Your home’s drain-waste-vent plumbing system features several kinds of pipes, and waste line piping is just one of them. In general, the drainpipes collect waste water from applications around the home, including appliances, showers and sinks. Then, the waste pipes usher that water and other elements (like solids from the toilet or detergents from appliances) out of the home, while the vent pipes allow for sewer gas removal and for air to help wastewater move freely through the system.
If you help with a plumbing job around the home and you’re not sure what kind of pipes you need, consult with an expert. Your plumber will know the local building codes that dictate the kinds of pipes you can use. Over the years, these codes have changed. If you have an older home, you may see a mix of pipes manufactured from cast iron, plastic, copper and galvanized pipe. Here are the general kinds of waste line piping from which you can select.
- Cast iron is very durable and highly sanitary material for use in the home. While once very popular for use in residential applications, the material is hard to cut. Today, most plumbers use PVC to replace waste line piping.
- Poly Vinyl Chloride (PVC) is generally the go-to material for waste line piping. It’s highly resistant to chemicals, it’s easy to cut and it resists heat, too. Using a chemical solvent and plastic fittings, your plumber can create a lasting seal where cuts need to be made.
- Chromed brass is an effective alternative to PVC piping in areas where the pipes are exposed. It has an enhanced visual appeal, and plumbers often use it for drains that are exposed.
While other piping materials are effective, they hold some drawbacks. For example, copper is a reliable material, but it’s costly. Galvanized steel was long used, but its lifetime is only about 40 years. Most plumbers choose PVC over galvanized steel for its extended life span.
Effective waste line piping must be large enough to accommodate the flow of waste water, along with solid material. The piping that your plumber will select must not only meet building code, but should be large enough in diameter to ensure accommodation of the materials that will pass through it. In general, piping should be 1 ¼ inches to 4 inches. For example, piping that carries waste from toilets is usually a 4-inch diameter pipe, whereas shower pipes are usually 2 inches in diameter.
If you’d like assistance with a piping job around your home, get expert help. For answers to your questions, contact the Pink Plumber today.
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