The Modern Home: Choosing the Right Plumbing Pipe for Your Residential Home

The pipes you choose are important.

With a wide array of furniture, rugs, gizmos, and gadgets to choose from, it's easy to only focus on the interior of your dream home.

However, what about the real interior of your home? What about the parts you don't see every day?

The type of piping that lies behind the walls and under the floors are critical choices that need to be considered as well, or it could cost you down the road.

How do you know which piping decisions are the right ones?

That's where Linthicum Plumbing and Drain Cleaning can help.

Here's some helpful information about common types of piping to help you make the best decision when selecting pipes for your home.

6 Plumbing Pipes to Consider:

Copper Pipes:

Traditional and frequently used, copper pipes can be found in older homes. Copper Pipes are reliable, durable and provide superior corrosion resistance (used since 1960's). These pipes handle acclimation and changing water temperatures well, but the risk of lead contamination is higher with copper pipes and can be quite expensive.

Stainless Steel Pipes: Clean, neat, pleasing aesthetic, but very expensive. Stainless steel pipes are great for coastal towns or other areas where corrosion is common, such as the Baltimore/Annapolis area. Stainless steel is sturdy yet rigid, which makes it versatile but difficult to install. Do not mistake stainless steel for galvanized steel.

PEX Piping:

Popular within residential homes and small businesses, PEX is plastic piping which requires minimal maintenance. The installation process is fast, making it the best pipe for water distribution inside a building. Its flexible nature helps keep it leak free. PEX Piping is best for inside or underground as UV rays can damage its plastic layer.

PVC Pipes:

PVC plumbing pipes are best for both cold and hot potable water as well as most sewage applications. These pipes vary in thickness and configuration depending on the application. PVC Pipes are often used for a home’s main water supply line and are ideal for sinks, toilets, and bathtub drain lines or vent stacks.

Brass Pipes:

Brass plumbing pipes are 67% to 85% copper which makes them excellent agents for high corrosion areas. Brass is a long-lasting material, resistant to rust on the interior and exterior wall. The frictionless movement inside of the pipes makes them great for larger distribution systems such as water tanks and wells.

Cast Iron Pipes:

Heavier than other pipes, cast iron pipes are incredibly durable, and excellent for high-pressure transmission of water, gas, and sewage. These pipes can build up waste and allow hydrogen sulfide gasses to develop. When this happens, the gasses begin to oxidize and form corrosive sulfuric acid, rusting the pipes from the inside out.

If you don't know what material, fit and function to take into consideration along with cost and installation, Linthicum Plumber can help you make the right decision for your home or business.