Pipes have formed an indispensable part of plumbing for thousands of years. Commercial plumbing services install them on residential and industrial buildings to move fluids into, out of, and throughout them.
If incorrect piping material is used during construction, plumbing problems may arise, resulting in downtime in production or severe injuries within the facility. No matter how large, complex, or purpose the facility serves, it’s the professional plumbers’ responsibility to choose the best material for any residential or commercial plumbing.
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Choosing the Right Plumbing Material is Vital
No matter the configuration of your commercial building, or the purpose for which it was designed, it is vital to have a high-quality plumbing infrastructure. For this reason, selecting the best plumbing material is incredibly important.
Lead was once the primary material used in all kinds of plumbing services. Over the years, commercial plumbing pipe has improved significantly from the days of lead pipe. Each commercial plumber in Fontana is now able to choose from a variety of materials.
Choosing the suitable pipe materials and having the necessary equipment for your facilities can be easier if you work with established commercial plumbing services. A wide variety of materials are available for these vital systems to meet any of your needs.
Types of Plumbing Pipes
Many types of pipes are used in commercial plumbing services, each customized for a particular purpose. Working with trained commercial plumbers is the best way to select the right materials.
To figure out which type of pipe is best for certain applications, it’s essential to know the main differences between common types of pipe. Some of the most common types of plumbing materials for commercial buildings can be found below.
Copper Pipe
Although a copper pipe is among the most expensive plumbing system, it is highly durable and resists corrosion much more effectively than a metal pipe. It is a good choice for refrigerant lines and underground service conduits because copper is safe for water heaters, cold water supply lines, and hydro jetting.
It is easy to cut copper pipes, but they can be more challenging to install, as soldering is required to connect them—another reason to hire a professional commercial plumber to get the job done.
Copper pipe is commonly used for short stretches of piping, such as refrigerators. It is usually used indoors since it doesn’t have a high-temperature tolerance.
Stainless Steel Pipe
For plumbers in Fontana, stainless steel pipe materials are less common for commercial plumbing repair and replacement applications due to their high cost. However, stainless steel is an excellent choice for areas where corrosion is a concern and strength is of primary importance to property owners.
Stainless steel is highly effective in coastal areas where corrosion is at high risk. The material is also typically used in applications that need superior strength. Stainless steel piping is available in both flexible and rigid forms.
Cast-Iron Pipe
Due to their ability to withstand high pressures and carry large volumes of liquid, cast-iron plumbing fixtures are often used to construct sewer lines and distribute water within commercial buildings.
These pipes offer superior fire resistance and noise-suppression properties for sewer disposal in residential plumbing systems.
Most often, cast iron plumbing pipe is used as the main drainage pipe in commercial buildings, but it can also be used to distribute water. A cast-iron pipe can transport large quantities of fluid, but the installation is costly.
Brass Pipe
Among the most durable, cost-effective, and long-lasting commercial plumbing options are brass pipes and fittings. They are corrosion-resistant and rustproof. Brass has a much longer lifespan than many alternatives according to trusted commercial plumbing services.
Furthermore, brass pipes thread easier than stainless steel pipes and can be used to transport both hot and cold water supplies safely.
PEX Pipe
For commercial properties, cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) piping provides real benefits. This product’s high heat and cold tolerance allow it to be used for all types of water supply systems.
PEX plumbing pipes are primarily used for water supply lines in smaller facilities such as commercial toilets and commercial faucets.
Plumbing pipes of this type are incredibly flexible, color-coded, and do not require ongoing maintenance once installed. As PEX pipes exhibit a high degree of flexibility, they can be bent around obstacles, making installation and replacement easier. However, it’s not suitable to use PEX outdoors due to its reactivity to ultraviolet light.
Polyvinyl Chloride Pipe
Using a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe is common in residential and commercial settings. Because it is sensitive to heat and ultraviolet light, this material is typically used in indoor applications and drainage systems.
A plumbing pipe made of PVC is very modern and is used for sewer and drain lines and vents in commercial facilities. It is lightweight, can be easily installed, and is quite strong. As PVC systems do not stand up well to extreme cold or heat, they cannot be used in places with extreme weather.
Fittings are usually needed to avoid obstacles and achieve turns on rigid PVC pipes. Unlike PEX pipes, the PVC material will split or break rather than expand if exposed to freezing temperatures.
Chlorinated Poly-Vinyl Chloride Pipe
Another inexpensive option that can provide good performance for commercial buildings and facilities is chlorinated polyvinyl (CPVC).
A CPVC pipe can withstand high temperatures, making it suitable for use with drinking water and other water supply applications. However, CPVC, like PVC, will break instead of expanding to accommodate freezing liquid.
Determining the Best Commercial Plumbing Pipe
In commercial buildings, plumbing pipes are available in various shapes, sizes, materials, and functions. So there is no single best plumbing pipe but the best type of material for various purposes, conditions, and locations.
Different situations require different kinds of plumbing pipes, and this can be determined by a variety of factors, such as:
- Purpose, such as irrigation, sewer, fresh water, and more.
- Temperature tolerance
- Pressure tolerance
- Chances of corrosion
- UV exposure
- Flexibility needs
Various plumbing pipes are composed of different materials and provide varying levels of performance in different situations, so they are not always interchangeable.
Choosing the Right Commercial Plumbing Services
Commercial facilities need safe, flowing water just as much as residential homes do. The piping system is one of the most essential components of plumbing work. Materials must be carefully chosen for water, drain, emergency plumbing, and main sewer lines.
Depending on the type of plumbing pipe, some are flexible and strong while others are rigid and rust-resistant. You may have very serious and expensive plumbing problems if you choose the wrong plumbing pipe. The best way to ensure your plumbing pipe is suitable for your needs is to consult trained commercial plumbing experts in Fontana.
Intend to have drain cleaning? A water heater repair? Got a bit of a plumbing emergency? Looking for replacement or installation services? Help from reliable commercial plumbing services in Fontana is what you need.
For a high-quality plumbing service, contact us at 909-944-8999 at Bobby Blue Plumbing today!
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