Laundry Valve Replaced Repaired
There was a time when metal, ceramic and concrete were the only materials used for residential plumbing pipes and tubing. Many pipe metals, including copper and galvanized steel, are still used in homes today. Although long lasting, metal plumbing requires laborious installation work. Pipes need to be threaded or welded, and tubing often requires the installation of sensitive compression fittings.
The introduction of the plastic plumbing system pipe in the 1930s, and its increase in popularity in the 1950s and 1960s, made the plumber’s job a lot easier. These pipes give plumbers an option that’s both easier to install and that prevents some of the plumbing problems common with metal pipes. Plastics used for pipes today include:
- Cross-linked polyethylene (PEX)
- Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
- Chlorinated polyvinyl chlorine (CPVC)
Metal and plastic pipes and tubes both have their place in residential plumbing installations. While plastics offer certain advantages over metal, there are a few downsides, too.
