Monday, August 28, 2006
Plumbling... copper or stainless steel?
Now that the floor is done, it is time for plumbing!
Thinking of installing a storage tank heater? Due to the temperture of the hot water, the PVC pipes provided by HDB may not be able to withstand the pressure and heat from the water. Replacement of water piping is always recommended for families who intend to use a storage heater for their hot water needs.
We got mixed reviews about stainless steel and copper piping. Both metals are not prone to rusting, so both are good for the water piping in the home.
The more questions we ask the more we learned... this are our findings:
Copper is a softer material compared to stainless steel, so it is easier to bend. Lesser joints are needed for copper piping when it has to go around a corner. It is also easier to do threading at the joints, thus the cheaper price compared to stainless steel.
Due to the metal properties of copper, they then to oxidize, becoming a dull brown over time, sometimes turning green on the surface of the pipe due to the exposure to iron (the nails that holds the bracket to the wall), making the piping really unsightly.
This can be easily overcome by painting the copper pipes.
Stainless steel is tougher and a plumber needs to be skillful in threading the ends. Loose or inaccurate threading will lead to leakage at the joints. Stainless steel is harder to bend, a skilled plumber should be smart enough not to bend any pipe more than an angle of 45 degrees and using elbow joints for the rest to minimize bending works. Due to the larger number of joints used, stainless steel piping naturally will cost more.
The stainless steel looks good, and given the inert properties of the metal, there is no need to paint over the pipes to prevent oxidation.
Depending on individual preference and budget, both are good materials for use in the home.
Stainless steel with a good quality plumbing workmanship is always recommended if one intends to live in the house for the long haul, though copper pipes will do just as well. Our mom and pops are all for stainless steel because of its durability and the neat clean looks.
Coming from the old school of upbringing, heh heh, we chose the stainless steel pipe... and boy do they look good! Silver and shiny, really gives one the feeling of looking at something that is brand new everytime you look at it! *grinz*
Prev: Progress Update... wetworks! (part 2)
Next: Paints... what to choose? how to choose?
# posted by GnM @ 6:24 PM 
