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    • Bathroom Plumbing
  • Commercial Plumbing
    • Grease Pipe Cleaning
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Plumbing Pipes – Examine Your Choices and Options

May 15, 2014 by Mike Smith

Plumbing Pipes – What Are Your Choices And Options?

There are many different types of pipes used in plumbing. Whether you’re planning to do that re-piping job yourself or you’re going to engage the services of a licensed plumbing contractor, you need to know about the different options you have when it comes to selection of plumbing pipes. Here is an overview of the options you can choose.

ABS
Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) piping is not expensive and is easy to find. Plumbers and do-it-yourselfers often choose ABS piping for residential drain lines and vent lines. ABS pipes can be used for underground pipes and also work above ground. They can be used for outdoor or indoor applications. If you install ABS piping outside, you will need to protect the pipes against Ultra Violet (UV) radiation. You should check your local building code for installation guidelines using ABS piping outdoors. You can cut and glue ABS pipes just like PVC pipes, but be warned – the glue you use must specifically state that it is designed specifically for ABS pipes, because glue used for PVC pipes will not glue ABS pipes.

Black Iron Pipe
For many years, black iron pipe was the most common type of pipe used for gas and fittings. Black iron pipe is commonly used for running a gas line in installations which are above ground. In order to install gas pipe, you will need to cut, ream and thread the pipes. Black iron pipe usually costs less than most other types of gas pipe, but these savings can be offset by increased costs because of the time necessary to cut the pipes, thread them and install them correctly.

Copper Pipe
Copper pipe is commonly used to run hot and cold water through the house. It is also commonly used for refrigerant lines in HVAC systems. You can use copper piping for underground and above-ground applications, but if you use copper pipe underground, make sure you sleeve the pipes because some soils can affect copper. With the recent increase in the price of copper, and the longer labor time it takes to install copper piping, consumers and contractors alike have been moving into PEX piping for water distribution. Copper piping is available in several different thicknesses, labeled M, L, and K, with M being the thinnest grade. You connect copper pipes to the fittings using solder.

CPVC
Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride (CPVC) pipe can withstand temperatures of about 180 degrees. CPVC pipes are great for distributing hot and cold water inside a house. CPVC pipes have the same exterior diameter as copper and PEX pipes. This means that push fit fittings such as SharkBite, which fit PEX and copper pipes, can also be used to fit CPVC piping. CPVC and PVC pipes require the use of a primer and glue to make secure joints. Be sure to check that the glue you are using is appropriate for use with CPVC. Glue that can be used with CPVC is often colored orange to differentiate it from other glues which are not suitable for use with CPVC pipes.

CSST or Stainless Steel
When you need to install rigid gas tubing, corrugated stainless steel tubing (CSST) is ideal for any location. CSST tubing, being stainless, lasts a long time and is not usually subject to degradation by soils or water.

Galvanized Pipe
A steel or iron pipe which is coated with zinc is called galvanized pipe. The zinc coating prevents water from damaging or corroding the pipe. However, a lot of work goes into the process – you have to do extensive threading and cutting to install galvanized pipe, so it is no longer used as extensively in homes these days. Galvanized pipe is safe for transporting drinking water, and is still often used to distribute water in larger commercial applications. If your house was built before the 1970s and has not been re-piped, your water lines are probably the galvanized type.

PEX
PEX stands for cross-linked polyethylene (XLPEl) but is more commonly called PEX. This type of pipe is commonly used to transport hot and cold water in homes. It is also used as hydronic heating because of its ability to resist both cold and hot temperatures. PEX piping is in wide use today because it is inexpensive, easy to use, and comes in long, convenient rolls. You can joint PEX pipes in a number of different ways: to secure the joints, you can use push fit fittings as well as specialty PEX tools and crimp rings.

Polyethylene Gas Pipe
Poly pipe is commonly used for underground gas line installations, mainly because of its resistance to harsh corrosive environments. Polyethylene pipe comes in long rolls and in a wide variety of sizes, meeting almost every need. This type of pipe is usually installed underground and it has metal transition fittings which raise it aboveground.

PVC
PolyVinyl Chloride (PVC) pipe is used in a large number of plumbing applications including drainage pipe and water mains. PVC pipe is found in irrigation piping, home plumbing, and is often used in commercial and large residential buildings. You will also find PVC piping in pools and spa systems. PVC pipe is usually colored white, but it also comes in many other colors, each color being for a different type of use. There are also markings on PVC pipes telling you what type of application that particular pipe is used for. PVC pipes marked with black lettering is commonly used for reclaimed water. You can also get PVC pipes in a variety of thicknesses called “schedules”, with Schedule 40 most commonly used for water distribution.

If you are intending to use PVC pipes for both potable (drinkable) and non-potable water in the same building, the different pipes must always be clearly labeled. To join PVC pipes, you must use a primer which softens the plastic and then apply a PVC glue that will melt together the joints and the pipe. PVC pipe can also be used for sewer piping in the same manner as ABS pipe. To use a PVC pipe for a drain, you must use a PVC pipe that is specifically designed for use as a drain pipe. This means it must have the correct sweeps to allow correct drainage. These angles are very different from the tees and sharp elbows found in PVC water pipe. PVC drain pipe is usually lighter than ABS pipes or PVC pipes used for water.

Filed Under: Blog, Tips

Tankless Water Heater: Should You Really Have One

Tankless Water Heater: Should You Really Have One?

