San Jose Piping & Repiping Services
New Pipe Installation in Santa Clara
The Difference Between PVC & PEX Pipes
PVC stands for polyvinyl chloride. This is one of the most common kinds of piping materials. PVC is both tough and flexible, which makes it suitable for different uses, whether as a drain line for a bathtub, kitchen sink, or laundry basin. Because it is tough against corrosion, it is beneficial for delivering fresh water. The smooth interior of PVC pipes also helps to stop sediment from accumulating, thus preventing troublesome blockages. The only issue with PVC is that it can’t endure high temperatures, making it less suitable for certain lines. There have also been warnings that, even though PVC is safe for bathing water, trace chemicals could be harmful when consumed regularly.
Another plastic kind of piping is cross-linked polyethylene, better known as PEX. This material has a lot of similar benefits to PVC, including corrosion prevention. PEX has a few other advantages as well. It is known for being even stronger than PVC, and it can be used to transport heated water. Our techs can advise which would be best for different lines around a house.
Estimated Lifespans for Pipe Replacements
Although pipes are built to withstand a lot of pressure deep within the ground, they will eventually need to be repiped. A breakdown may be from corrosion due to chemical or mineral intrusion, or it can also simply occur with old age. Knowing the typical lifespans of different pipe materials is key to figuring out when to schedule professional repiping.
Some common pipes and their average lifespans include:
- Galvanized steel: These steel pipes, invented to replace harmful lead pipes, are coated with a layer of zinc to help prevent rust. They often last between 20 to 50 years.
- Brass: This attractive-looking material is strong and flexible, whether in cold or warm temperatures. It can last a long time, between 40 to 70 years, but can allow lead to seep into the drinking supply.
- Copper: Not only can they last 50 to 60 years, but copper pipes are safe for drinking water (provided they were installed after 1977, when copper pipes made water more acidic). They can be expensive, however, so homeowners should make sure these types of pipes fit within the budget.
These are just a few examples of typical repiping materials. Speak to our techs at Vivid Plumbing about alternatives that would better fit your unique needs.
Trust our experienced plumbers for dependable San Jose piping and repiping services. Call (408) 217-0955 today for fast, same-day service.
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