Whether you are DIYer who would like to perform some repairs on your water supply system or you are planning to build a new home, choosing what type of water pipe to use can be daunting. This is because there are so many options out there and there isn't enough information to help ordinary people make an informed choice. This article discusses the major water pipe kinds available so that you can choose the best for your needs.

Copper Pipes

There are many reasons why copper would be the first choice pipe material; it is very durable and has no effect on the quality of the water running through it. However, copper pipes are very expensive since the material is used in many other industries such as the electronics industry. Additionally, its extraction is not environmentally friendly so it is not a green water pipe option.

PEX Pipes

Cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) pipes are the cheapest water pipes on the market and they are also very easy to install since they are flexible and can snake their way around an entire house without having to cut the pipe into different pieces. This makes them very good for retrofit projects, such as when you are overhauling the plumbing in an old house. Current versions are free from the environmental toxins that were linked to the first pipes so they are safe for use in homes.

PP Pipes

Plumbing contractors say that polypropylene (PP) pipes are the safest for use since they have never had any blemish upon their safety record. They are a durable and green plastic pipe whose only downside is that specialized tools are needed to install them. This is because they can only be joined using heat to fuse sections together. These pipes are more expensive than PEX pipes, but not as expensive as copper pipes.

CPVC Pipes

Chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC) pipes are the favorites of DIyers because they are very easy to install. In fact, they are much easier to install than PEX pipes. This is because CPVC pipes come with adhesives to join them and no special equipment is needed to install them. This plastic pipe is not as rigid as PVC piping so one can easily cut it with an ordinary knife.

These pipes are safe for use at home and it is slightly more expensive than PEX piping. The downside is that it is not a green product because its manufacture produces many volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Once installed, the pipe is very stable and poses no health risks.

Those are the major water pipes available on the market. Discuss them with local plumbing services and select the best according to your unique requirements.

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