Atlanta Plumbing Leak Copper Pipes

Many different materials are used when it comes to piping a home's water system. Older homes often contained galvanized steel lines that corroded over the years, often causing major leak problems. Gray polybutylene was used for a short time before it was discovered that the product had an inherent fault and was recalled. Polyethylene and CPVC have taken its place as the low-cost, high quality products used in most new homes. Copper, however, has been used throughout any other problems faced by other piping materials, and has been in homes for around a century. It is a strong product when used for water piping, and it's used for residential, commercial, and industrial applications. It is not, however, perfect.

Copper is expensive; however Plumbing Leak will be able to provide you with an assessment today to give you a price on Copper Pipe repairs. On average, copper cost roughly 7-10 times as much per foot as polyethylene or CPVC piping. It is also a market-influenced metal, much like silver and gold. As such, copper prices rise and fall due to the economy. Outside of price, it offers little physical flexibility in some formulations. In most applications, three basic types of copper exist in the plumbing world: Type M, L, and K. Types L and K are flexible and relatively soft, allowing for usage in tougher-to-access areas, but are generally used in smaller amounts. The most common type is type M, which offer no bend or flex. This can create additional expenses associated with repairs and replacements.

Copper must be installed precisely and carefully. Joining copper pieces requires high temperatures, and generally must be performed by someone with experience in the field. If done incorrectly, leaks WILL happen. If the copper is not cleaned prior to installation/repair, leaks WILL happen. One of the most common places for leaks is copper joints, where pieces connect or make turns. If not properly cleaned before and after installation, copper can oxidize (a form of rust). This can create tiny pinholes in the metal. Copper is also susceptible to bursting with extreme temperature drops, and as such must be properly insulated when located in or near exterior walls in cold areas. Contact Plumbing Leak today to see how we can assist you to repair and replace your copper pipes that are in your home and buildings.