finally, the price of copper tubing is constantly fluctuating with the demand of copper itself, but it does usually remain fairly inexpensive.

 

Stainless Steel

 

More commonly used in exterior fixtures, stainless steel piping is easy on the eyes with its sparkle and shine. However, the material is also durable and reliable. It has a significant strength-to-weight ratio, allowing thinner piping in areas that are mo re prone to corrosion, heat damage, and chemical damage. It’s also worth noting that stainless steel naturally does not support the growth of bacteria, is very easy to clea n, and can be recycled. Yet, the material isn’t perfect. Although still not prone to cracks or tears, stainless steel can bend fairly easily. It is also very expensive in comparison to other piping materials.

 

PVC

 

PVC piping is just as popular as copper because of its many benefits. The biggest pro to PVC that differentiates it from other materials is its ability to bend. This flexibility is thanks to its resistance to fracture without ever sacrificing its structural integrity and overall strength. Thickness varies drastically with PVC piping depending on its use, but it can be extremely durable with the ability to withstand high water pressure. The smoothness of PVC is also important when transporting water because it reduces friction, thus allowing for a better flow rate. PVC piping does have its flaws, however. PVC pipes can work in water with higher temperatures, but they are not flame resistant and can burn easily. This obviously limits what the material can and cannot be used for.

 

PEX

 

Somewhat similar to PVC, PEX is a flexible plastic piping that is growing in popularity in residential and small business applications. This is because it is usually only a third of the cost of copper and it is much faster and easier to install. The material has only been around since the late 1960s and its popularity has been almost exclusive to Europe until recently. What really makes PEX stand out is its flexibility and ability to contract and expand. This allows the piping to squeeze through areas other materials can’t while also being able to support higher pressures. Unfortunately, this all usually doesn’t translate to outdoor use. Ultraviolet rays cause PEX to break down quickly, causing cracks and tears. The material also cannot be recycled because its chemical makeup doesn’t let it melt as easily as other plastics.

 

Cast Iron

 

Cast iron’s biggest advantage over other types of piping is its resistance to abrasion. This allows the material to be utilized more in drainage systems such as garbage disposals, dishwashers, and anywhere else foreign objects can present themselves. Cast iron pipes are also non-combustible. This gives them the edge over PVC by preventing the spread of a fire. However, these strong and heavy duty pipes are far from perfect. Cast iron is very susceptible to rust. Over time, a cast iron pipe can rust all the way through, resulting in substantial leaks and problems.

 

Brass

 

Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc, making it somewhat similar to copper piping. Both metals are highly durable. Both are corrosion resistant. And, both can withstand high temperatures. However, brass piping is usually considered the best material for distributing hot water. This may also be due to its exceptional conductivity and efficient distribution system. Brass is also praised for its wide versatility and malleability. There are a plethora of fittings out there in all sorts of shapes and sizes that are made from brass. The malleable nature of a brass pipe allows it to bend or shape much more than a steel or iron pipe. Home DIY projects can be very specific and brass fittings and piping usually will deliver thanks to these benefits. The only real drawback of brass is how small portions of lead are sometimes present. Most of the time brass piping is made up of less than 2% of lead, but it is still an issue. Luckily, most modern brass pipes and fittings are certified lead-free.

 

Galvanized

 

Galvanized piping used to be the most common choice among residential projects because it was built as an alternative to lead pipe. Constructed of steel that has been dipped in a protective zinc coating, galvanized piping is a heavy duty option that can withstand a lot of pressure. These types of pipes are usually great with avoiding rust for a substantial amount of time thanks to the layer of zinc. However, rust will eventually present itself. It can take around 40 years, but it typically does happen, especially in pipes with smaller diameters. Older galvanized pipes even cause rust traces to come out of faucets if the problem is bad enough. Furthermore, galvanized piping is usually unable to be repaired and must be replaced instead in the outcome of a problem.