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What Are PVC Pipes?
PVC pipes are the most widely installed choice in plumbing pipes for new builds and home renovations are made from inexpensive and long-lasting polyvinyl chloride, or PVC—the third-most widely produced synthetic plastic polymer.
Benefits of PVC pipes
Extremely Durable
PVC pipes are strong and corrosion-resistant, protecting your pipes from temperature changes and potential chemicals in your water supply.
Long-Lasting
Hard plastic PVC plumbing pipes have been reported to last 100 or more years without needing to be replaced. In fact, examinations of plastic piping exposed to underground water and acid waste "show no measurable degradation after 50 years or more of service."
Easy to Install
Lightweight plastic PVC pipes are quick and easy to install, reducing the installation's overall time and cost. They can also be color-coded for easier maintenance.
Inexpensive
Man-made PVC pipes are the most widely installed because they are cheap to produce, affordable to ship, and reasonable to install.
The Sustainability of PVC Pipes
PVC passes with flying colors in sustainable communities for the plumbing pipes' safety, manufacturing process, installation, and lifespan.
PVC pipes rate high in safety for drinking water because they do not corrode and are smooth to prevent toxins and materials from backing up. A North American study of the overall safety of PVC plumbing by the Uni-Bell PVC Pipe Association (PVCPA) concluded that PVC "does not serve as [a] nutrient for bacterial growth and pathogens." This review is an excellent win for the drinkability and safety of your water. Upon initial installation, some people notice a plastic taste to their water as the plastic settles, and some residual chemicals leach into the water. This taste, however, does wear off quickly. If you're concerned, consider running your water a bit before use, allowing those chemicals to rinse out. This would be a great time to plant a new garden and give it lots of water!
The manufacturing of plastics consumes natural resources. But, a joint study done by the Plastic Pipe and Fittings Association (PPFA) and the European Plastic Pipe and Fittings Association (TEPPFA) found that "the impact of plastic pipe systems on the environment is smaller than that of traditional materials (ie: copper)." And while plastic takes much, much longer to break down in a landfill, the long life of plastic ensures your plumbing pipes won't reach one for a long time.
Are there any downsides? Yes.
Impacts of PVC Pipes
It's important to note that the production of PVC plumbing pipes off-gasses a toxic chemical called dioxin. That same chemical remains present during the lifecycle of the pipes. Your PVC pipes may also leak toxins into your water from the chemical solvent used to join piping. For these reasons, you might consider installing a water filtration system with new PVC pipes.
PVC plumbing installation can be as inexpensive as $1,500 to re-pipe a small 1-bathroom home and ranges up to $22,000 for new PVC pipe installation for a new, large home build.
What Are Copper Pipes?
Copper piping is often an attractive choice in plumbing, especially in buildings with rustic, exposed ducts, for its color and industrial look.
What Are PEX Pipes?
PEX is a new and more modern version of PVC piping, incorporating pipe flexibility for improved usability and functionality.
Which Pipes Are Right for You?
Choosing new pipes for either a new home or remodel comes down to your location, water quality, and budget, but if it were up to us at Rise, we'd pick PEX. If you live in a cooler climate subject to freezing or have exposed pipes in un-insulated areas like a basement, the flexibility of PEX piping will save you the trouble and subsequent repairs of frozen pipes. Before making your final decision, talk to your plumber, or renovator about your options. They may be able to offer additional insights regarding your unique home.
Should You Insulate Your Pipes?
Regardless of which type of pipe you choose, it's always best practice to insulate your pipes. Foam is an inexpensive and easy choice and will reduce overall hot water pipe heat loss by 80%. Alone, insulation can raise your water temperature by 4 degrees.
This boost allows your water heater to do much less work to keep water warm and heat your shower more quickly. Insulation will also help prevent any plumbing pipe option from sweating and dripping condensation inside your walls. Pre-slit insulated foam wraps for your piping can be easily purchased from your local hardware store. This six-foot option from Home Depot costs less than two dollars. Just be sure to measure your pipes' diameter first, as they come in ½ inch, ¾ inch, and one-inch diameters. You can easily cut them to the right length and can install them yourself in minutes. So even if you not in the market for new pipes, you can save energy and money by paying attention to your pipes!
Laura Bourland
Laura grew up in the California suburbs, far removed from environmentalism, but nature always has a way. She uprooted her life in 2015, moving to the countryside of Washington to live a more sustainable and simple life on 12 acres. She and her fiancee are learning on the job as they attempt everything from gardening and natural pest control to eco-friendly building and home improvement.
