Maintaining your apartment building’s plumbing is more than simply knowing which Houston commercial plumbing company to call during an emergency. Knowing the particulars of your plumbing system can go a long way. It can even save you money in emergency repairs and water damage.

One way to start taking a proactive approach to plumbing service in your multifamily building is knowing what type of material your pipes are made of. This can help you and your plumber work together to keep the plumbing system in good condition. 

Ask Your Houston Commercial Plumbing Company about Your Pipes’ Lifespan

There are many things that affect your plumbing system’s lifespan. For instance, how well you maintain it, how old it is, and the type of pipe material used. Knowing the expected lifespan of your plumbing system can help you create a well-designed maintenance plan. This can save your community in the long-run. So, it’s important to discuss the expected lifespan of your pipes with your plumber. 

Understanding how long you can expect your pipes to last can help you make important decisions, like whether you need Houston commercial plumbing repair or whether it’s time for repiping your building. One of the first ways to help determine this is to know what types of pipes your commercial plumbing system uses. 

Common Pipe Materials for Multifamily Plumbing

In most cases, there are going to be multiple different types of pipes in your apartment building. There are several systems that work together to supply clean water and take away dirty water. For instance, water supply systems, drain systems, and vents to provide airflow. There’s often no way to tell what type of pipes you have in your building without looking at them. So, it’s often a good idea to just ask your Houston commercial plumber. 

Some pipe materials you might have in your multifamily plumbing system include:

• Cast iron
• Copper
• Brass
• PVC or CPVC

Older apartment buildings often have cast iron pipes for the drainage system. This is because these pipes can last around 25 to 35 years and also naturally help suppress noise, which is a big plus for multifamily buildings. 

In addition, your building might also use copper or brass pipes, particularly in the water supply system. Copper (and copper alloys like brass) can last a long time, sometimes 70 years or more. It also naturally resists rust and corrosion. However, the main drawback is that copper is often more expensive than other types of pipes. Therefore, it’s often used sparingly in plumbing systems.

In newer buildings, your plumbing system might use plastic pipes, such as PVC or CPVC. These pipes can last up to 100 years or more and are an inexpensive material. Your Houston plumbing company may recommend using PVC or CPVC to replace leaking or broken apartment pipes in older systems because, unlike other metal pipes, plastic won’t encourage corrosion if it comes into contact with, say, copper or stainless steel pipes. One drawback is that these pipes can soften and warp at high temperatures. PVC pipes may start to do this at 140°F while CPVC may withstand up to 200°F. Therefore, in some applications where water will be hotter than that, your system likely uses other types of pipes. 

Expert Houston Commercial Plumbing Repair & Service from AAA Plumbers

When you need high quality commercial plumbing services at competitive prices, call our team at AAA Plumbers. We specialize in plumbing services for multifamily communities and commercial buildings. Whether you need regular maintenance or need emergency repairs, our experts are here for you. Call us at (713) 462-4753 day or night to request service!

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Type K

Type K copper piping is available in both soft and rigid configurations and is used in applications that require high tolerance to pressure. These pipes are ideally suited for large-scale water supplies, compressed air pipes, fire protection systems, heating and cooling system use and industrial conduits. Your Houston commercial plumbing company may recommend Type K copper for underground pipes and for water mains thanks to its high degree of durability and its versatility in practical applications.

Type L

The applications for Type L copper pipes are similar to those for Type K. These copper piping solutions are most commonly found in interior plumbing installations and are often used in Houston commercial plumbing repair applications. It is suitable for use in conveying water, fuel oil, natural gas and compressed air safely and effectively. This allows Type L copper pipes to be used in the widest range of commercial and residential applications. Type L pipes are available in soft and hard versions to suit a variety of needs.

Type M

Because the walls of Type M copper pipes are much thinner than those of Type K or Type L, they cannot be used in many heavy-duty industrial and commercial applications. Type M piping is much cheaper to purchase and install, however, making it a preferred choice among some budget-minded businesses and homeowners. It is primarily used for water supply and vacuum applications.

DWV Copper Pipe

The thin walls and lower pressure resistance provided by DWV piping limits its use to venting and drainage applications. DWV piping is generally available only in soft formulations and cannot be used to carry water or gases under pressure, which makes it a less desirable choice for most applications than the other available types of copper pipe.

At AAA Plumbers, we have more than three decades of experience in the commercial plumbing industry. Our team of skilled plumbing technicians can provide you with expert recommendations on the right copper pipe and plumbing fixtures for your commercial buildings. We work with you at every step of the way to ensure that your commercial plumbing project is completed on time and to your satisfaction. Call us today at 713-462-4753 to request emergency service or to set up an appointment for a consultation with us. The entire team at AAA Plumbers looks forward to the chance to serve you and your business.

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Copper Pipes

One of the most expensive plumbing options, copper pipes are highly durable and resist corrosion much better than other metal pipe choices. Copper is safe for hot and cold-water supplies and can stand up to high pressure, making it an ideal choice for refrigerant lines and underground service conduits.

Stainless Steel Pipes

The high cost of stainless steel pipe materials makes it a less popular choice for Houston commercial plumbing repair and replacement applications. Stainless steel is preferred, however, for areas in which corrosion is a major concern and strength is a priority for property owners.

Cast-Iron Pipes

Designed to stand up to high pressure and to carry large amounts of liquid, cast-iron plumbing fixtures are often used as main sewer lines to commercial buildings and for water distribution in these facilities. These pipes offer superior fire resistance and noise-suppression capabilities for waste disposal in apartment buildings and condominium complexes.

Brass Pipes

Rustproof and corrosion-resistance, brass pipes and fittings are among the most durable and longest-lasting choices for commercial plumbing installations. Brass also threads easier than stainless steel pipes and can be used to convey both hot and cold water supplies safely.

PEX Pipes

Cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) piping offers real advantages for commercial properties. It has a high tolerance for heat and cold, allowing it to be used for all types of water supply applications. Thanks to the high degree of flexibility exhibited by this material, PEX pipes can be bent around obstacles to allow easier installation and replacement. PEX is not suitable for outdoor use because of its reactivity to ultraviolet light.

PVC Pipes

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipes are commonly used in both residential and commercial applications. This material can react poorly to extended exposure to heat or to ultraviolet light, which restricts its use primarily to indoor applications and drainage applications. PVC pipes are usually rigid and require fittings to achieve turns and to avoid obstacles. Unlike PEX pipes, PVC materials will split or break rather than expand in freezing temperature conditions.

CPVC Pipes

Chlorinated polyvinyl (CPVC) is another inexpensive choice that can provide solid performance for commercial buildings and facilities. CPVC pipes are capable of standing up to exposure to heat and are usually approved for the delivery of drinking water and other water supply applications. Like PVC, however, CPVC will break rather than expand to accommodate freezing liquid.

The friendly and helpful Houston commercial plumber experts at AAA Plumbers can provide you with the best guidance and the most cost-effective support when choosing pipe materials for your apartment buildings and other commercial properties. As a leading Houston commercial plumbing company, we take pride in delivering fast and reliable services for our clients throughout the metropolitan area. We have more than 30 years of experience in the Houston area and a proven commitment to quality work at a fair price. Call us today at 713-462-4753 for emergency service or to schedule a consultation with us. We look forward to the opportunity to serve you and your business.

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