What type of plumbing pipe is best for your commercial facility? That depends on your facility’s plumbing needs and the water your system handles. Let’s look at the different types of commercial pipes and their pros and cons so you can better understand which pipes fit your facility’s plumbing system.
Types of Plumbing System Pipes for Commercial and Industrial Buildings
Here are the different types of commercial pipes, their uses, and their advantages and disadvantages.
Copper Pipes
Copper pipes work extremely well for industrial and commercial buildings. They’ve been a gold standard in plumbing since the 1960s, and resist corrosion the best out of all the types of pipes listed here. They also carry both hot and cold water without sustaining any damage. Because of these advantages, copper pipes fit hot water lines and refrigerant lines in commercial and industrial plumbing installations. The only real disadvantage is that they’re the most expensive type of pipe listed here. However, copper pipes are worth the financial investment because of their durability.
Brass Pipes
Brass pipes work similarly to copper pipes, and they aren’t as expensive. They also carry hot and cold water effectively and resist corrosion. They’re an older type of pipe than copper piping, but they work well for water supply and removal lines, particularly because they thread more easily than copper pipes do. The one downside is that they run the risk of lead contamination, since brass is an alloy, not a singular element, and some brass alloys contain lead. Commercial plumbers must be careful to choose lead-free brass alloys for plumbing pipes, especially where drinking water is concerned.
Stainless Steel Pipes
Like copper pipes, stainless steel pipes resist corrosion very well, but are often expensive. However, they function well in installations that require corrosion-resistant pipes. These pipes are exceptionally strong, giving them an advantage over more malleable types of pipe.
Cast Iron Pipes
Cast iron pipes are designed to distribute large amounts of water and withstand high levels of pressure. They’re also extremely fire resistant. Because of their design, cast iron pipes often appear in the sewer lines or other underground applications of commercial buildings.
PVC Pipes
PVC piping is very inexpensive and is commonly used in commercial buildings. However, it has a few prominent disadvantages. For instance, can you use PVC for hot water pipes? No. Hot water causes PVC to warp, which could potentially lead to a split or break in the pipe. Extended exposure to UV rays also damages PVC pipes. Because of these two disadvantages, they work best for indoor plumbing applications. They come in two sizes: Schedule 40 and Schedule 80. Schedule 80 is slightly stronger than Schedule 40, but both sizes work in commercial applications. PVC is cost effective, but it does have its limitations.
CPVC Pipes
CPVC pipes are chlorinated PVC pipes, meaning they have extra chlorine added to their piping material. CPVC pipes handle hot water much better than their PVC counterparts. However, they do split and break when exposed to freezing temperatures. They’re fire resistant and much more flexible than metal pipes. They also have smooth interiors, which make them much quieter than copper pipes when they distribute water. CPVC pipes work well for delivering drinking water and hot water, as well as draining hot water and wastewater, throughout commercial plumbing systems.
PEX Pipes
PEX piping is extremely flexible and withstands heat and cold easily. These pipes bend around obstacles for installations in tight spaces, and they deliver hot water effectively. However, they don’t do well when they’re connected directly to a hot water heater. Instead, 18 inches of copper, stainless steel, or other piping needs to be connected to the heater and linked to the PEX piping.
How Do You Decide Which Piping Best Fits Your Commercial or Industrial Building?
If you need a new water supply or drainage system, or you have another plumbing project that needs pipes, you need a commercial plumbing partner. A commercial and industrial plumbing company helps you assess your plumbing project’s requirements and choose the right pipes for the job. Fortunately, A&G Services has the plumbing and piping services you need to develop a custom solution for your facility.
Which Industries Do We Work With?
We offer plumbing services to both commercial and industrial businesses. Some industries we work with include:
- Oil & Gas
- Pharmaceutical
- Aerospace
- Commercial Offices
- Healthcare
- Food and Beverage
Over the years, we’ve created a variety of piping solutions to improve businesses’ core operations and build efficient plumbing systems in their facilities. No matter which type of piping you need, we have the right services for you.
Improve Your Plumbing Pipes With A&G Services
Are you looking for a new plumbing pipe solution? If you are, be sure to do your research and examine all your options. Then, connect with us to get started on your facility’s piping solution. By collaborating with us, you can draw on our resources and experience to implement your solution effectively.
If you want to find plumbing pipes that fit your facility’s needs, reach out to us today. We can help you determine which pipes best handle the water temperatures in your building, and we’ll adjust our services to fit your business operations. Whenever you’re ready, we’ll be here to help.
