<img height="1" width="1" style="display:none" src="https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=917864445612444&amp;ev=PageView&amp;noscript=1">
Choose your location:
Choosing Plumbing Pipe Material Effectively
By: FlowGuard EMEA on 22-ene-2025 10:02:31
Print/Save as PDF
Share

Choosing Plumbing Pipe Material Effectively

  • The choice of plumbing pipe material greatly impacts water quality and long-term safety.

  • Common plumbing materials, copper, PPR, PEX, and FlowGuard CPVC vary in terms of efficiency and safety.

 

  • FlowGuard CPVC stands out in maintaining water safety and durability in plumbing systems.

When upgrading or renovating a home, homeowners often overlook the importance of the plumbing pipe material. The types of pipes used in water supply lines significantly affect the quality of water and overall quality of life in a home. 

 

Installation and Material Matters

 

The truth is, the plumbing pipe material used in water supply lines can have substantial implications for the long-term safety of both hot and cold water in your home. Let's explore different types of pipes commonly used in residential plumbing and how they stack up against FlowGuard® CPVC, particularly regarding water safety.

 

Common Plumbing Pipe Materials Used in the Home

 

Copper Pipes

Copper pipes are among the most commonly used metallic pipes for plumbing. Despite their popularity, many installers and homeowners are now moving away from using copper. Copper pipes can serve in both hot and cold water systems and are known for their versatility. They are also readily available and cost-effective, similar to cast-iron pipes.
 

However, copper pipes are prone to corrosion. Over time, they may develop pitting and pinhole leaks, which can cause impurities to leach from the pipe's surface into the water. Additionally, scaling inside these pipes can lead to unhealthy bacterial build-up, while condensation on the exterior of copper pipes poses a mold risk to the home.

CPVC vs Copper copy

 

Polypropylene (PPR)

Polypropylene, or PPR, is a widely used non-metallic pipe material for home plumbing systems. It is popular due to its easy availability and low cost. However, PPR pipes are not suited for long-term safe use. They lack the necessary strength and rigidity to handle thousands of hot and cold water cycles without persistent degradation. Furthermore, PPR can be hazardous to work with.

FG_Blog-PPR

PPR pipes also adversely affect water quality almost immediately. Heat welding during installation creates internal beading, which restricts water flow and provides an ideal environment for biofilm development. This biofilm can harbor harmful pathogens, increasing the risk of bacteria in drinking water and posing a threat to health.

 

PEX (Cross-linked Polyethylene)


Cross-linked Polyethylene, known as PEX, is often marketed as a cost-effective, durable alternative to copper. It is commonly installed in home plumbing systems. Nevertheless, PEX has several shortcomings. It has limited resistance to chlorine, which is commonly found in potable water supplies. PEX is also low in UV resistance, making it vulnerable when exposed to sunlight. 

The permeability of PEX is another concern. This characteristic means that contaminants can leach through the material, potentially posing a health risk. Additionally, external chemicals and organic contaminants can penetrate the pipe, further compromising water quality.

 

FlowGuard® CPVC (Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride)

 

FlowGuard CPVC pipes and fittings have been the choice for commercial and domestic plumbing systems for over 60 years. CPVC is produced by subjecting PVC to an intense chlorination process, which enhances its heat and corrosion resistance, extends its lifecycle, and supports healthy water usage.

FlowGuard CPVC is ideal for chlorinated potable water and is suitable for homes where water is used frequently. It performs well in hot water applications, as it can withstand temperatures up to 93℃, rivaling the safety of stainless steel or galvanized steel pipes but without the energy loss associated with heat conduction in metal pipes.

FlowGuard CPVC plumbing is also easy to install using solvent cement. This process creates smooth joints that do not restrict water flow, ensuring faster and more efficient water delivery for an extended period.

 

What is the Best Piping for Plumbing?

 

Understanding the differences between various types of plumbing pipe materials is crucial for ensuring the longevity and safety of your home's plumbing system. Your choice affects not only how the pipes perform but also the long-term quality of your water supply.

 

DELIVERING
RELIABILITY

For more than 50 years, FlowGuard® Pipe and Fittings has provided reliable hot and cold water plumbing systems to residential and commercial buildings around the world.

DELIVERING
RELIABILITY

For more than 50 years, FlowGuard® Pipe and Fittings has provided reliable hot and cold water plumbing systems to residential and commercial buildings around the world.