Plumbing material has come a long way since its advent in the ancient world. The old lead (yikes!) pipes in the Roman Empire have been replaced by a wide array of different materials. You probably don’t give a second thought to the piping system in your home until there’s some kind of problem. But the next time you need to hire a plumbing contractor in Grand Rapids, MN to fix a plumbing catastrophe in your home, PEX, PVC and copper plumbing are going to be the best options.
Copper plumbing
Copper plumbing has literally been around for ages. It was one of the earliest materials used for indoor plumbing. It’s durable enough to last for up to 100 years, making it the perfect option to install if you only want to worry about replacing the pipes in your home once per century.
Part of the reason it lasts so long is that it doesn’t expand or contract under pressure or extreme temperature changes like other materials are wont to do. However, the longevity of copper pipes comes at a steep price. It’s the one of (if not the) most expensive materials on the market. It will also take your plumbing contractor in Grand Rapids, MN the longest to install, which will cost more in installation fees.
As far as pipes go, it’s probably the most attractive material on the market. The shiny material adds a distinct flair to any building that for whatever reason needs to have exposed plumbing.
PVC plumbing
On the opposite end of the price spectrum lies PVC plumbing. This inexpensive material is also very easy to install, so a plumbing contractor won’t need to charge you as much in service fees. Going along with that, the easy installation process means there is a smaller chance of an installation error that can result in big problems down the road. While it’s not as durable as copper, it’s can handle temperatures of up to 180 degrees Fahrenheit, so it’s a good option for transporting hot and cold water.
While copper piping is great for exposed plumbing, PVC is awful. PVC piping can’t be exposed to sunlight without the risk of eventually breaking down. It also doesn’t react well to bug spray or other chemicals that are applied to it.
PEX plumbing
PEX piping is one of the newer materials out there. It was introduced in the US in the 1980s and has been a popular choice for plumbing ever since. Like PVC, it’s cheaper than copper and also easier to install. PEX is also really durable. It’s unaffected by acidic water and won’t burst when water freezes in cold temperatures. Since it’s so flexible, it’s easy (and inexpensive) to install throughout the walls in an entire house.
The choice is up to you regarding the type of plumbing you want in your home. But when you’re ready to choose and ready to get the best price on your choice, call us at 218-326-0073!