PEX pipe

PEX Pipes and the Cousin – Copper Pipe

PEX Pipes: The Many Differences Between Pipes

Whether it’s in music, cooking, or tools to smoke various leaves the word pipe can mean so many things to many people. If your kid is being a bit unruly, the old phrase “pipe down” might be useful. Some say this was an old sailing term used to tell soldiers to traverse down a ladder or staircase to retire for the night. Or how about when your food is “piping hot”? Most believed the whistle of a teapot when the water has reached its boiling point is where the term came from.
 
Hundreds of years ago the Baluka tribe of the Congo established a tradition in Africa of using large gourds as smoking pipes. The tradition traveled to Europe and helped develop the use of the Calabash gourd to fashion the style of pipe portrayed in the Sherlock Holmes stories. Then there’s a piping used to make various woodwind instruments like flutes and recorders. Now if you look at a hollowed squash and a brass piccolo, you would never confuse the two. Yet they both can be considered pipes.
 
Wood, ivory, bone, cane, or other various metals are options for musical pipes or smoking pipes. Your plumbing pipes are typical of copper or a new material called “PEX”. For centuries lead was the metal of choice for plumbing because of its malleability; a metal’s ability to be shaped and formed. In our previous blog we mentioned where the term “plumbing” originates; lead in Latin is the word plumbum. The use of lead for porting water took a sharp dive after World War 2 when lead poisoning cases rose dramatically.  

Galvanized (zinc-coated steel) pipingcopper pipe

Many years ago galvanized (zinc-coated steel) piping took over as the more common choice for indoor plumbing after growing lead poisoning concerns. Galvanized pipes can last about 70 years but eventually, give way to rust from the inside out. This can happen quicker or slower depending on the minerals and other elements in the water. 
 
Back in the ’60s, the use of galvanized pipe began to decline. Other types of metal pipes began to find favor because they were easier to work with.

Copper Pipe

That brings us today’s metal of choice for plumbing – copper pipe. Copper pipe has several advantages and benefits over the older metals used.
  • Copper pipe is light and rigid needing fewer fittings and supports and sagging less over time than heavier metals.
  • Copper’s ability to handle high temps makes it easy to adjoin copper pipe therefore there’s no need for harmful chemicals or adhesives when installed.
  • Being easier to install, needing less material can make a fully-copper installation much cheaper than pipes made of cheaper material.
  • Copper pipe is a natural metal that actually inhibits bacteria growth and is naturally corrosive resistant. This helps lessen concerns about mold or disease growing behind your walls or underneath your sink.
  • Copper pipe can handle extreme heat or cold conditions. It can also withstand more than 1000 pounds of pressure per square inch.

PEX Pipes

Then there’s PEX pipe. PEX is the newest technology in plumbing. PEX stands for PolyEthylene with cross-links (X). Cross-linking is the bonding of one polymer (plastic) chain to another. All PEX pipes come with specifications and classifications. Prior to PEX, PVC (polyvinyl chloride) was the most used plastic piping. Yet, PEX pipe holds several advantages over its older cousin and even over copper pipe.  
  • Easiest to install: PEX pipe requires even fewer fittings than copper pipe. It also requires no soldering or welding of metals. 
  • Most Flexible: Both PVC and Copper require elbows to maneuver around beams and corners. PEX tubing can bend, contort, and run along walls and edges with greater ease.
  • Cost: Since PEX pipe needs less space, material, and equipment it can cost considerably less than both Copper pipe and PVC.  
  • Life Expectancy: While the Copper pipe is highly resistant to extreme cold and heat, the PEX pipe is even more so. PEX pipe is the most resistant to freezing, cracking, or bursting from extreme conditions and pressure.
Now while PEX pipe seems to have more benefits than its alternatives it does have some drawbacks that one would need to take into consideration.
 
First, it is plastic. So that means there is often an aftertaste and smell that accompanies using PEX pipe. It can and usually does go away after some time but the initial odor and taste can be an issue.
 
Secondly, as with any synthetic polymer, there can be chemical concerns. Recent reports and studies have shown no conclusive evidence of PEX piping causing any health issues yet some builders and environmental groups are still hesitant to embrace PEX as an alternative.
 
Lastly, some insects find it tasty! Certain insects can in fact puncture PEX piping if left to chew at it long enough. Most notably the Western Conifer Seed bug of the Rocky Mountains. 
 
So what’s right for you, your residence, or building can depend on a number of different things. Whatever your piping needs may be, Mitch Clemmons Plumbing can help you determine what suits your budget, environment, and daily needs best.

 

Call Mitch Clemmons Plumbing today for your Galvanized, Copper pipe, or PEX pipe consultation.

