Many homeowners aren't aware of the fact that plumbers in Kitchener/Waterloo, Guelph and Cambridge don't have to stick to traditional copper piping when a damaged pipe or even an entire plumbing system needs to be replaced. At Tiger Plumbing, our cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) pipes are also a popular option. PEX pipes have numerous potential benefits that homeowners may want to consider when having their plumbing system worked on. Copper, however, is also still a good choice in many different situations. To help you decide between the two, you should consider the advantages and disadvantages of both.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Copper Pipes
Copper is a common material for residential plumbing systems because of its durability and longevity. Copper is also flexible, which means that it isn't prone to snapping during natural disasters such as earthquakes, and it is easy to install as well. Furthermore, copper is naturally resistant to bacteria, which helps to ensure the quality of the water delivered through copper pipes. Because copper is resistant to corrosion from UV rays, copper piping can be used outside.
One of the main disadvantages of copper piping is that it tends to be fairly pricey. Copper pipes are also not always the best choice for a cold climate, as they can bust if water freezes inside of them. Copper pipes, though generally resistant to corrosion, can begin corroding if installed in localities with high water pH levels. Some people can also detect a metallic taste in homes which use copper piping.
Advantages and Disadvantages of PEX Pipes
PEX pipes are usually cheaper to install because PEX is less expensive than copper. PEX pipes also have fewer fittings and connections than copper pipes, allowing them to be installed faster and with lower labour costs. PEX piping is resistant to acids and alkalis, as well as to chlorine and scale deposits.
In colder climates, one of the best advantages of PEX piping is that PEX is capable of expanding and contracting in response to temperature changes, making PEX pipes less likely to burst when temperatures dip below freezing. PEX pipes are also more insulating then copper pipes, resulting in less heat loss from hot water.
Perhaps the biggest disadvantage of PEX pipes, depending on your needs, is that they cannot be used outside because UV rays will cause PEX piping to degrade. PEX also has a shorter lifespan than copper, and, unlike copper, it is not recyclable.
Need PEX or Copper Piping? Contact Plumbing Services in Kitchener/Waterloo, Guelph and Cambridge
If you've decided that you'd prefer copper or PEX piping, or if you could use some more advice for choosing between the two, then the plumbers at Tiger Plumbing in Kitchener/Waterloo, Guelph and Cambridge are here to help. Our team of full-service plumbers can let you know which one we would recommend for your home and can replace everything from one section of piping to your home's entire plumbing system.
For reliable and trusted plumbing services Kitchener/Waterloo, Guelph and Cambridge that will ensure your home's plumbing system is built to last, get in touch with Tiger Plumbing today.