There are three types of plumbing systems in Arvada, CO: portable, sewage, and drainage. Pipes bring water to the house from the local water utility system and also supply the bathroom faucets, toilet, appliances, and shower. Plumbing pipes also remove waste and gases from
the house to the drainage system. Knowing the best piping material for your construction project can save you a lot of money. If you are not sure, you can always consult a local plumbing company when planning your plumbing repairs, water heater repair, laundry room plumbing, bathroom remodeling, kitchen remodel, and other plumbing fixtures at your home. This post will discuss the common materials used for plumbing installations, plumbing repairs, and plumbing replacement services in Arvada, CO.
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
PVC is the most common plumbing material due to its affordability and malleability. Made from gas and salt, this plumbing material has been on the market since the 1960s and is quickly replacing metal pipes. It comes in various sizes and is ideal for a wide range of uses, such as water service lines, irrigation systems, sewer systems, and drain waste vents. Some of its features include;
- High mechanical performance
- Durability, lasting over 50 years
- Lightweight
- High chemical resistance
- UV resistant
- 100% recyclable
- Corrosion resistant
- Smooth leak-resistant joints
- Easy to install
Therefore, if you have leaking toilets or faulty bathroom faucets, experts can suggest PVC pipes during the plumbing installation, repair, or replacement services. However, PVC has low resistance to heat, making it not ideal for water heater installation projects. C
all our plumbing company in the Denver Metro area for all your plumbing needs.
Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS)
ABS is an amorphous polymer made from butadiene, acrylonitrile, and polystyrene. It is tougher and more durable than PVC and can withstand high temperatures. ABS is black in color and is popularly used in sewage, drainage, venting, and other underground plumbing installations because it cracks when exposed to direct sunlight. Though safe for drinking, plumbers mainly use it to remove wastewater from your new home.
Other features of ABS plumbing material include;
- Resistant to cold temperatures
- Easy to install
- Absorbs moisture fast
- Low melting point
- Corrosion resistant
- Impact resistant
Copper pipes
Copper is among the most durable and safest plumbing materials. It is expensive, cannot withstand cold temperatures, and can corrode. It protects the quality of drinking water, even though it can affect the taste of drinking water as it ages. Since
copper pipes last over 80 years and are prone to lead poisoning, you need to use trained plumbers to protect your water from lead poisoning. With time, copper pipes affect the taste of your drinking water, so it is essential to schedule service with a plumbing company every few years to see if you need replacement services. Copper pipes also work well in thin walls and are great for underground installations.
Other features include;
- Can handle high water pressure and extreme temperatures
- Recyclable
- Resistant to bacteria
- Resistant to chlorine
- Contains no chemicals
- Safe for earthquake zones such as Colorado
Cross-linked polyethylene (PEX)
This plumbing material has been on the market since the 1980s. It is the most flexible piping material for bathroom remodels. It is used for water distribution piping and water service lines and can withstand high temperatures of up to 200 degrees. If you need a plumbing system for your bathroom shower or hot water plumbing system, PEX is an ideal material.
Galvanized steel
Galvanized pipes are made of steel that is dipped in zinc to prevent rusting and corrosion. This does not mean that they are corrosion free. After a while, galvanized pipes rust and corrode, posing serious health risks, especially if they supply drinking water. These pipes were common in plumbing systems installed between the 1960s and 1990s. They last as long as 70 years, so homeowners in Arvada could have some galvanized steel in their homes. It is recommended to replace your galvanized steel pipes with safer modern alternatives if you have them in your home.
Chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC)
CPVC is a rigid thermoplastic material mainly used in portable water applications. It can handle hot water as well as highly chlorinated water for drinking and is popular in both residential and commercial plumbing systems. Other features of this plumbing material include;
- Corrosion resistant
- Durable, lasting over 50 years
- Impact resistant
- Very ductile
- 100% recyclable
Medium-density polyethylene (MDPE)
Medium-density polyethylene (MDPE) plastic is a plumbing material used as a copper alternative due to its corrosion resistance qualities. Also called PE80 or HDPE, this plumbing material has excellent drop and shock-absorbing properties. It is common in underground plumbing installations where it is safe from freezing, warming, or contamination, though it comes in different colors for different installations.
For instance, black MDPE is used for above-ground drinking water systems, while black with orange stripes is used for industrial water or sewage. Others are used to carry wire cables, gas, and wastewater.
Brass
Brass is common in plumbing and fittings. Due to its malleability, durability, and corrosion-resistant nature, you can find it in HVAC fittings, refrigerator coolers, and pipes transporting slurry, water, and chemicals, among other substances. Book a plumber today and know whether it is better to use brass or other piping materials in your construction project.
Looking for plumbing services in Arvada? Call kitchen and bathroom plumbing Arvada CO experts at 303-500-0437 for all your plumbing repairs
Arvada Co. is a plumbing services provider based in Arvada, CO. We offer water heater maintenance, plumbing repair services, air conditioner installation and maintenance, sewer services, garbage disposal, and shower head installation and repairs. Our highly trained plumbing team is adequately equipped to handle residential and commercial plumbing issues with your bath, sink, furnace, heating system, and drain, among others, at a reasonable price. Get high-quality installations, repairs, maintenance, and replacement services in Arvada and Denver, CO, and save money. Call our team today at 303-500-0437 for a free estimate and 100% customer satisfaction.