(562) 242-3218

 

Related Links:

pex pipes

Time to Replace Your Plumbing?

toiletPlumbing is one of those things that many homeowners don’t like to think about. It’s out of sight, out of mind, right? Unfortunately, failing to properly maintain your plumbing can actually be quite disastrous. For example, did you know that a running toilet can leak more than 200 gallons of water each day?

Plumbing issues are especially common in older houses that may not have the most stable plumbing systems. So if you live in an older house, it’s crucial to replace old pipes, appliances, and fixtures, sooner rather than later.

How do you know when it’s time to replace your older home’s plumbing? Watch out for these three warning signs in particular:

Replace My Plumbing… What are the Signs?

If you experience frequent leaks: 

Whether it’s a leaking sink, toilet, or pipe in the walls, leaks are a surefire sign that something isn’t right. Frequent plumbing repairs can get pretty expensive — so if you’ve been dealing with leaks throughout your home, it may be time to talk to your local plumber about replacing your plumbing. While replacing plumbing may be more expensive upfront, it will save you money in the long run. 

In addition, remember that not all leaks are immediately apparent! Pay close attention to your water bill and watch for sudden spikes. Some leaks can only be identified by experienced plumbers who know where to look.

If you experience low water pressure: 

When you go to take a shower and the water isn’t as powerful as it used to be, you may be dealing with decreased water pressure. Like leaking pipes or water heaters, this can be a sign that plumbing needs to be replaced. If you’re experiencing low water pressure, you may be dealing with galvanized pipes. This means the pipes are corroded and clogged, which makes it difficult for water to flow freely through them. In this case, replacing the water lines and the pipes may help fix the problem.

If you experience discolored water: 

When pipes are clogged or rusty, they may cause tap water to become discolored. Most commonly, the water pours out in an ugly red-brown sludge. Furthermore, the water may taste different too. While this is generally not a major problem, consuming water from rusty pipes may cause illness or other negative health effects. So to avoid this, any rusted pipes should be replaced as soon as possible.

While it can be difficult to know when your plumbing system is old and inefficient, it’s important to look for these few simple signs. And if you’re still unsure, a trusted local plumber will be able to tell you if and when your plumbing should be repaired or replaced. Trusting an expert opinion is the best thing you can do to save money and save your plumbing.

Related Links on the Topic: Replace Plumbing:

10 Things That Are Ruining Your Home’s Plumbing – Bob Vila

replace plumbing

3 Signs Your Old Plumbing Should Be Replaced

toiletPlumbing is one of those things that many homeowners don’t like to think about. It’s out of sight, out of mind, right? Unfortunately, failing to properly maintain your plumbing can actually be quite disastrous. For example, did you know that a running toilet can leak more than 200 gallons of water each day? Plumbing issues are especially common in older houses that may not have the most stable plumbing systems. So if you live in an older house, it’s crucial to replace old pipes, appliances, and fixtures, sooner rather than later.

How do you know when it’s time to replace your older home’s plumbing? Watch out for these three warning signs in particular:

If you experience frequent leaks: Whether it’s a leaking sink, toilet, or pipe in the walls, leaks are a surefire sign that something isn’t right. Frequent plumbing repairs can get pretty expensive — so if you’ve been dealing with leaks throughout your home, it may be time to talk to your local plumber about replacing your plumbing. While replacing plumbing may be more expensive upfront, it will save you money in the long run. 

In addition, remember that not all leaks are immediately apparent! Pay close attention to your water bill and watch for sudden spikes. Some leaks can only be identified by experienced plumbers who know where to look.

If you experience low water pressure: When you go to take a shower and the water isn’t as powerful as it used to be, you may be dealing with decreased water pressure. Like leaking pipes or water heaters, this can be a sign that plumbing needs to be replaced. If you’re experiencing low water pressure, you may be dealing with galvanized pipes. This means the pipes are corroded and clogged, which makes it difficult for water to flow freely through them. In this case, replacing the water lines and the pipes may help fix the problem.

If you experience discolored water: When pipes are clogged or rusty, they may cause tap water to become discolored. Most commonly, the water pours out in an ugly red-brown sludge. Furthermore, the water may taste different too. While this is generally not a major problem, consuming water from rusty pipes may cause illness or other negative health effects. So to avoid this, any rusted pipes should be replaced as soon as possible.

While it can be difficult to know when your plumbing system is old and inefficient, it’s important to look for these few simple signs. And if you’re still unsure, a trusted local plumber will be able to tell you if and when your plumbing should be repaired or replaced. Trusting an expert opinion is the best thing you can do to save money and save your plumbing.

