Types of Pipe

[bubblegummom]

We have a fresh water pipe leaking in the basement (plumber told us how to put on a pipe repair clamp till he could get here) and we might have to have at least the one pipe replaced. The plumber says he would replace it with copper, but I've seen some posts in some groups by people saying their copper pipes have developed pinholes in just a few years.

Ours is currently is galvanized, I guess.

I have heard that PVC (CPVC?) and PEX have chemicals that can cause cancer.

Can you guys give me some perspective on pipe materials? Don’t they make galvanized any more?

Loretta

[HayZee518]

galvanized is not the plumbing of choice - galvanized is a piece of metal pipe coated with molten zinc both inside and out. copper pipe is preferred over the other types of plumbing pipe. two types of copper is supplied type L and type M. both are made of copper - one has a heavier wall than the other and twice as expensive. PVC is plastic CPVC is Chlorinated Polyvynil Chloride. PEX for a main line I would not use. Nowadays what doesn't cause cancer? Anyway you are looking at a long, long time for anything to cause cancer - it won't happen overnight. Copper pipe or "tubing" is soldered with a no lead solder.

[pushkins]

I agree with HayZee, if the plumber offers copper pipe at a reasonable price then have him install copper. If it's a huge difference between the copper and PEX then go the PEX over CPVC. (the one big thing I really like about PEX is it's ability to withstand freezing, it just sort of swells up like a snake that's just eaten) then goes back down as it thaws.

[bubblegummom]

HayZee and Pushkins,

Thank you for the info and advice! It's so good of you to take the time to help the confused like me!

Loretta

[Redwood]

I would consider copper, PEX, And CPVC all good materials for repiping a house.

However, Given that you are posting from a frozen northern part of the US I would shy away from CPVC as it suffers terrible damage when it freezes.

If your area has aggressive water conditions I would favor PEX.

IMHO if agressive wate is not a factor copper is the best material but, it also has the highest price tag and would require more wall and ceiling openings than a PEX repipe.

[bubblegummom]

Thank you!