The importance of the plumbing system in a house cannot be overemphasized. It is the system through which clean water is delivered to your house. Plumbing also helps with ensuring that the dirty water effectively gets out of your Madison, IL home. Therefore, whether you are building a new house or remodeling an old one, it is wise for you to be very careful when choosing the right type of piping for your plumbing system. Should you go for copper or plastic pipes? Below is a discussion about their pros and cons that should guide you in making the right decision.
Pros and Cons of Copper Pipes
Copper pipes are the conservative choice for plumbing. Plumbers like them because they give them the flexibility of switching out parts. Some of its benefits include durability, resistance to corrosion, and strength. For instance, a copper pipe is durable and is known to last longer than plastic pipes. Besides, they have the strength to resist high levels of pressure and they can even handle heat without losing their strength.
Although copper pipes have been a leading choice for plumbing for many years, they are associated with several demerits. For instance, they are less flexible and more expensive compared to plastic pipes. Besides, they are subject to bursting when water freezes and they do not resist sweating.
Pros and Cons Plastic Pipes
Plastic pipes have been growing in popularity. They are known for their flexibility. Some of their pros include affordability, resistance to corrosion, simple install options, and low noise emission. For instance, plastic resists many halogens and acids. Besides, if you pick the right material, plastic can carry hot water and there won’t be significant heat loss since plastic does not allow heat conduction.
However, plastic also comes with some demerits. For instance, they have a shorter lifespan compared to copper pipes. Besides, they can be damaged by UV light, and therefore, they are not suitable for outdoor use. Furthermore, they are not as strong as copper, meaning that they may need support.
The Takeaway
Overall, it is apparent that when it comes to choosing the right type of plumbing for your Madison, IL home, there are many factors that you have to consider. Whether you should go for plastic or copper pipes depends on factors such as the temperature of the water they will be carrying, and the pipes will be installed outside or inside your house.
