PVC has brought some of the most economical piping solutions around. PVC and CPVC have emerged as the cost effective leaders in installation. Plumbers still disagree about the value of this product and under what circumstances to use in plumbing installations. According to the plumbers we spoke to at a number of San Diego plumbing companies, the difficulty revolves around how to use, and what to expect out of CPVC and PVC. It comes down to education about the potential problems and benefits, to making a good decision.

PVC and CPVC are not subject to rising metal prices. The prices of the plastic plumbing pipes have remained stable, while metal pipes have gone up. Plumbers at many Atlanta plumbing companies say that the demand for certain metals have caused copper and brass pipes to rise rapidly and out of reach for most projects. PVC offers stability in a market place that relies on stable pricing.

Availability is another strength that the manufacturer's of PVC and CPVC enjoy. Because of the low cost of mass production, it is one of the most common piping solutions available. This puts it in easy access to professional plumbers and house-hold handymen. All different sizes, types, and connections have added to the availability and cost to make plastic piping one of the most prevalent plumbing trends according to the professionals at several Houston plumbing companies we interviewed.

PVC is easy to use and requires no special plumbing tools. Working with copper and other metal pipes often involves having to carry welding equipment to make sure that connections are properly made. PVC and CPVC cannot be welded, but use adhesives to make connections. Traditional metal pipes sometimes require special saw blades that are much more expensive and can be harder to work with.

With all of the positives, it seems like PVC would be a clear choice over traditional metal pipes and fixtures. As most things, using the plastic piping also has it's downfalls. These weaknesses are something that many plumbers look at when they make their final decision on what types of plumbing to install. Plastic pipes may not have many draw backs, but the one that most plumbers look at is the short life-span of PVC and CPVC.

PVC and CPVC break down faster than metal pipes, in most environments. While metals do corrode and will eventually break down and fail, the plastics used in PVC and CPVC tend to have a much shorter life-span. Usually PVC and related pipes start becoming fragile within the first five to eight years, after the installation. Unlike the metal pipe, when PVC and CPVC becomes fragile, long breaks can occur in the pipe. This can cause more water to be lost over a wider area and that the entire pipe will have to be replaced rather than just the failing section.

Failures of PVC and CPVC can be far more catastrophic, because of long breaks. While they may be cheaper to install and replace, that savings may be lost due to the more frequent repairs. The ease of use often promotes people that are not qualified to do the work, to engage in projects that they do not fully understand. Only a qualified plumbing expert will be able to tell you the best pipes to use. They will take your budget, needs, environment, and maintenance into consideration to give you the best possible recommendations. Contact a plumbing professional for more information.