PVC or copper?
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Elder User
Joined: Jan 2005
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From: Near the trees
PVC or copper?
I know there are other sources that I could go to for this info but y'all are family and I trust your opinions.
My house is 75 years old and has galvanized plumbing that needs replaced. Should I use pvc or copper?
My house is 75 years old and has galvanized plumbing that needs replaced. Should I use pvc or copper?
Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 8,465
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From: Calgary Canada
I'm in the same boat. My insurnace company doesn't like the fact that I have some galvanized pipe, and they make me pay extra for it.
I've heard good things about the PVC, and I think that's the way I'll be going, since it's easier to get around corners and such. I have heard that the fittings for PVC can be expensive, but I haven't priced it out yet, so I'm not sure.
Anyone out there a plumber or used this stuff before?
I've heard good things about the PVC, and I think that's the way I'll be going, since it's easier to get around corners and such. I have heard that the fittings for PVC can be expensive, but I haven't priced it out yet, so I'm not sure.
Anyone out there a plumber or used this stuff before?
Hotshot
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 18,423
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From: iowa
I had an old house we were renovating, tried copper hated it. Did one section put water to it and not until that point did I find out that I didn't do a good job soldering a couple of joints. Well the rest of the house went to pvc, and redoing that section and doing the rest of the house cost me less and took me half the time just the kitchen took with copper so I guess you know what my vote is for.
Cross-Country
Joined: Apr 2004
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Just re-plumbed my mother-in-law's entire house. Try the new Pex and you will never fool with copper, iron, or pvc again. I replaced my iron with pvc about ten years ago and it seems to be brittle now. Once it starts leaking I will redo it with Pex.
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2004
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From: Orange County, CA
If you are going to use PVC I would suggest:
1. Use schedule 80. Its a little more expensive but much stronger.
2. Invest in a good pair of cutters. This will cut down on the frustation factor.
3. Wrap any pipe that is exposed to direct sunlight.
4. Use good primer and glue. IMO Christys Red Hot Blue Glue is the best.
5. For threaded fittings use white threaded plastic pipe sealant and don't overly tighten.
These are some things that come to mind. Hope it helps.
1. Use schedule 80. Its a little more expensive but much stronger.
2. Invest in a good pair of cutters. This will cut down on the frustation factor.
3. Wrap any pipe that is exposed to direct sunlight.
4. Use good primer and glue. IMO Christys Red Hot Blue Glue is the best.
5. For threaded fittings use white threaded plastic pipe sealant and don't overly tighten.
These are some things that come to mind. Hope it helps.
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Elder User
Joined: Jan 2005
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From: Near the trees
Thanks for the info bro's! So tell me, What is Pex, where can I get Christy's, and How do I connect the pvc to the galvanized where it comes through the wall from the well? Or should I replace that piece too?
Hotshot
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: iowa
Don't know what or where to get PEX, but for connecting to the galvanized just get an adapter, they make them just for that purpose, NPT on one side, and glue type on the other side.
Then if you ever have the need to replace from the well you can go with black water pipe that would connect with a barbed fitting, and hose clamp, just unscrew the galvanized, and screw in a barbed fitting your good to go.
Then if you ever have the need to replace from the well you can go with black water pipe that would connect with a barbed fitting, and hose clamp, just unscrew the galvanized, and screw in a barbed fitting your good to go.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2004
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From: Orange County, CA
I think PEX pipe is some kind of flexable, poly pipe. I guess one of the advantages is that it requires less fittings due to its flexability.
You can buy Christys at most home improvement stores.
I think once you try to unscrew any of your old galvinized fittings they are going to break leaving the threads behind. You can spend a lot of time trying to clean those threads out or you can find a good section of galvanized, cut it, and install a Moody coupling or a flex coupling to adapt to your new PVC. If you do find some clean threads to work with all you will need is a male or female adapter.
You can buy Christys at most home improvement stores.
I think once you try to unscrew any of your old galvinized fittings they are going to break leaving the threads behind. You can spend a lot of time trying to clean those threads out or you can find a good section of galvanized, cut it, and install a Moody coupling or a flex coupling to adapt to your new PVC. If you do find some clean threads to work with all you will need is a male or female adapter.
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Elder User
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From: Houston
I thought you had to use CPVC for hot water as PVC will not work. If I was living in the sticks and could do what I wanted, I would use CPVC (haven't yet studied PEX) but since I live in the city, copper is required.
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Elder User
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From: Near the trees
Thanks everyone for the information. I have decided to use pvc as it seems to be the easiest to work with as well as the cheapest. I priced the copper and it wil cost way too much and PEX isn't available around here.