The type of piping you have in your home can make a difference in how your plumbing runs. Copper piping has been a popular choice for plumbing in the United States for many years. This material can have some distinct advantages, but may also come with some major problems if you ignore the warning signs. S&B Plumbing wants you to know more about copper piping and how it can affect your home. If you need to have pipes or most of your plumbing system replaced, our team has the skills and efficiency to make it happen.
Pros Of Copper Piping
Easy To Install
Because copper is lightweight, it is easy to install and is handy for home renovations. Builders and contractors like its flexible nature and ease of installation for a variety of homes. Copper is also easy and flexible because it leads to fewer ruptures during earthquakes.
Lasts Over 25 Years
Having good quality materials in your home will save you from frequent repairs and save you money on damages. Copper piping can last for over 25 years but you will still need to watch for signs of deterioration, like with any piping material.
Bacteria Resistant
Copper has anti-microbial properties that put it ahead of PVC or Steel. When it is dry it can kill E. Coli, Influenza, and fungal spores after just two hours. When water is flowing through the pipes, the effect isn’t as good, but even just this little extra work will help prevent unnecessary bacteria in your water supply.
More Corrosion-Resistant
Compared to other piping options, copper piping is more corrosion-resistant (besides CPVC). Copper is resistant to rust, so under the right conditions, the pipes will be shiny for many years.
Cons Of Copper Piping
Just like any home material or plumbing mechanism, nothing will work perfectly, and may experience problems. Oftentimes a material can vary in quality or pieces can malfunction due to improper installation. It is important to know the cons of copper piping in your home before you have it installed.
Quality Can Vary
Not all copper is treated equally and some batches or pipes may be of lower quality than others. Sub-par piping can be identified, but many contractors choose the lower quality to save money. This means that your pipes could leak or burst before the end of their lifespan, or experience other issues.
Sensitive To Acidic Water
Although copper is corrosion resistant, acidic water can make them corrode faster and leave you will damaged pipes. High acidity can also lead to a copper taste in your drinking water and lead multiple small holes in the piping system. While small holes may not seem like a big deal, over time they spread and grow, leading to water leaks all around your home.
Sensitive To High-Pressure
High water pressure is a common problem for many homes. With copper piping, they are more vulnerable to high bursts of water and may wear down faster because of the high pressure. If you live in an area with high water pressure, you may benefit from other piping materials like steel or CPVC.
Signs It Is Time To Replace Copper Pipes
Plumbing will need to be replaced at some point in time, so it is important to look for signs that your piping is no longer working as well as it should.
When it is time to replace piping, it is always imperative to have a professional plumber install them. Replacing plumbing systems yourself can lead to bad connections, improper installation, or unnecessary damage to your home. S&B Plumbing offers services to help you get quality plumbing back in your home, so leave the stressful installation process to us.
Signs that it is time to replace copper piping can include:
- Soggy floors
- Ceiling stains
- Lower water pressure
- Water stagnation
- Teal Stains
- Discolored or smelly water
- High water bills
- Frequent clogs
- Similar-age homes are also having problems
What Should I Replace Copper Piping With?
With the pros and cons listed above, you should be able to make a decision about what to replace your copper piping with or if you want to keep using copper pipes. Some common options that plumbers use to replace copper piping are PEX, steel, brass, nickel, aluminum, or PVC.
Different materials will have varying costs, but more and more people are switching to PEX piping because of its low cost and similar durability to copper. These pipes are also much quieter than traditional piping materials, which can be a major selling point for new home builders.
S&B Plumbing And Repiping
Even if you have a professionally installed plumbing system, replacement, and repairs are inevitable. If you think it may be time to replace your piping, S&B Plumbing is happy to provide advice, inspection, and repiping. Our team has a wide variety of skills that help them at each job. Not only will your home improve, but you will now gain a trustworthy friend in the plumbing business.
Located in Marriott-Slaterville, S&B Plumbing travels to many surrounding cities to help improve home functionality. Contact us today!