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Ed Ziomek
Joined: 07 Jun 2005
Posts: 482
Location: Stamford, Connecticut
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 Posted: Tue Dec 11, 2007 8:34 am Post subject: Retiring Copper use in Plumbing: PEX, CPVC, any others? |
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I do many plumbing repair jobs in my home, and lately at the local supply store, I see more and more contractors hitting the checkout line with plastic plumbing materials.
The overall thought is that the use of PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) plastic, CPVC (Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride) plastic, and possibly other products will soon replace all copper plumbing in the home.
Commerical information resources (not endorsing):
PEX Glossary: http://www.pexsupply.com/glossary.asp
PEX frequently asked questions: http://www.ppfahome.org/pex/faqpex.html
PEX products for radiant heat use: http://www.pexheat.com/?OVRAW=pex%20plumbing%20system&OVKEY=pex%20plumbing&OVMTC=advanced&OVADID=1972373522&OVKWID=18108707522
CPVC systems: http://www.ajaycorp.com/cpvc-pipes.html
What do you say? What do the experts say?
Some like myself are skeptical, thinking copper products take a better beating than the new products, may have less taste residue, while at the same time admitting the old metallic style is much more difficult and expensive to install. And of course, copper is a non renewable resource which should be conserved.
What are the trade guys saying about these new products? Is the confidence level among the pros accepting the new plastic products instead of copper plumbing?
Are the local building codes opening up to plastic products for hot and cold water lines, in addition to sewer and heating lines?
What are the best plastic products available for home plumbing?
Retiring Abe Lincoln
On a side note, I am the 100 millionth person to suggest that America should retire the Abe Lincoln copper penny, since it costs 3-4 cents to make the penny. In fact, retailers should be instructed to "up the penny price" to the nearest nickel value when charging consumers. America can no longer afford to give change in pennies, and the retailer would gain up to a nickel more per purchase this way. On the radical side, I think the American Treasury should buy back all the hoarded pennies on a two for one basis, and then melt them all down to save the metallic content, and the cost of producing this valuable metal.
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Ed Ziomek |
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