Which Plumbing Materials Are Best for Your Remodeling Project?

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If you are adding or renovating a bathroom, the type of plumbing materials that you will need to use is very important. A plumbing company in Manitoba will tell you that the materials that are best for your individual project depend on many factors including the area in which you live, where the bathroom is located in you home and the age of your home. 

With many different types of plumbing supplies to choose from like PVC, galvanized iron or copper, knowing which one is best can save you heartache down the road as well as money on your home improvement project. 

If the plumbing itself will be a part of the bathroom design, meaning that it will be exposed for aesthetic, then you are going to want to choose materials that match your design goals. If you are just replacing plumbing to hold up better and to be less of a risk for your home, the look of the replacements won’t matter as much. 

When possible, if you have old pipes that you can access while renovating, it is a good idea to replace them with new ones instead of ignoring them and risking having to open the walls back up in the future. 

A bathroom renovation can be an expensive proposition, so when you can cut costs, it is a good idea to do so. But, don’t ever save pennies by spending dollars on cheap materials that won’t hold up to the wear and tear that they have to endure. 

Plastic Pipe 

The advantages of plastic pipe, PVC, ABS, CPVC or PE piping is that it is lightweight and one of the most inexpensive materials that you can use for your bathroom renovation. Polybutylene is also an option, in some jurisdictions, but some local building codes do not allow it. 

PVC is probably the best option because it is lightweight, flexible, and it does not chemically change over time, posing no hazard to your health. It is considered a better product than ABS because it can meet all building codes for those pipes that reside above ground. Both options are best used for drain-waste-venting in things like plastic drain pipe, sink traps and bathroom sink plumbing. 

CPVC is also a great material that can hold up to high pressures and temperatures and is best used for plumbing fixtures that need supply lines. 

Copper Pipe 

Considered one of the best materials to use for your interior water supply needs, copper maintains its reputation for good reason. It can be both flexible and rigid. It’s a popular choice for many regions because it is corrosive resistant and has sweat-soldered joints that are highly durable. 

Local codes usually insist on the rigid copper pipe for water supply systems that are both Type M, Type L, and Type K. Type M is inexpensive and thin and is a great choice for the person who wants a do-it-yourself project. 

Type L is much stronger and is easily soldered, but usually takes a contracted plumber to install. Type K is the thickest of the three, and it is best used for underground water supply lines. 

Galvanized Iron Pipe 

Galvanized iron pipe is usually found in older homes. It is not recommended because it is corrosive and can require early replacement. If you find it when you are renovating, it might behoove you to redo it while it is exposed or easily accessible. You should consider putting in a material that has longer longevity and won’t rust. 

Cast Iron Pipe 

Cast iron pipe is usually not found in bathrooms these days. Although strong, it needs to to be pieced together and the fittings can begin to leak and lead to rusty pipes. If you come across cast iron when redoing your bathroom, it is best to replace the plumbing while it is exposed, so that you don’t have to worry about leaky or rusty pipes. The same could be said of stainless steel vs aluminum metal choices.

Conclusion

If you are renovating a bathroom before repainting, it is best to find the material that will last longest and will be safest for your family and your home. If you come across old materials while renovating, consider updating them instead of putting a band-aid on, or it could cause you issues down the road. 

The fact is, finicky plumbing isn’t something to play with. If your plumbing is outdated, it will cause problems later. Don’t take that chance and risk harming your water supply or sewage system!


I hope you enjoyed this blog post about which plumbing materials and pipes are best for your home remodeling project.

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