Fl South West Property Recreational

Copper vs. PVC vs. Galvanized Which Pipe Works the Best?


Some people pull their hair out trying to decide which pipes to buy for their indoor plumbing projects. In order to make it easier for you to decide, you need to know what material indoor plumbing pipes are made of. The three most common kinds of indoor pipes are listed as follows:
Copper
Galvanized
PVC

Now that you know that the main three types of indoor plumbing pipes are made of, you can analyze each type. Listed below are the advantages and disadvantages of Copper, Galvanized, and PVC. You can decide for yourself which is the best as you explore the advantages and disadvantages of each kind listed below.

1. Advantages and disadvantages of Copper
Copper is used most often in houses today, and is preferred by homeowners. The reason why, is because copper pipes increase the value of the home. Furthermore, they are safer than galvanized pipes because they do not contain led. Also, copper pipes are more form fitting than PCV pipe. Copper pipes are smaller in diameter and can be used in tight places. Also, they are biostatic, which means that copper inhibits bacteria growth. Therefore the water is safer to drink. In addition, the insides of pipe to not have as much mineral buildup as galvanized pipes do. Also, they are more resistant to flame than PCV pipes. Copper pipes also are more prone to withstand earthquakes.

The disadvantage of Copper pipes is that they sometimes fail when water temperature is above 180 degrees. Furthermore, condensation often forms inside the pipes. When this condensation freezes, it blocks water flow. Another disadvantage is that coppers pipes cause water to have a slight metallic taste. Also, copper pipes are more costly to repair and install than PCV pipes.

2. Advantages and disadvantages of Galvanized
Galvanization is the process of coating a metal with zinc. Therefore, galvanized steel, and galvanized iron is more improved than the old steel and iron pipes. The zinc coating helps prevent corrosion and mineral deposits within the line. However, these pipes are better for larger construction projects. Sewage pluming, or and farm irrigation are some used for galvanized pipes.

The disadvantages of galvanized pipes are that they contain lead, and corrode quickly. The average life span of a galvanized pipeline is 40 years. Most homes today have replaced galvanized pipes with copper, because deposits build up in the inside of the water line, and cause extreme water flow blockage.



3. Advantages and disadvantages of PVC
PCV has many advantages over galvanized steel and copper. To begin with, it is the most lightweight of the three. This makes it easier to install. Also to mention, it is the least expensive of the three types. Also, it can withstand higher water pressure than the copper. Also, PCV is non-conductive, will not rust, and is not as conducive to condensation. In addition, PCV is less noisy at higher water pressure levels. Another advantage is that PCV can be placed under concrete slab without reacting to the concrete. Moreover, it is self-insulating. That is why it can handle hotter temperature water.

Even though it can withstand hot water temperatures, it is less flame resistant. That is one of the biggest disadvantages of PCV. Additionally, the pipes usually only comes in inch to 2 inch sizes. This makes them very inflexible. Along with that, the PCV joints are very bulky. As a result, PCV pipes do not fit as well in tight places as copper. Also, PCV contains volatile compounds which are harmful to the environment. Furthermore, some people have complained that PCV pipes cause water to have a slight plastic taste.

The above descriptions of advantages and disadvantages of each type of indoor plumbing material are not entirely exclusive. It is wise for any one who wants to replace the pipes in their home to do some research. Many factors contribute to making the choice of which pipe material to use in a plumbing project.

Also, a person needs to know that copper and galvanized steel can not be connected together. The reason why, is because the two together can cause a chemical reaction. It is better to have only one type of pipe in your home. Along with that, which ever pipe you choose to use, remember it is best to complete the entire project with one single piping material. The exception to this may be if you are adding a short pipe in the back of the sink or toilet. Other than that, it is better to use all one pipe.

If you want to be sure that you have the safest and best water pipes for your home, you can do further research. Also, you can call a trained plumber to make that decision for you. Additionally, he is inclined to know how to safely install a plumbing system within your home. Therefore, when in doubt, it is best to let the plumber handle the job for you.

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Right on TrackEasy Steps to Mounting Track Lights


Your five-year-old son is going to be the next Picasso, you can already tell. You want to hang his latest masterpiece on the wall and make it the focal point of the room, but how to achieve the effect?

Track lighting, of course! Track lighting offers the opportunity to much better control the mood and emphasis of a rooms lighting. With so many colors and styles, it is just as beautiful as it is functional.

If wiring through a junction box would tax your electrical skills past their limit, track lighting kits are available that simply plug in to the wall. They cant be beat for ease of installation, but they do not look as professional and unobtrusive as those that are actually mounted through the ceiling.

If you are ready for installation that is a little more challenging, follow these easy steps to mount track lighting and give Juniors pice de rsistance the attention it deserves!

Materials Needed
Drill / screwdriver
Electrical cable and tape
Ladder or stepstool
Long-nose or electricians pliers
Neon tester / voltage meter
Tape measure
Toggle bolts
Track light kit
Wire nuts
1. Turn off the power. Turn off electrical power to appropriate junction box through the breaker box or service panel. Ensure that the circuit is dead with a neon tester or voltage meter. Once you are certain the power is off, remove the existing fixture and carefully disconnect wires, keeping exposed ends separate from each other.
2. Wire the live end. Put live end into the track and secure it by tightening the setscrew. Attach the live end to the mounting bracket.
Use pigtail leads to finish wiring the live end. Pigtail leads are short wires connected to terminals. Wire nuts are then used to connect the pigtail leads to the home wiring. Secure the black pigtail lead to the brass screw, the white pigtail to the silver screw, and the green (or bare) pigtail to the green grounding screw.
3. Lay out the track location. Decide on track location based on the existing junction box and which areas youd like the lights to bring focus to. You can purchase fittings for Ts or angles; but double check that the fittings you want are offered by the manufacturer of your chosen track light system.

Mark mounting holes to indicate position. Ensure the track runs parallel to a wall by measuring out an equal distance from the wall to either end of the track. Remember to place tracks an appropriate distance (at least 6") from potentially flammable materials. On the marked places, drill holes for toggle bolts or screws.

4. Mount the track. Place circuit and fixture wires in junction box and install the mounting plate on the box. Snap the track into place on the junction box by following instructions provided for your specific track lighting system.

Put toggle bolts/screws through new track mounting and lift the track to the ceiling. (Recruit helpers beforehand if the track if very heavy or unwieldy.) Into the mounting holes, insert toggle wings but do not tighten. Attach any fittings (Ts or angles) and additional track sections desired, and insert end pieces at the end of the completed track.

Insert the electrical adapter into the track and twist to attach it. Install the cover over the mounting plate assembly and adapter. Place fixtures into the track and twist to secure.

Screw in appropriate bulbs as recommended by the manufacturer.

2. Make connections to house wiring. Twist wire connectors onto the matching colored house and pigtail wires to lock them together. Secure the mounting plate to the ceiling box with the screws provided. Tighten toggle bolts/screws.

3. Apply the finishing touches. Turn the power back on and test the lights. If they fail, turn off and double check the current with a neon tester or voltage meter. Also check your work for missing connections.

Once power has been restored, adjust head angle and position to shine light where you want it. For added versatility, consider purchasing a dimmer to make subtle changes in the strength of the lighting. Relax and enjoy your next dinner party when Juniors masterpiece is lavishly complimented, thanks to the superior showcasing.