Choosing pipe material for your sewer system in your new home, or upgrading materials in your existing home, involves careful evaluation of the options. Manufacturers today construct durable, high performance piping that can withstand the demands of your sewer system. Learn the key differentiators for PVC, copper and ABS, and then talk to your plumber to determine the best option for your home.
PVC
PVC, or Polyvinyl Chloride, piping is used in sewer systems, and does well withstanding cold and water plumbing fixture discharge. It has a long life span, usually suggested at 100 years, or even more. As such, PVC pipe is generally expected to last longer than most of the buildings in which it’s installed. The material is lightweight, so it’s easy to install and assemble, as it becomes very soft when primer and solvents are applied to seal the joints. Additionally, when it’s installed and sealed properly, the pipe performs well.
Copper
Copper pipe material for your sewer system is highly durable, as it resists corrosion well. In water supply pipes, it’s an ideal material because of its performance; however, it is a more costly than plastic types of pipes. The first kind of copper pipe, rigid copper offers three ranges of thickness, with its thinnest pipe often used in home sewer systems, while the thicker types are used in outdoor applications or for drainage systems. The other type, flexible copper is most often used indoors, for supply water piping with ice makers, dishwashers and so forth.
ABS
Short for Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene, ABS pipes are an ideal underground option, as they are designed to withstand a heavy load underneath soil or slabs without damage, like denting or cracking, especially in climates where temperatures can be cold. Further, Abs performs well in extremely warm temperatures, too. It’s slow to absorb heat, so the high temperature of water discharged by a clothes washer or dishwasher doesn’t affect it. It’s also resistant to many chemicals, and won’t corrode by elements in the ground, like salt or mineral acids. It’s a low-cost pipe material for your sewer system, as it doesn’t require a lot of time to rough in and it cements in one step.
When it comes to choosing pipe material for your sewer systems, it’s best to talk to a professional to determine the best option. PVC, copper and ABS piping are just a few of the more common pipe materials used for sewer systems. For answers to your questions, contact the Pink Plumber today.
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