Plastic or steel

Household and commercialized plumbing have something in common: the use of either steel or PVC pipes has always been an issue, and people can never find a common ground over which one is better. For some homeowners, PVC pipes are the preferred choice because of its rust-resistant properties and smooth surface. A smooth surface is ideal for pipes because it minimizes friction, so water conveyance is a lot faster. Some people also prefer steel pipes because they’re a lot stronger and more resistant to high temperatures. In this article, I will be discussing about the different kinds of steel pipes and their advantages and disadvantages.

Copper pipes

When you’re consulting a plumber Sydney or in any parts of Australia, they may discuss with you about the basic materials for pipes. One common material used for plumbing is copper. Unlike galvanized and CPVC pipes, copper pipes can give you a lot of advantages. They are a lot easier to install, more flexible, and more resistant to natural disasters. They are also resistant to bacteria, so you can be assured that you are getting clean water every time. For decades, homeowners actually prefer copper pipes to any other steel pipe because of its value and dependability; it can also increase the resale value of some homes. In rare cases, copper pipes do not release toxic gases when a house is on fire because of its fire-resistant properties. CPVC pipes, when exposed to heat or fire, will release toxic gases. The only disadvantage to copper pipes is that they cannot handle extreme heat or cold; pipes burst when exposed to too much cold or the pipes could crack when heated.

Cast iron pipes

This is another kind of steel pipe used for water conveyance and plumbing. Cast iron pipe is the preferred choice for handling high pressures and loads of water. However, these pipes are very heavy and it requires specific means of transportations. It is also not advisable to use cast iron pipes in inaccessible places. Because of their heavy load, these pipes are made in shorter lengths. This equates to more jointing and a more complicated layout.

Galvanized iron pipes

Galvanized pipes are steel pipes covered with a layer of zinc. This was the commonly used pipe found in residences and homes built during the 1960s. This was the pipe used before the conception of PVC and CPVC pipes. However, people are no longer using this kind of pipe, as zinc loses is rust-resistant properties, which leads to both the rusting of your iron pipe and zinc. Once rust builds up on your pipe, it lowers the water pressure. Galvanized iron pipes are replaced frequently, which is a hassle for some people, so unless you want a steady stream of water supply, I do not recommend using galvanized iron pipes.

When it comes to pipes for your plumbing, be sure to pick the one that’s right for your needs. It all boils down to the design and specifications of your original household pipes. If that’s the case, either for pipe replacement or repair, there will always be a need to use either a steel or PVC plastic pipes.

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