Whether you are a plumbing apprentice, wish to become one, or just would like to know more about the plumbing materials in your home, the types of piping is a good place to start. While there multiple kinds of pipes that can be selected, knowing which to choose for the job is sure to impress your boss or your wife.
Another factor in choosing the proper plumbing materials is staying within budget. Sometimes two types of pipes will perform the same job but have completely different costs based on looks or longevity. To avoid this confusion, we have put together a guide to make life a bit easier! Keep reading for more information!
Durability: Cast Iron
Cast iron pipes are probably the longest-lasting pipes you can choose. They are ideal for handling high water pressure in bathrooms and kitchens as well as being used for gas lines due to their tight fittings.
Although they do last for long periods of time and are extremely durable, they are definitely expensive to replace and do not work well with other types of pipes. Chances are if you live in an older home, the plumbing is made up entirely of cast iron pipes.
Fast, Easy, Light: PVC
PVC pipe is short for Poly Vinyl Chloride and it is a hardened plastic material. These pipes are also long-lasting and durable but can be used for almost any plumbing repair.
PVC is great for indoor or outdoor use, at high or low pressures, and is light-weight and easy to cut through.
This is why you see it so often on plumbing trucks!
Beautiful, Functional: Chromed Copper
Chromed copper is essentially copper pipes that have been finished with chrome.
They are beautiful, durable, and functional, which can be appealing to homeowners.
The sizes of this type of pipe come in varying sizes so it is very easy to repair without needing to customize.
Knowing When to Replace Pipes
When you are starting out as a plumber, you don’t want to tell your customer that a replacement is needed if you are unsure. There are a few ways to know if a pipe replacement should be recommended, and they are as followed:
- Complete pipe burst
- Deteriorating pipes
- Damaged fittings, connections
- New fixture installations
Minor leaks can typically be patched, but if you find yourself patching the same pipe over and over, that could be an indicator as well. Always explain to the customer why you feel the need to replace versus patch a pipe to ensure they are comfortable with the decision.
Best Advice? Learn From The Pros
When you’re just beginning your plumbing career, you will be learning a ton of new things. You’ll learn tricks of the trade, and you’ll get a feel for what works best and when. To learn these things quicker, consider hiring on with the professionals like the ones found at Torch Service Company. We will teach you the best techniques as well as what great customer service looks like!