Plumbing pipes are used differently in building construction. Their use depends on the type of materials and the plumbing requirements of different areas in the property. Ideally, for small residential homes, the most common type of plumbing pipes are used for water delivery and waste water disposal. Some homes have heating systems that require a different set of pipes like gas pipes for natural gas powered heaters at home.

Other types of plumbing systems are the venting or drainage system and the stormwater or drainage system. Learn more about the different plumbing pipes used by construction plumbing contractors mentioned below:

PEX Pipes

PEX pipes are the most common type of plumbing pipe in construction plumbing for residential homes. They are usually used as water supply lines due to their reliable serviceability both for hot and cold water. It is also one of the most durable piping materials available in the market that does not leave traces of corrosion and rush into the water. The flexible material is easy to install and maneuvered compared to the more rigid and more affordable PVC pipe. It can be connected in different methods and works well with different types of plumbing tools.

PVC Pipes

Another affordable plumbing pipe that has low or has no risk for rusting and corrosion are PVC pipes. They are also used as water supply pipes but are most preferred for drain, waste and vent pipe use. The material is best suited for areas that can handle low-temperature and are exposed to low-pressure. It works well as a toilet drain line but is not advisable to be used for water supply lines that carry highly pressurised water. The smaller PVC pipes are commonly used for sink drains and plumbing vents to prevent air locks that are common with drainage pipes.

Copper Pipes

Copper pipes are also highly preferred for installing water supply lines in both residential and commercial properties. They are one of the most popular materials for pipes used in showers, tubs, sinks and other plumbing fixtures for both old and new residential properties. The material is one of the preferred construction plumbing materials because its material has properties that do not affect the quality of water that enters a property’s water supply. To completely enjoy the benefits of copper pipes in your home, have it installed by an experienced plumber to ensure proper sealing in connections and joints.

Galvanized Pipes

Water supply and drain lines of older residential and commercial properties are usually made up of galvanized plumbing pipes. Although they are not usually used in new home plumbing installations, there are still plenty of homes that have this type of plumbing pipe. It is one of the best options back when lead pipe was considered to be the best plumbing pipe material available for residential homes. Galvanized pipes are the go-to-type pipes back in the day because of their lead-free characteristics. However, these types of pipes can rust over time and are advised to be upgraded and replaced with plumbing pipes made from modern materials.

There are plenty of different types available for construction purposes. However, this generation currently uses PVC pipes more often than the other types of plumbing pipes available in the market. However, you should still seek advice from your trusted plumbing contractor when choosing the right type of brand for your plumbing requirements at home. Always go for a material with the best cost but the highest expected durability your budget can afford.

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Your plumbing system is a huge area in your home. Without it, it would be inconvenient to live and function on a day-to-day basis. It is one of the essential home systems that should be working properly at all times in your home.

As a homeowner, you should practice due diligence in paying attention to the plumbing issues that you have. Basic knowledge and repair skills ensure that your plumbing systems are handled with care. However, there are common questions in plumbing that require answers from a professional. Here are a few.

What keeps toilets from constantly running?

Your toilets are the mostly used areas in your home. In homes with single toilets catering for a huge household, runs and other toilet issues are very common. Most of the time, running toilets are caused by issues in the flapper. When the flapper does not close properly, worn out or not properly sealed, it will also cause water to leak into your toilet. The issue can be properly resolved with a visit from your trusted plumbers Rosebery professionals.

Can I throw anything down my garbage disposal?

As convenient as it may seem to push down all types of garbage into your garbage disposal, this is not a sound idea. Garbage disposals are designed to break down small and soft debris. Mashed potatoes and cooked carrots can easily go down your garbage disposals. However other items like coffee ground, bones, tissues and small toys can jam and clog your disposal. If possible, keep a trash bag or garbage can near your kitchen lavatories. Dispose your garbage in the trash can instead of throwing them down your garbage disposal.

Are chemical drain cleaners safe for my pipes?

Yes and no. Chemical drain cleaners are safe from some types of pipes while others are not. It depends on what type of material your pipes are made of. Most drain cleaners also feature warning labels. Some toxic chemicals that are used to clean the drains can cause irritation and fumes might be dangerous to kids and pets. Ideally, it would be best to manually remove clogs and blocks  in your drains rather than using a drain cleaner.

How can I prolong the life of my water heater?

Water heaters are essential luxuries that help households enjoy hot water on demand. Keeping these machines in top shape helps save thousands of dollars in repair and also helps you save in energy costs. If you experience running out of hot water frequently, have your water heaters checked immediately. Gas water heaters require extra attention. Only licensed gas fitters are allowed to handle repairs and maintenance for gas water systems.

What causes my drains to clog?

Clogs in drains are usually caused by foreign objects that have settled and stitched onto the pipe walls. Residues like soap and dirt, mixed with hair is pretty bad for toilet drains. It is recommended to be extra cautious on what goes down the drain to prevent future issues on draining water in your bathroom and kitchen sinks.

For any plumbing issue that you encounter at home, it would be best to talk and seek advice from your trusted local plumbing experts. They have the knowledge, tools and expertise that make them the best professionals to deal with both common and major plumbing issues in your homes.

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An HVAC system failure is one of the most frustrating occurrences a homeowner can face, largely because they may not know the right person to call. However, by simply spending a bit of time learning about what to look for in a contractor, things can actually go rather smoothly. Continue reading to gain some helpful insights.

An HVAC system is a really expensive investment. This is why you should do some browsing before purchasing your system. Try to find a good sale so you can get your system at a discount. Check out a couple of sites before making a decision. A great site to begin is www.energystar.gov.

One of the most important things to consider when purchasing a new heating and cooling system is the manufacturer’s warranty. Units come with a variety of warranties. Choose one with a long warranty for maximum long term savings. Generally, it is advised that homeowners should purchase the extended warranty if one is offered.

Whenever possible, try to shade the compressor unit outside. The air that’s in a place that is shaded is usually five to six degrees cooler than the surrounding air. Your air conditioning unit will be up to ten percent more efficient if it is properly shaded during the summer months.

To cut energy costs, you should service your cooling and heating system once a year at least. During the visit, the contractor will oil parts, inspect the motor and the freon levels. Small problems can occur in any of these areas and lead to serious issues if ignored for too long.

Try to stay away from HVAC contractors that ask for upfront payments before they are willing to get started on the work they were hired to do. In many cases, this means that they are more concerned about getting paid than they are about making sure the job is done well.

The energy efficiency of a unit should be taken into consideration when purchasing a new heating and cooling system. Although you should be concerned about the price of a unit, the efficiency of the unit will save you thousands over the lifetime of the heating and cooling system and should weigh heavily on your buying decision.

If you don’t want to install ductwork in your home, consider a mini-split system instead. They work form the outside in, allowing your whole home to cool without a central air conditioner. This allows you to enjoy all of your indoor space in a cool, comfortable way all summer long.

When dealing with HVAC contractors, make sure that you get everything in writing. While verbal contracts are legal in many places, it is usually very difficult to prove them. Having everything on paper is a great way to make sure that no ons is confused about any aspect of the process.

It is tough to deny the fact that a failed HVAC system can wreak havoc in the life of any homeowner, particularly during times of extreme weather. Fortunately, there are things that can be done to mitigate the frustration experienced during such events. Using the advice presented above is a great way to stay prepared.

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