Advantages of Copper Pipes
Copper is a top choice for today’s plumbing systems. There are many benefits to choosing copper for the water pipes in your home. Whether you’re undertaking a new construction project or getting ready to replace your current plumbing, learn about the advantages of choosing copper pipes.
Safe and Healthy
At one time, lead was a common choice for plumbing systems. Today, we know that lead pipes can contaminate water and lead to health issues. With copper pipes, you won’t have to worry about that problem. In almost all cases, copper doesn’t leach into the water supply.
Not only that, but copper is also an impermeable material. That means that it doesn’t let any impurities pass through from the outside environment. There’s no concern that chemicals from the air or soil could travel through the pipe walls.
Copper may even reduce other health hazards in your water. This metal is antimicrobial. In other words, copper pipes are a rather inhospitable place for bacteria and other microorganisms to take up residence.
Durable
Galvanized steel pipes used to be commonplace. Today, plumbing experts know that those pipes can quickly corrode. In some cases, it takes only 20 years for the pipes to fill with rust buildup. Fortunately, copper pipes are much more durable! Especially when the water pH is well balanced, copper won’t corrode nearly as quickly as galvanized steel. In fact, copper plumbing can often last for five decades or more.
The elements won’t readily reduce copper’s lifespan either. This material is often strong enough to be buried underground, even in areas where the soil is prone to yearly freeze-thaw patterns. (Even still, it’s best to consult a plumbing company, such as Mullen Plumbing, Heating and Cooling in South Charleston, about outdoor installations. If the water inside a pipe freezes, that can cause it to burst. A professional plumber can advise you about the best pipes and insulation materials to use outdoors.)
Copper can hold up to sun exposure too; you don’t have to worry that UV rays will degrade and crack your pipes. Plus, mice and other critters won’t have it easy if they try to chew their way through your copper plumbing.
Easy to Work With
Plumbers appreciate the ease of working with copper pipes. This material bends with relative ease, so it can be shaped into specialty configurations. Therefore, plumbers may not have to use as many elbow joints when installing your pipes. That can reduce opportunities for leaks.
Also, connecting copper pipes through soldering or other methods is fairly straightforward. Some older pipes were made of metals requiring more difficult soldering techniques.
Affordable
When you consider copper’s many benefits, its price is reasonable. This metal is more plentiful than many others, so that helps keep costs down. Also, since copper is easy to work with, plumbers can get installation or repair jobs done quickly. That can save on labor costs.
Remember, too, that copper pipes can last for a long time. They are an investment. When you consider the cost over the long lifespan of these pipes, you’ll see that you are getting a pretty good deal on the price per year.
Appealing to Homeowners
There’s nothing special you have to do to take care of your copper pipes. For instance, unlike some older pipe materials, there is no need to paint copper to protect it from damage. That can be quite a relief for busy homeowners.
Plus, property owners will appreciate their copper pipes when it comes time to sell their homes. Copper pipes look nice and may appeal to prospective buyers.
Recyclable
While copper pipes can last for a very long time, the day will eventually come when it’s time to replace them. You can rest assured that your old copper pipes won’t end up in a landfill for countless centuries. Rather, copper holds its value and can be recycled for new purposes. After serving your house for many years, the pipes can be remade into a new copper product.
To learn more about the benefits of copper pipes in plumbing, talk to the pros at Mullen Plumbing, Heating and Cooling. In addition to caring for water pipes, we also specialize in gas lines, drains and water heaters in South Charleston, WV. You can trust us with your heating and cooling systems — including AC installation and furnace repair — as well. Call today to learn more about how Mullen Plumbing, Heating and Cooling can help care for your home.
