Knowing more about your plumbing system can help you to properly maintain it. It will also be easier to figure out when something is wrong. Before anything else, you have to determine which kind of plumbing pipes you have in your home. It’s most likely one of the following:
Photo by Wesley Caribe on Unsplash
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
For: Drain and vent lines.
PVC pipe has been a very big deal in the plumbing industry in the last few decades, because it is lighter and easier to work with than traditional galvanized steel pipe.
You will mainly be using PVC pipe for drain or waste pipes, or stacks (those pipes you often see sticking up out of the roofline), and not as supply pipes. PVC pipe is easy to install, and requires little more than a hacksaw, miter box, and solvents which essentially “glue” the pipe together.
Diameters are clearly marked on the white surface of the pipe. If not easy to read, diameters can be determined with a sizing tool such as Pi-Piper. Source: TheSpruce
Copper
Copper is by far the most expensive piping option and the most difficult to repair. However, it is extremely long lasting and is still used in high quality homes. If cost is not an object, copper is the way to go.
The thin reddish-brown piping has to be soldered together in the installation process, as well as to make any repairs – a job that only a professional plumber is qualified to do. Source: HomeImprovement.LoveToKnow
Galvanized Plumbing Pipes
Galvanized piping was used several years ago as the standard for residential projects. However, with time it is used less frequent because rust can build up inside small diameter pipes. If the pipe is old enough, then you can see water coming from the faucet with rust traces as the scale can break loose from the inside of the pipe. Galvanized pipes can be used to transport grey water or non-potable water. Source: TheBalance
While you can try to tackle the problems on your own, if you’re having trouble with your plumbing, it’s best to leave it to the professionals to avoid the possibility of further damage. Call us so we can help you out!
Contact:
Kerrisdale Roofing & Drains Ltd.
168 W 71st Ave, Vancouver, BC V5X 4S7
(604) 360-2114
