The Best Plumbing Fittings and Pipes that you Should Buy
Plumbing fittings pipes build from different materials like Brass, Cast Iron, Copper, Galvanized, PEX, PVC, and Stainless Steel. While choosing plumbing installations in buildings, knowing these materials is not enough. Despite this, selecting the right pipe fittings of genuine quality material is worth it.
This article sums up the details regarding good Plumbing Fittings and Pipes that one should install for reliable tubing systems.
1. Copper Pipes
Among various types of plumbing pipes and fittings, copper is the most durable material of the time. Conventionally it has been used since the 1960s in Pakistan. The reason behind its various use cases is its valuable outcomes. Pipes and fittings through copper are tempting for thieves when exposed. In addition, the solidity of copper pipes reflects high cost due to additional fitting requirements. And this is the reason why most people avoid investing in it. However, investing in copper is worthy as it is durable and requires low maintenance.
Let us see some plus and minus points of copper fittings.
(+) resistant to leaks; tolerate heat (+) does not pollute water (+) recyclable (+) corrosion-resistant | (-) cause environmental damage (-) expensive enough |
Copper fitting applications: Commercial and residential plumbing, HVAC systems, & potable water.
2. Pvc (Polyvinyl Chloride Piping)
Plastic pipe fittings with PVC come in two different sizes. One is schedule 40 PVC, which has thin walls and low price. Another is schedule 80 PVC, which has a thick wall and is more expensive & more durable.
Let us see some plus and minus points about PVC.
(+) resistant to rust and corrosion (+) easy installation, no welding or metalwork (+) versatile: multiple sizes and fittings | (-) not for hot water (-) not exposable to sunlight (-) non-recyclable |
PVC fitting applications: Indoor and underground plumbing, potable water, vent stacks, high-pressure piping, and storm drainage systems.
3. Cpvc (Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride Piping)
When PVC pipe fittings contain a higher content of chlorine, it is cPVC. Unlike PVC, this material is best for hot water and portable water supply. In addition, cPVC is smooth while installation and does not produce noise during water flow. The best aspect about uPVC is energy loss prevention and fire-resistant.
Here are some supporting points about cPVC – you should know.
(+) durable (+) fire resistant (+) energy loss prevention (+) nonconductive | (-) splits when frozen (-) expensive (-) highly polluted manufacturing |
CPVC fitting applications: hot and cold water drains and supplies, and disposal pipes.
4. Pex (Cross-linked Polyethylene Piping)
Pex is the biggest innovation in the plumbing fittings industry. The basic building block of PEX was its flexibility. Today, its flexibility is similar to the hose that bends around obstructions and edges. Besides flexibility, PEX is best for compression fittings, which does not require glue during installation. Due to the compressibility in PEX, it requires low maintenance.
Let us see some plus and minus points about PEX.
(+) versatile (+) nonconductive (+) heat and freeze resistant | (-) water contamination (-) requires special tools for installation (-) not for outdoors |
Pex fitting applications: new homes, remodeling, low air circulation zones.
5. Stainless Steel Fittings
Stainless steel pipes and fittings are hardwearing but very luxurious, even more than copper pipes. We can use them in prone areas to erosion, such as coastal atmospheres. Besides use cases, they look very neat once installed.
Let us see some plus and minus points about stainless steel.
(+) versatile (+) flexible (+) corrosion free (+) good for outdoors | (-) requires special tools for installation |
Stainless steel applications: kitchen sinks, cutlery, cookware, surgical tools and implants, and medical equipment, bridges building, monuments and sculptures construction, and automotive and aerospace manufacturing.
6. Brass Pipe Fittings
We use brass pipes for plumbing installations for a long span, even more durability than copper. When using this material, a critical requirement is guaranteeing that the alloy does not hold lead. Red brass pipe is the best option for various buildings since it contains a high extent of copper material.
(+) highly resistant to corrosion (+) heat resistant (+) soft material, which allows tight seals (+) physical properties similar to copper (+) long service life | (-) may contain lead |
Brass fitting applications: water removal drains, water supply lines, pump fittings, water tanks, and wells.
Conclusion
There are various types of plumbing pipes and fittings available in the market. While choosing the best plastic pipe fittings, ensure the ability to fit lines, which can stand with high temperatures. Besides this, you should also consider the power of pipe fitting material could remain intact even under extreme pressure. The best piping material is the one that does not cause any damage to the environment including lives.
Finally, research the right fittings and pipes. Choose among top PVC pipe manufacturers in Pakistan and compare them. Once compared, you are good to go…