Troubleshooting Guide for Water Pipes: CPVC or PEX? 

Even the most wonderful experiences come to an end. The plumbing in your house is no different. Over the course of their lifespan, your metal pipes will rust, corrode, and disintegrate ultimately. It’s crucial to know when the pipes in your home will need to be replaced because repairing water pipes is a challenging procedure.

Although every domestic plumbing system needs regular maintenance and inspections, pipes in homes older than sixty years have a higher chance of damage. You should routinely do the task of checking your pipes once a year for signs of wear and tear or other anomalies, such as discoloration or flaking. Watch out for leaks and observe the color of your water. Every property should obviously have its pipes inspected for deterioration, but older homes are the most at risk.

Do you need assistance fixing damaged or leaking pipes or need a plumber in Passaic? Call https://passaicnjplumbers.com/ at (973) 601-5593 if you need assistance right away. It can be difficult and complicated to replace the water pipes. Learn the cost of replacing your home’s pipes as well as whether PEX or CPVC should be considered for use in the construction of new pipes.

What Does “PEX Pipe” Mean?

PEX is a totally original acronym because none of the letters in it stand for specific nouns. In PEX, the letter “X” stands for cross-linked, while the letters “P” and “E” stand for polyethylene. Cross-linked polyethylene has a strong yet flexible molecular structure that can withstand high temperatures and pressures. PEX is a great option for building supply lines for both hot and cold water because of its high durability. The sizes of PEX pipes differ greatly, from 1/4 inch all the way up to 4 inches.

Benefits of PEX Pipe

Compared to pipes composed of other materials, including copper or CPVC, PEX pipe is more flexible, making installation generally less difficult. There are times when installing PEX pipes inside of structures without first drilling holes to make place for them is conceivable due to the flexibility of the pipes. The water supply line alternative that makes the least amount of noise and never causes water hammer sounds inside the house is PEX pipes. In addition to having excellent heat resistance and being long-lasting, PEX pipes do not corrode, unlike metal pipes.

Drawbacks of PEX Pipe 

PEX pipes can only be installed in locations that are absolutely free of any possibility of exposure to dangerous chemicals, extreme heat, or ultraviolet light. These circumstances may cause the degradation of PEX material to occur more quickly than typical.

What Kind of Pipe is CPVC?

Chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC) pipes are tough and long-lasting. The material that came before it, PVC, is something that more people are familiar with. CPVC pipe is less likely to liquefy when exposed to hot water because it contains more chlorine than other types of pipe. For CPVC pipe, there is a wide range of sizes available, starting at 1/2 inch and going all the way up to 2 inches.

Benefits of CPVC Pipe 

CPVC pipes can withstand high temperatures better than PVC or PEX pipes (up to 200 degrees Fahrenheit vs. 140 degrees Fahrenheit). It is best suited for use in the distribution of domestic water because it has more joint strength than PVC and copper pipes and greater corrosion resistance than metal pipes. Additionally, the noise produced by water hammers is almost completely eliminated by CPVC.

Drawbacks of CPVC Pipe

There are certain disadvantages to using a CPVC pipe. Some disadvantages of installing CPVC pipe include the following:

  • Numerous hydrocarbon-based chemicals that are insoluble in water, such as those found in cosmetics and household cleaning supplies, are not resistant to CPVC. These substances fall into both of these groups.
  • Compared to CPVC, copper pipe is capable of withstanding temperatures up to several thousand degrees Fahrenheit higher.
  • The use of CPVC in situations with large temperature changes is not advised due to the material’s high thermal expansion coefficient.
  • When it comes to piping, CPVC is one of the priciest options available.

Why Shouldn’t I Rely on Copper Pipes?

Copper pipes have been used in home buildings for the past 100 years. Contrarily, PEX and CPVC pipes have a number of features that set them apart from copper pipes. Numerous problems, such as corrosion and pinhole leaks, can affect copper pipes. Their soldered joints have a tendency to leak when subjected to high temperatures. Copper pipes will cause a loss of heat energy unless they are given insulating coverings. If the proper insulation is not present around them and in certain circumstances, condensation is something that can happen to things. A homeowner that installs copper pipes throughout their entire house may also face extraordinarily expensive payments due to the unpredictability of copper’s price.

How Much Does It Usually Cost to Replace Every Pipe in a House?

A number of variables, including the following, affect how much it costs to repipe a home:

  • The house’s proportions.
  • the number of water-intensive appliances and plumbing fixtures you have in your home, such as sinks, toilets, and shower/tub combinations.
  • how well the pipes are functioning right now.
  • both how simple the existing pipe infrastructure is to access and how complicated it is.
  • The pipes that were selected ranged in type (copper is the most expensive option).

Pipe Replacement Service in Passaic

Your nearby CBJ Passaic Plumbers can repipe a full home or only replace a single pipe. Additionally, we are equipped with the gear needed to fix frozen pipes and plumbing problems. For assistance with any of your water pipe needs, contact us at (973) 601-5593 right away. Online work estimates are also available.