There are all sorts of different plumbing materials available today, from PVC to copper. But in the history of plumbing appliances, they’ve been constructed of hundreds of different types of materials. Human history is a bit of a “trial and error” experience, with people using different materials for their plumbing systems, only to find out later that they’re not very good at the job.
For instance, lead is a perfect example of what should not be used as a plumbing material. Water that flows through lead pipes can pick up some of the runoff and cause lead poisoning in anyone who drinks from that water source. Many other plumbing materials like galvanized steel and copper don’t have this problem, but there are still some preferences today towards materials like copper.
So, let’s talk about plumbing in Cedar Rapids, IA and why copper is the gold-standard material to use.
Malleability
Believe it or not, pipes need to be able to bend a little bit over the course of their lifespan. When pipes are too rigid and aren’t malleable, they can often form cracks and breaks in them that eventually get exploited by air and water that will cause it to weaken, corrode, and eventually fall apart.
Copper isn’t like this, because it’s naturally malleable. It’s a lot bendier than other plumbing materials, which means it can move and shift naturally as water moves through it, but it’s less likely to break under pressure. This includes powerful flows of hot water, to even cold water lines.
Naturally Anti-Microbial
You might be surprised to hear that copper is naturally anti-microbial. This is very important, especially if you’ve got copper water lines in your home.
It’s been tested that 99% of bacteria are eliminated on a copper surface after just two hours, meaning it’s naturally going to keep your home clean and safe. Fun fact: ancient civilizations used to use copper for medicinal purposes thanks to its naturally anti-microbial properties!
Resistant to Corrosion
Copper is also very resistant to corrosion, unlike other materials like galvanized steel. They’re less likely to rust in their given lifespan, and they can even turn bright green when they’re starting to corrode, so the signs of a failing pipe line are obvious to homeowners.
When NOT to Choose Copper
If you’ve got a drain line that runs from your sink to your sewer system, then copper might not be the best fit. Sure, you can run a copper drain line there, but it’s going to be more expensive and be underutilized when compared to other copper plumbing pipes.
This sounds like the perfect job for a PVC plumbing pipe, which is much more affordable. These pipes are a kind of plastic that is strong enough to handle even heavy flows of water, so think about using this material when you’re on a budget or have a simple drain pipe that needs replacing.
Of course, you should always work with a professional plumber for your pipe replacement needs.
At Dalton Plumbing, Heating, Cooling, Electric and Fireplaces, Inc., your comfort is our promise! To set up an appointment in the Cedar Rapids area, give us a call at the number above, email customerservice@daltonphc.com or schedule an appointment online.