Home water lines are integral in providing fresh and clean water for plumbing fixtures throughout your home. If they stop functioning as planned, however, you may require replacement of this line.
Understanding what water lines are and how they function will allow you to spot issues quickly and efficiently. Keep reading to gain more knowledge on replacement options for your home water line. DIY options are also available. And you can Google solutions for other problems, like air in water lines.
Flexi Pipes
Plastic or rubber pipes covered with braided stainless steel braiding have become an indispensable component of modern home fittings, particularly when there is the need to flex and bend water lines for washing machine or dishwasher installation, or to reduce vibrations that cause water hammer issues that could otherwise damage rigid pipes. They’re even found in medical applications.
Flexi hoses may seem durable, but they’re the source of numerous flood insurance claims and water damage if left in place for too long. To make sure flexi hoses continue working effectively it is best to have them regularly checked by an expert plumber who can advise on correct hose sizes and fittings while inspecting your home for signs of failure flexi connection failure; burst flexi hoses can release up to 1500 litres an hour, leaving irreparable damage behind; don’t risk this risk; instead select quality stainless steel flexi hose with WaterMark certification!
Copper Pipes
Copper pipes were once the go-to option for home water supply lines. But in more modern homes, PEX or CPVC has since replaced copper due to concerns of lead toxicity; moreover, copper costs twice as much than plastic alternatives.
Copper pipe comes in two main varieties – rigid and soft – as well as various diameters. Rigid copper, also referred to as drawn temper, is most frequently found in home plumbing systems while soft copper – which has more pliable characteristics – is less durable but easier to work with than rigid copper. Type K copper is most widely used due to its thick walls; Type L copper has thinner walls; however Type M copper is generally chosen when dealing with hard water conditions because its higher pressure resistance makes wear slower; additionally this type of pipe also used in drain-waste-vent (DWV) applications piping has yellow markings; although not approved in some areas due to higher pressure levels compared with Type K copper.
Galvanized Steel Pipes
Many homes in Minneapolis utilize galvanized steel piping as part of their supply system, and if this applies to you it’s very important that you take an extensive examination of these pipes. Galvanized pipe doesn’t last forever – most have passed their estimated lifespan of 40-50 years already and could be corroding and restricting water flow into your home.
Corrosion of galvanized pipes can result in numerous issues, such as low water pressure and rusty water, as well as reduced pipe diameter. If these problems become severe enough, full or partial replacement with plastic or copper pipes might be necessary; either way it is important that action are taken quickly in order to keep your family safe and prevent expensive damage down the line.
Plastic Pipes
Home water lines offer various plastic pipe options for home water supply lines, depending on their individual applications. Polyvinyl chloride — more commonly known by its acronym PVC — remains the standard choice, although acidic waters could cause it to corrode quickly.
Cross-linked polyethylene (PEX for short) piping is another reliable plastic plumbing option that’s rigid enough to withstand water supply lines yet flexible enough to be threaded through walls, ceilings and crawl spaces. Plus, its less costly than most alternatives!
Linear low-density polyethylene, commonly referred to as LLDPE tubing, is another popular plastic option used for drains and vents in drain systems and freshwater kitchen and bathroom lines. Although less flexible than PEX, LLDPE piping offers greater strength against blockage while remaining easier to work with than other forms of plastic piping options – many homeowners choose this material due to its wide availability in various sizes.