Essential Plumbing Materials All Plumbers Should Know
Becoming a plumber means more than just unclogging toilets - there’s a lot more that goes into plumbing that all apprentices should know to be the best they can be. A good example of this type of knowledge is with piping.
Although you may not always need to replace entire sections of plumbing, knowing what pipe is best for a given situation is a good skill to have. Read on to learn a bit more about each pipe and you’ll be better prepared for your next plumbing service!
When do Pipes Need Replacement?
For most plumbers, you’re always going to have a fully-stocked truck with all the materials you need to get a plumbing job done. So if you’re unsure whether replacing a pipe is the right solution, consider the following:
- What’s the Damage: If you have a small pinhole leak, that can easily be patched and repaired without the need for major replacements. If you have a burst pipe or a pipe that’s deteriorated beyond repair, installing a new section of pipe may be best.
- Where’s the Damage: Location is an important factor when it comes to piping repairs. If the pipe is underground or in contact with rough materials, it’s always a good option to replace the section of plumbing with a more durable pipe like cast iron.
- What Does Your Customer Want: While you’ll always have an opinion on what’s best for a repair service, it always comes down to what your customer wants. If your customer is looking for a small-scale repair, then you can easily do a patch. If they want a long-lasting fix, then you should always suggest a pipe replacement.
As long as you keep these rules in mind, it’ll help you make a better choice on what’s best for a repair. If you’ve determined that a replacement is needed, then read on to find out more about your piping options.
Durable & Versatile: Cast Iron
Cast iron plumbing was often the pipe of choice in the 19th and 20th century because of its durability, ease of installation, and ability to hold pressure.
These pipes can still be used in homes, but they are often not the top choice for homeowners because of their cost. Cast iron pipes are often on the expensive side, but mainly because of how durable they are.
If your homeowner wants a repair that’s going to last - and they also want an upgrade on their plumbing, then cast iron may be the right choice for them. These pies can be used for all applications including hot water and sewage.
Good Looks & Functionality: Chromed Copper
As far as residential plumbing goes, copper is the most commonly used pipe around.
Chromed copper is just a better-looking version that uses a chrome finish over a copper pipe.
These pipes are ideal for use in bathroom plumbing systems and kitchens too, these generally work as water supply lines. For a clean finish in your customers home always opt for chromed copper.
The Best of Both Worlds: PVC Pipes
When you want something that’s as durable as cast iron but flexible for installation like chromed copper, you’re always going to want to go with the PVC pipes.
Poly Vinyl Chloride - or PVC for short - is every plumber's best friend. These pipes can easily be cut to size and offer plenty of flexibility when performing installations. Use them for water supply lines, sewer lines, and even outdoors.
And as always, be sure to get the most experience you can from a trusted company in your area. For apprentice plumbers in the Hazlet area, Force Plumbing and Heating LLC is your expert plumbing company - with the years of experience you’d want to learn from.
