Plumbing is one of the most important systems in our house, providing clean water for daily use and safely carrying away waste. The quality and durability the materials used in plumbing can have a strong impact on the overall safety of the home.
During modern plumbing materials are designed to last for years, there are many types of plumbing systems that are no longer suggested for housing use due to their directions to cause leaks or health risk. In this article, we will research the types of plumbing materials that are not good for homes and why they should be avoided.
Zinc Coated Steel Pipes:
Zinc coated steel pipes were very popular in the past, but nowadays, they are not suggested for use. These pipes come with a zinc coating that block the steel from rusting, but over time, this coating wears off.
When these pipes become old, they are exposed to rust, which slows down the flow of water. Such pipes also effect the water quality and can create health risks.
Polybutylene Pipes:
Polybutylene Pipes, made from an artificial plastic material, were commonly used from the 1970s to the 1990s. Still, these pipes have very low durability. Over time, they breakdown, especially when they connect with chlorine or other chemicals in the water.
As a results, these pieces can crack and start leaking. If you have polybutylene Pipes in your home, they could aspect a risk, and its important to replace them.
Lead Pipes:
Lead pipes were once commonly used in many homes, but nowadays they are completely avoided. Lead is a toxic metal that is very dangerous to human health. If you have lead pipes in your home, they can pollute the water, leading to lead poisoning.
Lead poisoning can cause many health problems, including kidney damage, nervous system issues and progressive problems. Therefore, it is very important to replace lead pipes.
Orangeburg Pipes:
Orangeburg pipes are a type of fiber pipe that were used from the 1940s to 1970s. These pipes are made from fiberboard and blacktop, materials that are not very durable. Over time, these pipes can crash.
These pipes were used underground, but they can cause leakage and blockages. If you have these pipes on your home, it is important to replace them soon, as they clearly effect the continuity of the plumbing system.
PVC Pipes For Home Water Lines:
PVC Pipes, made from polyvinyl chloride, are mostly used for cold water lines. They are very affordable and easy to fix, but they can not handle high temperatures.
If you use PVC pipes for hot water lines, they may melt or wrap over time, leading to leakage or damage. Therefore, PVC pipes should only be used for cold water lines, and copper pipes are a safer option for hot water lines.
Cast Iron Pipes:
Cast iron pipes are very popular in the past, but their use has clearly fell nowadays. These pipes are heavy and weak, and over time, they become susceptible to rust.
Cast iron pipes also have a limited lifespans and can easily crack. If you have cast iron pipes in your home, it is very important to replace them, as these pipes can cause blockages and leaks in the plumbing system.
Asbestos Cement Pipes:
Asbestos cement pipes were also used for some time, but they are now avoided because asbestos is very harmful for health.
If asbestos cement pipes are broken, dangerous fibers can spread in the air, which can damage the lungs. This material is now very limited in use in the plumbing industry and is completely banned nowadays.
Uncoated Cooper pipes:
Cooper pipes are very popular and durable, but if they do not receive proper coating, they can also become weak to rust over time. Uncoated cooper pipes have a shorter lifetime and can rust quickly. If you are using cooper pipes, make sure they have proper coating to protect they remain effective for a longer period.
Cheap Quality Flexible PEX Tubing:
PEX tubing is very popular, but if you use cheap quality PEX tubing, it can prove to be dangerous for you plumbing system.
Cheap PEX pipes can develop cracks or leaks over time. Therefore, it is important to always use high quality PEX tubing that is more durable and can handle temperature changes.
Improperly Installed Plumbing Materials:
The installation of plumbing is just as important as the selection of materials. If the plumbing system is installed incorrectly, even if you have used the best materials, you may still face problems. Incompatibility, improper fittings or incorrect pipe connections can cause leaks or blockages. Therefore, it is very important to have plumbing installation done by a professional plumber.
Improper Pipe Sizing:
Improper Pipe Sizing is a problem commonly seen in many homes. If the size of plumbing pipes is incorrect, such as being too thin or too thick, it can cause issues with water pressure and flow. If the pipes are to thin, the water flow can become slow, while if the pipes are too thick, the plumbing system can become unskilled and expensive. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to pipe sizing to protect the system works properly.
Conclusion:
Some times of plumbing are not suitable for homes as they can cause issues in the long term. The use of old and poor quality pipes, such as lead or zinc coated steel pipes, should be avoided in home plumbing systems.
Lead pipes are very harmful to health because they can release toxic metals into the water, which can damage human health. Additionally, zinc coated steel pipes do not last long and are likely to rusting, which also effects the quality of water.
CPVC (chlorinated polyvinyl chloride) and PVC pipes are also require special care. If these pipes are not installed correctly or are used for high temperature water, they can leak. In modern homes, PEX pipes are considered more reliable and durable. They are rust free and easier to install.
Therefore, to keep the plumbing system in a home durable and safe, it is essential to always use quality materials and replace old plumbing systems in time.
