Copper VS PVC Plumbing Systems

Have you recently consulted a professional plumber about a plumbing leak in your home or business? Most likely that plumber has assessed the issue and offered up a solution. That solution can include a couple different choices in material that may affect the overall cost of completing the job.

In the Plumbing Business there are two main types of material in use today to supply and drain water from your home or business. Copper Piping and PVC Piping, these two are both well accepted and often used in these circumstances. There are some differences in these types of material, and although cost may be a factor depending on your budget there may be some other considerations as well.

Let’s have a quick look at these two types of materials and what makes the so different.

First off is Copper.  Copper is a metallic element making it commonly used for water piping among other things. It is light and strong and often used for corrosion-resistant parts. There are several

reasons to prefer copper for plumbing piping. Copper pipes are durable for the long-term with non-acidic systems. Copper is bacteria resistant, very fire resistant, and earthquake tolerant. It can be incredibly flexible and bent around joints. Copper piping also has a small internal diameter, much smaller than CPVC, which lets it fit in smaller, tighter places.

Copper Downsides.  There are downsides to copper piping. Some people report metallic tasting water with their copper pipes. If the water is acidic, pinholes can form, causing plumbing leaks. Copper piping installation isn’t something to undertake casually however; it is labor intensive to install and requires a skilled plumber. It also is more expensive than CPVC.

PVC Piping. The main positive about PVC piping is it’s resistance to corrosion. It is easy to install, and is viable for do-it-yourself enthusiasts. It is also less expensive.

PVC Downsides. Some people may complain of a plastic taste to their water. The piping is also brittle during installation and if you are not a professional plumber you may break or bend the piping causing water restriction and reducing water pressure delivered to your home.

In the end it is up to you and your experience or the experience and recommendations of your plumbing contractor to decide which route will be best for your situation. As a side note if there are issues with tasting metallic or plastic yin your water adding a quality filtration system while performing the replacement of your current plumbing system is a wise option. But filtration systems can be covered in more detail at a later date.

Contacting a professional licensed plumber in your area is the safest way to determine which system plastic or copper will be the right for your needs. 

If you live in the Maplewood, MN. Oakdale, MN. Stillwater, MN. NorthSaint Paul, MN. Area contact Paul Vadnais Plumbing a 4th generationplumbing company with the experience to get the job done.

 

Paul Vadnais Plumbing

Saint Paul and Surrounding Suburbs

Professional Licensed Bonded Plumbing and Well Services

651-429-8908

www.paulvadnais-plumbing.com

The Potential of Lead in your Plumbing System

Homeowners in Maplewood, North Saint Paul Stillwater and Oakdale  MN. Should be aware of their homes plumbing systems and their potential for lead exposure.

Lead pipes and lead solder were the standard back in the day. But we all know that exposure to excessive lead particles can lead to many debilitating diseases. According to information supplied by the Mayo Clinic Lead poisoning can severely affect mental and physical development in children. 

Adults that work with or have exposure risks to lead also have health issues they should be concerned about. These may include but not be limited to, Anemia, Fatigue / Irritability, Peripheral neuropathy, Seizures, Hypertension and many more potential issues.

Lead may have it’s place in industrial productions batteries etc. but when it comes to your drinking and bathing water it may be soon realized that no amount of lead exposure is safe.

Some sources of lead that we have researched may surprise you. We have all heard that lead paint as it chipped and fell on the floor may have been a source of poisoning. But in further looking into the subject we found that Lead in older bathtubs is a big issue—and yet usually overlooked as a potential source of toxicity for children. 

Both porcelain and enamel coatings can have extremely high levels of lead. 75% of pre-1978 bathtubs have lead in their glaze and that about 40% of these tubs will have measurable levels of lead dust when dust samples are collected from the surface of the glaze. 

Now imagine your toddler in a tub with a lead base. They splash and play and put toys in their mouths and washrags in their mouths. Those items are basically soaking in a lead broth. There are many studies on this topic that can be researched. 

There are a few more places lead can leach into a home or business water supply; pipes, solders fittings etc.

Fortunately this issue has been known for years and these hazardous materials have been phased out of the building process. Lead plumbing pipes solder and fittings have been replaced with low voc (volatile organic compound) pvc, copper and other materials to keep your water supply safe. 

If you have an older home built before the mid 1960’s and you are concerned about potential lead issues you can contact a professional licensed plumber like Paul Vadnais Plumbing. They can determine the materials that are responsible for delivering fresh water into your home or business. Once this is determined they can give you an idea of what it may cost to replace or repair any plumbing issues you may have.

Paul Vadnais Plumbing                                                                                                                          St. Paul, Mn. and Surrounding areas

Plumbing Contractors                                                                                                         651-429-8908                                                                                          www.paulvadnaisplumbing.com

Plumbers, Plumbing Companies, Water Filters, Hot Water Heaters, Plumbing Leaks, Sinks, Faucets, Toilets, Bathtubs

Does your home rely on a Sump Pump?

It’s that time of year to examine your sump pump and decide whether or not it needs replacing.

What is a sump pump? A sump pump is a pump used to remove water that has accumulated in a water collecting sump basin, commonly found in the basement of homes. The water may enter via the perimeter drains of a basement waterproofing system, funneling into the basin or because of rain or natural ground water, if the basement is below the water table level Since the pump lives in the basement, it may be “out of sight, out of mind” for most homeowners, but it's important to ensure that your sump pump system always functioning in peak condition so that you don't risk an inopportune breakdown. Read on to learn when you need to replace your sump pump.

Avoiding a Flood at All Costs

Sump Pump Professionals

Flooding can be one of the biggest headaches that can befall a homeowner. Dirty water can destroy upholstery and woodwork, and even cause hazardous mold, mildew and rot over the life of your home. That's why a properly functioning sump pump is essential. A properlyoperating pump will work tirelessly to remove water before it can inundate your home. The pumps work by sucking water out of a water catch basin, a special pit found in many basements, which collects water from outdoor drains and sends it to an area away from the home's foundation.

Following are essential tips to avoid having to replace a sump pump in an emergency:

• Sounds: Get to know the hum of your sump pump when water starts collecting in the water basin. If the noise coming from the pump changes significantly, it could be a sign the pump is struggling. And if you see water in the basin but don't hear anything at all, your pump may have failed and replacement is necessary.
• Watch: If water starts to reach the top of the sump, or worse, is already flooding your basement, you need to have the pump repaired or replaced immediately.
• Count: Sump pumps that are more than ten years old are also prime candidates for replacement. You don't have to automatically buy a new unit just because yours is getting old, but it's a good idea to keep a close watch on it and install a replacement at the first sign of decreased performance. A sump pump is definitely the kind of equipment which is better to upgrade a year too early than a year too late.

Tailor Your Sump Pump to Your Household Plumbing

When you need to replace your old sump pump, you may be overwhelmed with all the options at your disposal – pumps of various powers and capacities, pedestal pumps vs. submersible pumps, and different battery backup options for your sump pump system in case you have a power outage. When you have questions, talk to a home services professional who is familiar with your household plumbing and can assist you in picking out the model that works best for you.

If you need help replacing a sump pump or need assistance with any other aspect of your household pumping, get in touch with a licensed plumber like Paul Vadnais Plumbing today. You need a Plumber that is licensed and experienced. 

Paul Vadnais Plumbing

651-429-8908

Professional Licensed Plumbers

www.paulvadnais-plumbing.com 

Plumbers, Plumbing Companies, Plumbers White Bear Lake Mn, Plumbers Maplewood Mn, Plumbers North Saint Paul Mn, Plumbers Oakdale Mn