The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Plumbing Materials for Your Home

The most prevalent plumbing materials in residential homes are copper, PVC, PEX, and galvanized steel. Copper has long been the go-to choice; it's sturdy and dependable, and is typically found in both hot and cold water lines. When it comes to the waste line, it's hard to beat PVC (polyvinyl chloride). It's lightweight, easy to work with, and obviously, when it comes to anything involving plumbing, you want a material that's resistant to corrosion. PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) is nearly as popular as PVC these days, and for the same reasons—flexibility and ease of installation. And like PVC, PEX is very affordable. PEX is also a great choice for plumbing in terms of not being affected by scale or chlorine.

To find out which plumbing material is suitable for your house, think about a number of things: where the pipes will be located, the water pressure (and how it might change), your budget, and some special requests you might have, like wanting the pipes to last for decades without corroding. Copper is a great choice for something that's gonna be tough and reliable (but it's pricey). PEX is a super awesome alternative on account of how easy it is to install and have around, and it's much easier to work with (and much cheaper) compared to fitting copper. If you're not doing this as a DIY job, a pro can help steer you toward a material that works well in your house and with your local plumbing codes.

Certain plumbing materials can indeed be linked to health concerns. Lead pipes were common once upon a time but have largely been gotten rid of because of the serious health risks associated with them, namely lead poisoning. Nowadays, our plumbing is done with materials like copper and PEX, which are considered to be safe. These materials do not leach harmful substances into our drinking water. Still, I think it is also worth noting that in the reassurances surrounding these contemporary plumbing materials, it is very important to ensure that not only whatever is inside your walls but also whatever is outside your walls meets local and federal safety standards.

A home's plumbing material selection can be significantly influenced by the local climate. In cold climates, materials are preferred that can expand and contract without cracking; PEX is an example of such a material. If frozen pipes aren't a problem for you, then consider the next PEX alternative. Or, if your locale is simply prone to wild temperature swings, solar heat, and expansion, then consider these next materials. They can work well in hot and cold conditions and at space or time extremes in between.

Certainly! Plumbing materials can vary widely in cost, yet can also be very effective, depending on the plumbing project at hand. Two materials that are often very cost-effective for residential projects are PEX and PVC. PEX is a great choice for many plumbing projects because of its low cost and ease of installation, while PVC is used mostly for drainage systems and is quite economical. However, even with these two materials, you really should think long and hard about what you're using for your plumbing system because, frankly, a plumbing system is a long-term investment, and a not very glamorous one at that—so make your choice wisely.

Depending on the plumbing material used, maintenance demands can differ quite a bit. Copper pipes don't really need much maintenance, but you should keep an eye on them to make sure that they aren't corroding and that any joints or seams aren't leaking. PEX is also low maintenance, but you really mustn't let it have any exposure to direct sunlight—more about that in a moment. If you have plumbing that consists of galvanized steel, then you really should be inspecting it regularly. Even if you don't see any obvious signs of trouble, it's a good idea to suspect a certain amount of internal rusting that could make your pipes fail at any moment.

When selecting plumbing materials, an essential factor to consider is water pressure and how it can affect both materials' performance and their lifespan. Water coming into the house might be under high pressure, and that can cause things like pipes and fittings to wear out more quickly. Materials that can take a licking and keep on ticking are what you want to go with—things like copper or certain types of PVC—that are good under pressure. PEX is also a very common material used these days, and for good reason. It's very flexible, which makes it better at handling pressure changes than rigid materials are. That's one of the things that makes oftentimes-consulting a pro worthwhile.

Indeed, certain plumbing materials are more eco-friendly than others. Sustainable and considering its long lifespan, copper is a top choice. PEX then comes next, since its manufacturing process is efficient and its lightweight, flexible nature allows for much more precise installations—meaning less chance of leaks over time. And that's the real bottom line. A plumbing system can be continuously "green" (and save the homeowner money in the process) only if it possesses a long life and a high degree of reliability.

The installation process can vary widely between plumbing materials, and this affects both labor costs and time. For instance, copper pipes typically require soldering, which can be a tedious job and should be done by a skilled worker if you want to ensure leak-proof joints. PEX pipes, on the other hand, can be installed using crimping tools, and they generally require fewer fittings, making them a good choice for both DIY enthusiasts and professionals. Solvent welding the joints in PVC is a pretty simple process, too, and the pipe must be carefully handled during that stage to avoid leaks.

It is prudent to think about future repairs when choosing plumbing materials because doing so can save both money and hassle in the long run. The materials that are probably going to need repairs most often, like PEX, are also some of the easiest to work with. If a plumber has to replace a section of PEX, they can do so in just a few steps: shut off the water, drain the pipes, get at the PEX with a pair of snips, and then replace the section with another piece of PEX. PEX is relatively inexpensive, which is a good thing since it is probably going to need a few more repairs before the house is through with it. Overall, if one is to seriously consider the "repair message" imparted by the green building movement when selecting plumbing materials, PEX would be a top choice.