We underestimate sometimes the amount of luxury the modern age brings us with things like having hot water available at all times. So, naturally, when we face a water heater problem we start looking at the best possible solution that will last a long time. Knowing that the average water heater will last you a […]

Read More
November 3, 2020
Mike Smith

Types of plumbig pipe found in home

Types of plumbing pipe found in homes

In the ancient Greek, pipes were created using clay and the finished product were used to transport sewage and stream water. And today in the modern world, you can find different materials that are utilized to make pipes. These materials are PVC, PEX, galvanized, copper, and ABS. The pipes are used to supply cold or […]

Read More
August 27, 2020
Mike Smith

How to unclog sewer line in just 4 easy steps

How To Unclog a Sewer Line in Just 4 Easy Steps

For many homes in Los Angeles, sewer lines have the biggest potential to cause major plumbing problems. Although necessary in any LA residential and commercial property, if they are old and neglected, they become a weak link for the owner and residents. Not counting the most serious scenarios like pipe breakage and damages caused by […]

Read More
August 10, 2020
Mike Smith

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    Tankless Water Heater: Should You Really Have One

    Tankless Water Heater: Should You Really Have One?

    November 3, 2020
    No comments
    By: Mike Smith

    We underestimate sometimes the amount of luxury the modern age brings us with things like having hot water available at all times. So, naturally, when we face a water heater problem we start looking at the best possible solution that will last a long time. Knowing that the average water heater will last you a […]

    Read More...
    Types of plumbig pipe found in home

    Types of plumbing pipe found in homes

    August 27, 2020
    No comments
    By: Mike Smith

    In the ancient Greek, pipes were created using clay and the finished product were used to transport sewage and stream water. And today in the modern world, you can find different materials that are utilized to make pipes. These materials are PVC, PEX, galvanized, copper, and ABS. The pipes are used to supply cold or […]

    Read More...
    How to unclog sewer line in just 4 easy steps

    How To Unclog a Sewer Line in Just 4 Easy Steps

    August 10, 2020
    No comments
    By: Mike Smith

    For many homes in Los Angeles, sewer lines have the biggest potential to cause major plumbing problems. Although necessary in any LA residential and commercial property, if they are old and neglected, they become a weak link for the owner and residents. Not counting the most serious scenarios like pipe breakage and damages caused by […]

    Read More...

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    5 stars for these guys for sure. I was in disaster mode and they came to the rescue. You never realize how much you take for granted your plumbing working until something goes wrong. Thanks gang! You are the best.
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    When I look at an establishment and they have all five star reviews I get pretty skeptical. Well, I called mr speedy on a Sunday at 12 noon. They called back within 5 minutes and said someone would be out within the hour. I almost broke into laughter when he said that. Not only were they out within an hour, it was less than 40 minutes. They did a fantastic job clearing my main line clog. Work was done quickly and with great care. I also felt the rates were more than reasonable for a Sunday service call. I actually had one company tell me they could come on Tuesday. Really, two days later? I am a customer for life now. You guys have saved the day. Thanks again
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    Mr. Speedy Plumbing is amazing. I had walked into my only bathroom and it was stopped up. It had been having problems and I had tried to get my landlord to fix it and each time they came, it never worked. I decided to take the matter into my own hand. I called Mr. Speedy. The service over the phone was great and they sent somebody over very quickly. Upon arrival, they asked me a few questions about my issues, looked over everything and FIXED IT! It was so easy and everyone was so friendly. The service is quick and easy. VERY highly recommend Mr. Speedy!
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    Best plumbing service ever! = ) I had a clogged kitchen sink since Monday, after reading a couple of DIY tips online, I gave up...Because it did not help, I started searching for plumbers in los angeles and after calling a few plumbing companies. I found Mr. Speedy Plumbing, I called and explained my issue to Fred, who was eager to listen carefully to see what was the issue. Fred dispatched one of his best plumbers "Raphael", he arrived on time, very professional, efficient and did an amazing job by unclogging the kitchen sink. Raphael your the "BEST" freeing me from the headaches I was dealing with. I would definitely recommend Mr. Speedy Pluming & Root Inc.
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    Had an outside garden house valve burst off from the pipe and water came gushing out. Once the water was turned off, I needed someone there on a Sunday at 11 am. Fred was able to get someone out there in about 30 minutes and everywhere else I called was either closed or booked. He did a great job and for a great price! I would definitely call him again for all my needs!
    Fufu Finju
    Fufu Finju
    00:36 22 Feb 16
    When I look at an establishment and they have all five star reviews I get pretty skeptical. Well, I called mr speedy on a Sunday at 12 noon. They called back within 5 minutes and said someone would be out within the hour. I almost broke into laughter when he said that. Not only were they out within an hour, it was less than 40 minutes. They did a fantastic job clearing my main line clog. Work was done quickly and with great care. I also felt the rates were more than reasonable for a Sunday service call. I actually had one company tell me they could come on Tuesday. Really, two days later? I am a customer for life now. You guys have saved the day. Thanks again
    Dj Powell
    Dj Powell
    08:40 23 Apr 16
    5 stars for these guys for sure. I was in disaster mode and they came to the rescue. You never realize how much you take for granted your plumbing working until something goes wrong. Thanks gang! You are the best.
    Matt Willson
    Matt Willson
    05:17 28 Mar 15
    We started using Mr. Speedy plumbing a year ago, a friend had recommended them. I like their professionalism and attention to every detail. Like a lot of people in Los Angeles, our plumbing is old, out dated and needs a lot of care. We have called on these guys day and night, weekday and weekends, no matter what time or what emergency, they were there and didn't leave until the job was done. Small or large jobs were completed on time with great care.
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    Michael Kalas
    07:53 19 Jan 16
    fast to arrive. fast to fix the problem. no hastle.
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