There comes a time, when you have lived in the same house for long enough or your home has reached a certain age, where it may be time to upgrade your plumbing system with some new pipes. While many types of pipes can last for decades, others that are often found in older homes may need to be replaced.
Pre-1960s, it was common for houses to be built with iron pipes, as this type of metal is extremely durable and can last for many years. The downside of iron is that it rusts easily, and may therefore contaminate your water and damage your plumbing fixtures. Another type of piping you will want to get replaced is galvanized steel. For a time, this material essentially took the place of iron—until it was found that the protective layer of zinc on galvanized steel was prone to rust and corrosion, therefore causing these pipes to wear down faster. Then, between the 70s and the 90s, polybutylene became the pipe material of choice. But while it didn’t cause the type of rust you are more likely to experience with iron or galvanized steel piping, polybutylene was eventually found to have difficulty standing up to high levels of water pressure, and was therefore prone to breaks and leaks.
Fortunately, there are many great kinds of pipes for you to choose from if you are a homeowner looking to undergo partial or whole-home repiping. Keep reading for what you need to know about the top option for home pipe replacements, and never hesitate to give our residential plumbing experts at H.L. Moe Co., Inc. a call.
Why Copper Is the Most Reliable Piping Option for Your Home
Copper is one of the more traditional piping materials still left on the market, and that’s because it continues to be among the most durable and reliable types of piping any homeowner can purchase. Unlike other types of metallic piping, copper pipes are highly resistant to corrosion, are perfectly suited for hot and cold water transportation, and can be serviced easily by any skilled plumber. The main downside with copper is that it may require additional fittings for proper installation, and can be more expensive for that reason. In rare cases, you might also need to install a water filtration system to negate a metallic taste that copper can leave in your water. Yet copper pipes are not harmful to the environment, can withstand severe damage, including from fires, and can last for 80 years or more, so the advantages of this type of piping almost always outweighs the negatives.
To learn more about upgrading your piping to copper today, call H.L. Moe Co., Inc. at (818) 396-8002, or just contact us online.