When house-hunting for a new home, performing plumbing repairs, or re-piping a home, it becomes very advantageous to know about the different types of plumbing pipe materials available (and what their various merits and drawbacks are!). Niebuhr Plumbing & Heating in La Crosse, WI, has over 100 years of experience in the plumbing industry. The experienced and professional plumbing contractors at Niebuhr Plumbing & Heating know that having an understanding of types of plumbing pipes can not only help with homeowners buying decisions but can also help homeowners take steps to prevent leaks and potential flooding.

• Copper: Copper pipes have been in use since the 1960’s and have a life span of 50 years or more. They are tolerant to heat, resistant to corrosion, and not prone to leaking (because connections are soldered, fittings stay tight). The biggest drawback to copper pipes is the expense, which also make copper piping attractive to thieves.
• Cast Iron: Often used for drainage, cast iron is considered a very durable material however it’s also known to be difficult to work with because of its weight. On the other hand, it does join well with PVC piping.
• Plastics: Plastic piping can consist of any number of materials but is often PVC (polyvinyl chloride), PB (polybutylene), or PEX (cross-linked polyethylene). PVC is good for high-pressure, but not hot water lines and needs to be approved when used for drinking water; PB was used as an inexpensive replacement for copper for years but is prone to leaking; PEX is easy to install and often used for interior plumbing because it resists heat very well.

For more information on plastic plumbing pipes, pipe materials, or advice on which type of pipe is best for a home or renovation project, call Niebuhr Plumbing & Heating at (608) 782-1700. The company can also handle a full range of emergency plumbing services, air conditioner repair, and HVAC repair in the La Crosse area.