Understanding the Benefits and Limitations of Different Piping Materials for Commercial Plumbing Applications

Piping materials play a vital role in commercial plumbing applications as they may help improve the building's functionality or disrupt the company's regular business operation. However, choosing a suitable material may be challenging. 

Read on and learn the different piping materials and their benefits and limitations to prevent leaks and structural damage.  

Piping Materials: Benefits and Limitations 

Do you need an effective and dependable plumbing system? If so, always check the material you will use when building your project. Know their benefits and limitations to create a solid foundation and sturdy plumbing structure. 

• Copper 

Copper is by far the best piping material that you can use for your plumbing system. They are corrosion-resistant, which makes them ideal for commercial and institutional applications. 

Also, they are known to provide efficient heat distribution within your plumbing system. So, if you have a specific heating and cooling setup, you can utilize the copper-made pipes. By evenly distributing the heat, you also prevent your HVAC units from overdriving.  

However, the upfront fee for this material is relatively higher than its alternatives.  

• PVC Piping 

PVC pipes offer various advantages. They are economical, lightweight, and at the same time flexible compared to steel, which makes them perfect if your next plumbing project requires cost-effective but highly efficient materials.  

However, along with its various advantages are its disadvantages. They are easy to break and have a limited lifespan. 

• PEX Piping 

Another lightweight and flexible piping material is PEX, ideal for small and non-conventional areas. They are easy to bend and fit well in limited spaces. Their flexibility allows them to expand and hold the frozen water longer without breaking the pipe.  

Though they can serve their purpose, the PEX piping could be better for long-term use. They are still plastic-made and sturdy but cannot match what the copper and steel-made pipes offer.  

• Steel Piping 

Steel is known for its stability, durability, and strength. They are corrosion-resistant and can maintain their shape without warping while under pressure. This is ideal for critical areas such as undergrounds and tunnels, requiring the material's reliability, durability, and functionality to last for decades. 

However, like every product, steel has limitations, too. One drawback of steel is that they are prone to rusting and corrosion. It means you need to maintain them to prevent rusting regularly. With access doors and panels like the FT-8040 recessed floor door, your service team can swiftly access the plumbing system to perform their tasks quickly and reduce downtime. 

Factors You Need to Consider When Choosing Piping Materials 

Knowing the material's advantages and disadvantages gives you a foot forward in creating the best plumbing system. However, knowing specific factors like the purpose, nature of the project, and weather conditions will help you make a more sound decision.  

• Purpose – You need to determine where you want to use the pipes. Understanding the project's goal will help you select the most suitable material. 

• Nature of the project – Depending on the project you are working on, you may need a specific material, such as steel, which is more durable enough to hold extreme pressure than PVC. 

• Weather conditions – Another factor you need to consider is the weather. Do you need pipes for outdoor use that can endure the extreme summer heat? Or do you simply need a lighter material like the PVC-made pipes? 

• Budget – The budget can directly impact the overall plumbing project. It must include provisions for any prospective regular upkeep and fixing that may be needed. You may also choose economical piping materials that can contribute to long-term cost savings.  

Comparing Piping Materials 

The piping materials play a vital role in the success of your plumbing system. However, it would help if you also considered different factors, such as the building's specific requirements and the local building codes for commercial plumbing scenarios you must meet.  

To make informed choices before buying one, consult a construction professional for a comprehensive comparison of piping materials. A construction professional or a plumber can give detailed information on the material's advantages and disadvantages, cost, environmental sustainability, and maintenance and repair processes.  

Conclusion 

Picking piping material for your next building project is pivotal. With suitable material, leaks could be good for your construction project and reputation. Thus, only choose those that best fit your plumbing system's needs. 

Always determine the purpose and installation area of the pipes before buying one. Knowing the needed pressure and the climate of the place where you will install the lines will help you decide which material best fits your plumbing system—steel for durability, copper for reliability, and PVC and PEX for those that need economical and lightweight materials.  

Whichever you prefer, always keep in mind that the advantages and benefits must outweigh the materials and installation costs of your plumbing system. 

Guest Contributor: Chris Jackson