Plumbing Companies are frequently hired by homeowners for bathroom renovations. Renovation not only increase the net worth of one’s house but also make the living space appear modern. However, the strength of any bathroom lies underneath strong plumbing and piping.
If you are considering renovating your bathroom, then it is important to analyze all the piping options available in the market for your bathroom’s plumbing. The materials of your piping can differ based on various perspectives such as cost, resistance to corrosion, durability, and strength.
Even though it would be ideal to take a consultation with professional plumbers in your area, we have listed down the top choices for your bathroom’s plumbing materials that you can choose from.
Before, we begin let us give you a pro tip. To quickly search for the top-rated local plumbers in your area, Google search would prove to be the most helpful. Simply type top plumbers and your area of residence such as Danville VA and hit search!
Top Plumbing Material Choices for your Bathroom
Let’s now take a look at the plumbing material choices available in the market.
1. The PVC Piping or POLYVINYL CHLORIDE
PVC Piping is the short form for polyvinyl chloride which is a famous kind of plastic that is used in the piping lines, pipes used for drainage in washrooms, irrigation, swimming pools, and even foot spas. These PVC pipes are available in diverse measurements and thickness. Their accurate thickness is referred to as “schedule” which simply denotes that the more the value of the schedule, the thicker your PVC pipe would be.
PVC is specifically used for cold water piping systems because high temperatures can cause these pipes to deteriorate. Even slight exposure to heat or sunlight can break down these pipes. The main benefit of using PVC is that it is safe from corrosion, easily affordable, and can conveniently be replaced if need be.
The most ideal places for PVC piping is under your sink vanities, toilets, main water pipes, and appliances with high pressure.
2. ABS Piping or ACRYLONITRILE BUTADIENE STYRENE
ABS piping stands for the acrylonitrile butadiene styrene piping which is a system of black colored pipes and has a lot of similarities to PVC. However, its flexibility is way less than PVC and can easily break down. Many people initially choose ABS piping but the loosening of its fixtures has forced people to shift to PVC piping instead. Still, for many areas, ABS’s strength is preferred, it is relatively easy to install and serves the best in underground conditions.
If you are confused between PVC and ABS, then it is best to talk to your professional plumber.
3. PEX Piping or the Cross-Linked Polyethylene Piping
PEX Piping is known for its high flexibility. They can easily be molded into curved shapes where installation in corners is required. Apart from being flexible, they are highly durable and less prone to corrosion.
Polyethylene material can easily bend, expand, and contract hence does not deteriorate under freezing temperatures. They are ideal for rigid plumbing, only requiring a few joints making sure the water pressure is maintained.
Moreover, PEX can be installed across already present pipes hence are ideal for re-piping projects. They can even withstand high temperatures so you can connect them to your water heater devices as well which is not possible with plastic piping options.
4. Copper Plumbing for Underground and Aboveground Piping
Copper is a great plumbing material choice that can be used for both cold and hot water piping systems. They are highly resistant to heat and corrosion. While copper pipes can last for over 5 decades, they can be installed both underground and above ground as well. However, in underground piping copper pipes should be protected because soil can cause them to corrode.
5. Cast Iron Plumbing for Home
Cast Iron plumbing is famously used at homes. Even though PVC and ABS piping is famously used in new constructions, Cast Iron is preferred in many areas. Even if you wish to shift your home piping to PVC, you do not need to get rid of all the cast iron, simply replace the corroded or rusted areas.
6. Lead Piping for Supply and Drainage
Lead piping systems are used in drainage or supply plumbing areas. However, they are a huge risk for lead poisoning in water which can result in some serious health hazards. You can never ignore that water flowing through lead pipes can find its way into the showers or kitchen.
7. Iron or Galvanized Steel Piping with Zinc Coating
The iron pipes or the galvanized steel pipes are frequently used in the plumbing systems at home because they are the least likely to corrode. They are surrounded by a layer of zinc which protects them from premature corrosion.
8. Marble and Granite Bathroom Slabs
The modern bathroom renovations use marble and granite slabs to hide the drainage pipes. They are not only long-lasting but add a modern appearance to your home as well.
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