Should I install Plastic Pipe or Copper Pipe?

Copper Pipes

Copper pipes have been around this world since Ancient Egypt. As, it is a natural resource, existing in the earth’s crust, plants, animals, and humans, it has long been used for benefit of mankind. Copper pipes are the primary alternative to plastic pipes. Copper is antimicrobial and does not pose the same risks that plastic pipes do like unknown contaminants  & bacteria growth. With that said, copper has also its own share of problems. You cannot find a complete consensus, though that why one should use copper pipes. Some qualified plumbers and many homeowners prefer to work with copper pipe materials that have a history and fewer unknowns.

1. Is it faster to install Plastic pipe or Copper Pipe?

Plastic pipe fitting is an extremely quick process because of its flexibility and the speed of fitting the fittings together. To connect a speed fit fitting it can take about just 5-seconds. To fit compression fitting it takes about an average of 40-seconds. While in case of the copper pipes it takes the longest time to fit and is hard to carry due to its weight. This copper pipe fitting takes longer time than plastic fittings.

2. Which is more expensive, copper pipe or plastic pipe?

We know that Plastic pipe seems to be cheaper as copper prices keep rising, however, the cost of the fitting for plastic is very expensive and as an overall can sometimes work out cheaper. Both pipes seem to be expensive.

3. Is plastic pipe more likely to leak than that copper pipe?

Plastic pipe can take up to 10-bars of water pressure. The amount of pressure on the copper pipe depends on how tight the fitting has been placed on. It has been reported that a sound system can take 5-bars but as soon as the pressure goes up, then this depends on how tight the fitting is. It has been known that a fitting can take up to 25-bar or more. ‘So they say’.

4. Does plastic pipe or copper pipe withstand the cold or hot temperatures?

As Professional emergency plumber with years of plumbing services, we found that the copper attracts the cold more leaving it in pole position the split first. The plastic pipe also has more of an expansion where copper splits easier.

Plastic pipes can withstand the highest temperature of not more 92˚C for Speed fit. The heat of a copper pipe as a melting point of 1100˚C. Copper pipes can withstand the extreme heat temperatures.

5. Is fitting plastic pipe a better alternative to copper pipe?

Plastic pipe has now been around for just more than 20-years but has evolved into a high-quality material. It is quicker and more flexibility. Copper has a lifespan of only 25 years.  Due to the age of the pipe and the installation, the quality of the rubber is un-proven has yet. It is also found that copper fitting in comparison to pipe and plastic fitting is very similar when it comes to requiring an emergency plumber. Where copper fitting is not evolving, plastic is changing all the time.

A licensed and experienced plumber can help you determine which type, either plastic pipe or copper pipe, is best for their situation. Toronto Plumbers are certified by the product manufacturer who can install in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions. Contact today at  416-383-7378 for all your plumbing and drain needs.