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Ways to Determine Plumbing Pipe Durability Prior to Installation

25 January 2018

Every modern home built in Melbourne have different types of piping materials, each used for specific purposes, such as for waste drainage, lawn irrigation, fresh water, and gas pipes for kitchen appliances and water heaters. If you need to install plumbing pipes in your home or business, the best way to determine their durability is to choose the right type of piping for the job.

Older residential and commercial buildings usually have galvanised pipes, cast iron pipes, and copper piping that make up their plumbing systems. Today’s buildings utilise plastic piping of various types and sizes throughout.

However, if you simply need to replace piping, it is best to use the same type of pipe you remove, unless your plumbing system has been upgraded and you want to make sure that the plumbing pipes you are planning to install are durable enough. In that case, it is always advisable to consult with a professional plumber before installing or replacing plumbing pipes in your home or business, as they will know the right kind of pipe to use to ensure its durability.

Understanding Piping Materials and Their Durability

Knowing what common types of pipes you have in your building will help you to determine their durability and in making an estimation of how long it will be before any repairs or maintenance needs to be done. Below are the most common types of plumbing pipes found in buildings:

Galvanized steel pipes – this was the standard type of pipes used before the 1980s. It is a durable type of pipe and is coated with zinc. However, these corrode over time and are the most common plumbing pipes that need to be replaced.

Copper pipes – these are still found in homes today, but are not used as much as they were a few decades ago, as various types of inexpensive plastic piping are now taking their place. Although, copper pipes do last a long time because they are less likely to corrode and leak.

Plastic plumbing pipes – ABS (Acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene), PVC (polyvinyl chloride), CPVC (Chlorinated polyvinyl chloride), and PEX (polyethylene). These are all used for cold water, but PEX pipes can be used to deliver hot water too and is now the preferred material to use instead of copper plumbing pipes.

The type of plumbing pipes used in buildings has changed over the years, and if you are concerned about the durability of your plumbing pipes before installation, it is advised to consult a professional plumber for help.

The Best Brand in Plumbing – G. Brand & Sons

For more information on our range of services, you are welcome to contact us by visiting our page at: https://gbrand.com.au/contact

Office: 63a Grange Rd Cheltenham VIC 3192
Phone: 0411 072 131
Email: bruce@gbrand.com.au
After Hours: 0411 072 132 or 0411 072 133

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