Which Plumbing Pipe is Best

When it comes to plumbing materials, there are many on the market to choose from, but one of the most common questions our plumbers in Sheffield get is which pipe is the best to use? Well, the most common plumbing pipe materials you will come across are copper and PVC. In early years, lead was also used, however it is widely accepted that is harmful to health!

Copper

Copper Piping has been around for some time – since the 1960s and it is still very popular today. It is used in domestic and commercial hot wat cold water systems, and it is a very durable material. In fact, it is not uncommon for copper to last many decades when installed by plumbers Sheffield. Copper is a great material for water as it can resist changes to temperature, it helps to prevent water from being contaminated, resists corrosion and can be recycled. Unfortunately, copper is an expensive metal that is attractive to thieves when exposed. It is also not the friendliest to our environment as it does require mining.

Before you consider the pipe material, Plumbers Sheffield strongly recommend that you consider the layout of your plumbing pipework to try and minimise the total piping that is required. Careful planning of your sinks, baths, toilets, and taps will help to save you money and minimise the chances of leaks. 

Be aware that not all copper pipe is the same. Some copper pipe has thinner walls - type (M), whereas the thickest walls are with the ‘Type K’ copper pipes which are commonly used for underground applications.

Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)

Most people know what PVC is. It is the plastic that is commonly used for building products today such as window frames, fascia and soffit boards, doors, and many other things. It is also commonly used for plumbing applications such as Waste that is carried from sinks, toilets and baths are often made from PVC. In addition, PVC can be used for heating pipes.

As with copper there are pros and cons to the use of PVC pipes.

Pros – PVC does not rust or corrode, it is low in cost, easy to cut and install, durable, and resistant to water pressure changes.

Cons – use of plastic can be harmful to the environment, PVC can deteriorate if exposed to UV rays which limits its external applications and PVC is not used for the supply of fresh water due to  the risk chemical compounds within the pipe leaching into the water.

Conclusion

Choosing the right plumbing pipe for your installation is important and at plumbers Sheffield we make sure to advise customers on the right material depending on the application. If you have the budget available, copper is probably the best material to use due to its longevity and application for the supply of fresh drinking water. If time is not on your side and you need a cheap quick fix, then PVC can be a great alternative to copper, particularly in heating applications. For the right solution, we recommend getting in touch with our plumbers in Sheffield who will be able to advise on the best material to use for your installation.