As we can see, for indoor plumbing in your house, PVC pipe is a better choice than copper for the above-mentioned reasons. Its durability, flexibility, longevity, and lower installation costs make it a much better choice than copper for indoor plumbing.
Plastic is also a lot cheaper than most metal piping. Despite the immediate benefits, there is always one thing that plastic will never have on metal: it will never last as long. On top of that, while it can resist a lot of heat, it is nowhere near as heat resistant as something like steel.
Copper Pipes
Copper is very durable, and it has been the traditional plumbing material since the 1960s. Other materials have been introduced since then, but copper is still one of the best options.
When a connection to copper or other metal pipes is required, PEX works better than PVC because crosslinked polyethylene won't corrode. - Price. When you compare the material costs of PEX vs PVC, PEX comes out more expensive. (However, balance this factor against the lower labor cost to install PEX.)
Copper piping is the standard in UK plumbing and has been for many years.
Heating systems and plumbing systems installed in copper last longer. This is the traditional way to install plumbing and heating in the UK.
The downside of metal p-traps is their lifespan. They generally need to be replaced every 5 to 10 years, due to corrosion. PVC P-Traps - PVC has a far longer lifespan because corrosion is not a concern.
Even if you are meticulous about never dropping things down the drain, you still need a p-trap under your sink to keep gas out. Sewer gases can rise through the drain pipes in your home, but the u-shaped bend in the p-trap collects water. This water blocks the gases from rising up into your sink.
The alternative to copper (and PVC) is PEX pipe – a flexible, extruded piping material made from cross-linked polyethylene.
It doesn't corrode, is flexible and easy to install, and can be used with many different connections. But PVC can't handle extreme heat, it melts and could potentially cause negative health impacts. Because of this, using PVC pipes for your drinking water supply is not advised.
Copper has universally been recognized as one of the best materials for water piping because of its strong, pliable nature. One advantage of copper pipe over plastic is that it can easily be shaped into long thin pipes that can fit in tight spaces.
The “S” trap is prohibited under the Uniform Plumbing Code throughout the United States. This is because the “S” trap will siphon or suck water out from the trap which will end up releasing methane (sewer) gases into the home. So, it is a code violation and if you are doing remodeling, you will have to replace it.
Traps come in 1-1/4 inch (standard bathroom sink) or 1-1/2 inch (standard kitchen sink) inside diameter sizes. Be sure to check so you get the right size replacement at your local store. In this guide we'll show you how to replace a P-trap in a few easy steps.
The purpose of the p-trap is to catch water in the dip in the pipes and keep it there. After you run water down the drain, gravity will keep a plug of water in the dip. (The maximum trap seal depth is 4”.) This plug blocks the odors of decaying sewage from wafting up from the wastewater system and into your home.
In a nutshell, a p-trap is a u-shaped bend in the waste pipe that connects a sink's drain to a home septic tank or to a municipal sewer system. Under normal circumstances, p-traps always contain some water.
One of the most common issues with a P Trap is clogging, which can lead to slow drainage or even stop water from draining altogether. A clogged P Trap can be caused by a buildup of debris or foreign objects like hair, soap scum, or food waste.
The main purpose of a P-trap is to trap noxious sewer gases inside the wastewater system so that they can't rise back up through the drain, and it is the shape of the trap that makes this possible. Running your sink obviously flushes water through the trap and down into the drain line.
The benefits of plastic push-fit fittings have established this technology as the go-to choice for installers, having been used in plumbing and heating systems for decades. The fittings are popular with consumers and tradespeople alike because they are remarkably straightforward and easy to use.
Advantages of Plastic Plumbing Pipes and Fittings
The advantages of plastic pipes and fittings are well known throughout the industry; they are versatile, durable, practically leak-proof, and easy to transport and install.
Absolutely. Speedfit technology has been used in the plumbing and heating industry for almost 60 years! It is ideal for new builds, repair or renovation offering a wide range of products to suit. All products are fully accredited and suitable for use with both copper and plastic pipes.
speedfit = 25 years, hep20 = 50 years.
PVC pipe is by far the most commonly used pipe in residential homes. This type of pipe is affordable and available in a number of different fittings and sizes. It's also a great choice for most warm and cold water applications.
While copper pipes and fittings are still common, many professional plumbers now use flexible PEX for all new construction and for most repairs and extensions to existing copper systems.
P-traps are generally considered by most to be more effective and consistent in maintaining water trap compared to S-traps. Their design makes them less vulnerable to drying out and losing seal: a properly installed P-trap will never lose its water seal.