The more consideration you give to your pipes when you buy them, the better they’ll work and the longer they’ll last. You need to make sure you have the right type of pipes for your home and the right pipe brands. Here’s what you need to know about different pipe brands and materials.
Types of Pipes
When you think of home plumbing systems, you probably think copper pipes. Copper doesn’t corrode or degrade, which makes it safe for drinking water. It’s sturdy, durable, and it lasts a long time. The only drawback is that copper is very expensive. It’s also often a target of theft if a house is left vacant for a significant period of time.
Much more affordable are PVC and CPVC. PVC is the most common type of pipe in residential homes, and it is also made of material that doesn’t corrode or degrade. It’s great for drain lines, such as in sinks, toilets, showers, etc.
Unfortunately, while PVC is great for cold water, it doesn’t stand up well to heat. That’s where CPVC pipe comes in. It’s treated with chlorine to make it heat-resistant. It’s also insulated to reduce energy loss as hot water passes through it.
Finally, there’s PEX pipe. PEX is a flexible material that allows pipes to bend, so they can be fitted into spaces that might not be able to accommodate regular pipes. They’re particularly useful for retrofitting old houses or on remodeling jobs.
The Best Pipe Brands
Once you have an idea of what kind of pipes you want in your home, what pipe brands should you consider? Here are our top picks:
- General Electric. Best known for their electrical appliances, they also make quality plumbing fixtures.
- Gerber. Not the same as the baby-food company, Gerber Plumbing has been one of the top pipe brands since 1932.
- Moen. One of the most recognizable names in plumbing, Moen pipes and fixtures are among the best you can get.
For help picking the best pipe brands for your home, contact us at Mowery Heating, Cooling and Plumbing. We’re Indianapolis’ best source for quality home-comfort solutions.