PEX Pipes

Pipe vs Pipe and Copper Pipe

Whether it’s in music, cooking, or tools to smoke various leaves the word pipe can mean so many things to many people. If your kid is being a bit unruly, the old phrase “pipe down” might be useful. Some say this was an old sailing term used to tell soldiers to traverse down a ladder or staircase to retire for the night. Or how about when your food is “piping hot”? Most believed the whistle of a tea pot when water has reached its boiling point is where the term came from.
 
Hundreds of years ago the Baluka tribe of the Congo established a tradition in Africa of using large gourds as smoking pipes. The tradition traveled to Europe and helped develop the use of the Calabash gourd to fashion the style of pipe portrayed in the Sherlock Holmes stories. Then there’s piping used to make various woodwind instruments like flutes and recorders. Now if you look at a hollowed squash and a brass piccolo, you would never confused the two. Yet they both can be consider pipes.
 
Wood, ivory, bone, cane or other various metals are options for musical pipes or smoking pipes. Your plumbing pipes are typically of copper or a new material called “PEX”. For centuries lead was the metal of choice for plumbing because of its malleability; a metal’s ability to be shaped and formed. In our previous blog we mentioned where the term “plumbing” originates; lead in Latin is the word plumbum. The use of lead for porting water took a sharp dive after World War 2 when lead poisoning cases rose dramatically.  

Galvanized (zinc coated steel) pipingcopper pipe

Many years ago galvanized (zinc coated steel) piping took over as the more common choice for indoor plumbing after growing lead poisoning concerns. Galvanized pipes can last about 70 years but eventually give way to rust from the inside out. This can happen quicker or slower depending on the minerals and other elements in the water. 
 
Back in the 60’s the use of galvanized pipe began to decline. Other types of metal pipes began to find favor because they were easier to work with.

Copper Pipe

That brings us today’s metal of choice for plumbing – copper pipe. Copper pipe has several advantages and benefits over the older metals used.
  • Copper pipe is light and rigid needing less fittings and supports and sag less over time than heavier metals.
  • Copper’s ability to handle high temps makes easy to adjoin copper pipe therefore there’s no need harmful chemicals or adhesives when installed.
  • Being easier to install, needing less material can make an fully-copper installation much cheaper than pipes made of cheaper material.
  • Copper pipe is a natural metal that actually inhibits bacteria growth and is naturally corrosive resistant. This helps lessen concerns about mold or disease growing behind your walls or underneath your sink.
  • Copper pipe can handle extreme heat or cold conditions.It can also with stand more than a 1000 pounds of pressure per square inch.

PEX Pipes

Then there’s PEX pipe. PEX is the newest technology in plumbing. PEX stands for PolyEthylene with cross-links (X). Cross-linking is the bonding of one polymer (plastic) chain to another. All PEX pipe come with specifications and classifications. Prior to PEX, PVC (polyvinyl choride) was the most used plastic piping. Yet, PEX pipe holds several advantages over its older cousin and even over copper pipe.  
  • Easiest to install: PEX pipe requires even less fittings than copper pipe. It also requires no soldering or welding of metals. 
  • Most Flexible: Both PVC and Copper require elbows to maneuver around beams and corners. PEX tubing can bend, contort, and run along walls and edges with greater ease.
  • Cost: Since PEX pipe needs less space, material, and equipment it can cost considerably less than both Copper pipe  and PVC.  
  • Life Expectancy: While Copper pipe is highly resistant to extreme cold and heat, PEX pipe is even more so. PEX pipe is the most resistant to freezing, cracking, or bursting from extreme conditions and pressure.
Now while PEX pipe to seem to have more benefits than it’s alternatives it does have some drawbacks that one would need to take into consideration.
 
First, it is plastic. So that means there is often an after taste and smell that accompanying using PEX pipe. It can and usually does go away after some time but the initial odor and taste can be an issue.
 
Secondly, as with any synthetic polymer there can be chemical concerns. Recent reports and studies have shown no conclusive evidence of PEX piping causing any health issues yet some builders and environmental groups are still hesitant to embrace PEX as alternative.
 
Lastly, some insects find it tasty! Certain insects can in fact puncture PEX piping if left to chew at it long enough. Most notably the Western Conifer Seed bug of the Rocky Mountains. 
 
So what’s right for you, your residence, or building can be depend on a number of different things. Whatever your piping needs may be, Mitch Clemmons Plumbing can help you determine what suits your budget, environment, and daily needs best.
 
Call Mitch Clemmons Plumbing today for your Galvanized, Copper pipe, or PEX pipe consultation.