PEX
What is PEX?
PEX is a high-temperature flexible plastic pressure pipe with over 40 years of successful use in the European market, including extensive testing for durability and material performance.
PEX Advantages
-
Safety of potable water and long-term reliability
-
Resistance to corrosion, tuberculation, deposits
-
Chlorine and chloramine resistance
-
Flexibility to speed installations
-
Freeze-break resistance
-
Lightweight, easy to transport
-
Noise and water hammer resistance
-
No scrap value, avoiding job-site theft
-
Durability and toughness to survive job-site installations
-
No flame used for joining, with many fitting and joining options
Copper
Copper is a naturally corrosion-resistant metal, while galvanized steel will eventual leak and break because of corrosion damage. Although it is a durable metal (capable of withstanding 1,000 psi of pressure), copper is also lightweight, which makes it easier to work with (saving on labor costs) and also easier to extend over long stretches without supports. It’s also less expensive than steel and lead-free.
Copper is more environmentally friendly than plastic pipes because it consists of naturally occurring metal, whereas synthetic plastic creates a large amount of emissions during its manufacture.
CPVC
CPVC is used for many industrial and process piping applications. CPVC pipe is available in nominal sizes from 1/2" to 24" and is approved in all model plumbing and mechanical codes across the United States and Canada.
CPVC Advantages
-
Safety of potable water and long-term reliability
-
Resistance to corrosion, tuberculation, deposits
-
Chlorine and chloramine resistance
-
Lightweight, easy to transport
-
Available in wide range of sizes
-
Noise and water hammer resistance
-
No scrap value, avoiding job site theft
-
Durability and toughness to survive job site installations
-
No flame used for joining, solvent cement joints
-
Universal compatibility of pipes/fittings
-
Professional installed appearance
ABS
ABS Pipes Are Stronger
One of the benefits of ABS pipes compared to PVC pipes is that ABS pipes are stronger and more durable. This is important if you live in a cold weather environment. These types of pipes can withstand freezing temperatures without snapping or cracking better than PVC pipes can.
ABS Pipes Are Faster to Install
The other disadvantage to PVC pipes have compared to ABS Pipes is the installation time. ABS pipes are faster to install because they can adhere together in one step with a cement compound. PVC pipes must be primed before the cement can be applied, which adds another step and increases the amount of time the installation process takes.