15 Jun What Is The Safest Pipe For Drinking Water?
Water is one of the most important resources on planet Earth, especially drinking water. Life on Earth cannot survive without water. Our own bodies are 70% water, as is the earth itself.
That’s why one of the most important utilities in our home is running water. Access to running water allows us to cook our food, clean dishes, wash ourselves, and most importantly drink water.
When building a house, planning out your plumbing system requires as much attention as the siding, the color of your walls, or the layout of your rooms. There are many options on the market for pipes in your home. This may lead you to wonder what is the safest pipe for drinking water.
Keep reading below as we explain which pipe material is the safest for drinking water and some pipe materials you should avoid!
Safest: Copper Pipes for Drinking
It may come as a surprise but copper is one of the best materials for pipes when it comes to clean drinking water. In particular, you should look for copper pipes that have lead-free joint materials. This combination is very long-lasting and durable. Copper pipes can last up to 100 years with proper care.
But you must check your water’s pH level in the very beginning. If your water has a pH value lower than seven, you may have to find a way to balance water acidity such as using a purifier. Otherwise, the acidity of the water could cause the copper to corrode. If the copper pipes corrode into your drinking water, it can cause stomach problems.
Copper pipes are also very expensive. If you install copper pipes in your home, test the water’s acidity regularly and see if there are any copper contaminants in your drinking water. You should replace those pipes if you find more than 1 mg per liter of copper particles in your water.
Safe: Plastic Pipes for Drinking
Plastic pipes, such as CPVC, and PEX are pipe materials that are safe for drinking water. Generally, these pipes wouldn’t be a safe option in a cold climate. Yet, in our beautiful home of Hawaii, CPVC, and PEX pipes can last a very long time without any issues. You also don’t have to worry about plastic-based pipes breaking down when exposed to moisture, unlike a polybutylene pipe.
PVC pipes are the most well-known plastic pipe, but it has some major drawbacks. If that pipe transports water as hot as 140 *F, it can warp and break down. You should avoid using PVC pipes for your main drinking water.
Here are some options for plastic pipes for safe drinking water:
CPVC
CPVC stands for chlorinated polyvinyl chloride. CPVC is made through CPVC resin into a pipe shape using high temperatures and pressure. CPVC pipes are perfect for transporting water from the municipal system and throughout your home. They’re very durable and won’t corrode easily. Installers can effortlessly bend and cut the pipe to fit the tight spaces in your home.
PEX
PEX is cross-linked polyethylene. It’s rather inexpensive, especially in comparison to copper. PEX is very resistant to acidic water. If your water supply has a pH level of less than 7, PEX pipes may be a good plumbing solution. PEX is also more flexible than PVC, making it a good substitute.
HDPE
High-density polyethylene pipes are one of the toughest pipe materials available on the market. Like the others we mentioned above, HDPE does not corrode with acidic water. HDPE pipes are also considered leak-proof when taken care of. Since HDPE pipes have a smooth interior, they can improve water pressure since they create little to no friction on the water.
Don’t trust all plastic pipes
Not all plastic pipes are safe. Polybutylene pipes were very common in the ’70s through the ’90s since they’re a low-cost material. However, they break down very easily and need to be replaced nearly every decade.
Easy New Construction Plumbing with 535 Plumbing
At 535 Plumbing, we take care of all your plumbing needs for renovations, additions, and new construction. Every new home, shop, or office building needs some sort of plumbing, including piping, water heaters, fixtures, garbage disposals, and more. If you are working on a new construction project and need help with plumbing services, look no further than 535 Plumbing.