With the risks of low-quality plumbing equipment, we must use only the highest quality materials. Hydrotek International is committed to providing the very best products, using only the highest-grade materials to meet the needs of our clients.
The Most Popular Plumbing Materials
There are many variations of plumbing systems and their components, as you can imagine. Below is a list of all the materials used in plumbing.
Copper
Copper plumbing has been used for many years because it is corrosion-resistant and easy to work with and repair. Copper is also easy to recycle, which makes it environmentally friendly. Most plumbers choose to use copper pipes because they are durable and long-lasting.
You can join copper piping systems using either a soldering or brazing process. Soldering creates joints by melting lead and tin alloys that flow into the joint between two pieces of pipe or between a pipe and fitting.
Brazing uses brass filler materials, and silvery metals called fluxes in a process similar to soldering. The difference is that it requires higher temperatures to melt the braze alloy filler rod, which flows into the joint where two pieces are joined together.
Brass
Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc used in plumbing and electrical applications. Brass is strong and durable, maintaining its integrity even when contact with acidic water.
It is also resistant to corrosion. As a result, brass works well in faucets, fittings and valves. You can install brass fittings at the pipe’s supply end (where water enters the structure) or the drain end (where water leaves). Valves allow plumbers and homeowners to control water flow either on or off.
Zinc
Zinc is an alloy popularly used in the manufacture of pipe fittings, including tees and elbows. It can also be used to make pipes themselves. Zinc is useful because it has a low melting point, making it easier to work with than other metals.
This metal is resistant to corrosion and flexible as well. So, if you need something strong but malleable, zinc may be the right choice for your project.
Zinc conducts electricity well—another reason it may be a suitable material for your project.
Galvanized iron
Galvanized iron was first used in the mid-1800s and is still a preferred plumbing material today. One of its major benefits is that it’s strong. However, galvanized iron can rust under certain conditions, leading to leaks in your system.
This material has a high melting point and can easily bend into different shapes. That makes it fairly easy to work with if you have the right tools.
Suppose you’re looking for a do-it-yourself project. In that case, galvanized iron may be a good material for you if you don’t mind doing some extensive prep work before welding or soldering anything together.
You can join galvanized iron with copper and brass fittings; however, it is incompatible with plastic fittings.
PVC
Polyvinyl chloride, or PVC, is a type of plastic often used in plumbing. Plumbers have been using PVC pipes and fittings since 1957, making it one of the oldest and most widely available piping materials.
PVC is extremely resistant to corrosion and chemicals, a quality that makes it a popular choice for modern plumbing systems. You can get PVC as rigid or flexible pipes depending on the application.
PVC is lightweight and easy to install. It is ideal for any project where weight or installation time are considerations. The material comes in many colors to match your plumbing system with your home’s decor.
PVC is also cost-effective because it requires less maintenance and repair than other plumbing materials such as copper and galvanized steel pipes.
Silicone
Silicone is a synthetic rubber that serves as an insulator in electrical work. It also finds use in gaskets, adhesives, sealants, and lubricants.
Silicone is durable and flexible and can withstand high temperatures. It is an ideal material for pipes that come into contact with hot water lines or are likely to be subjected to extreme temperature fluctuations.
It’s also resistant to acidity or alkalinity. Thus, silicone pipes can be ideal for underground piping systems where soil conditions vary.
Silicone is soft enough for stretching and manipulation into the tightest spaces. Yet, it is strong enough to withstand frequent use without tearing or wearing out.
This material is non-toxic, so contaminants leaching out of the silicone into the water stream won’t compromise your water quality. Silicone is also easy to clean and maintain, hygienic and non-porous. You don’t have to worry about bacteria growing or other nasty stuff sticking to its surface.
EPDM
EPDM is a synthetic rubber polymer used for many applications, including plumbing. It is available in sheet form and can be cut to suit the needs. EPDM also comes pre-formed into various shapes for use as gaskets, seals, and hoses.
The material is flexible enough to bend but tough enough to resist weathering and pressure. It’s also resistant to UV rays and ozone exposure, making it a great option for indoor and outdoor plumbing needs.
Although it is not the most durable material to use in plumbing, it can be a good option when you need a flexible solution that will remain stable under pressure. EPDM is only applicable in certain situations due to its limitations and potential cost down the road.
Rubber
When it comes to plumbing, rubber is one of the most versatile materials. You can shape and mold it into many different shapes and sizes, yet it is also extremely strong and durable.
Rubber’s tendency to retain its shape even when bent or twisted gives it a high coefficient of friction. You can thus clamp pipes made from this material, making them ideal for plumbing systems. However, rubber has one major drawback: it is difficult to cut!
Rubber can be a challenge when cutting because of how hard and inflexible the material is. If you try to slice through an old hose with scissors or even a knife, you will probably struggle with some pretty frustrating results.
Hydrotek International uses only the best plumbing materials for all its products
We ensure that each of our products is manufactured to the highest standards. We provide technologically advanced commercial plumbing solutions and care about innovative solutions focusing on cost efficiency and environmental sustainability.
