Plumbing Products Used Over The Years — And Their Replacements

The article is about the changes to materials used for residential plumbing products over the years.   

The newer products last longer and/or are easier to install.

Al’s Plumbing, Heating & A/C in Plano, Texas provides maintenance & repairs for all brands of Central A/C, Gas & Electric Furnace, and Heat Pumps.    Additionally we sell and install new HVAC Systems from American Standard (same company as Trane), Ameristar (same company as American Standard) and Coleman HVAC (same company as York HVAC).

Al’s also provides full-service plumbing maintenance, repairs and replacements for every plumbing component in your home.  Al’s sells and installs Rheem Professional Series gas & electric water heaters, and tankless water heaters.  Al’s is near your home in Plano, TX; Allen, TX; and Frisco, TX.  We service all homes in southern Collin and Denton Counties with no additional travel charge.

Call Al’s today to discuss any concerns or problems you have with your HVAC System or Plumbing.  We will arrange an appointment at your convenience and offer 24/7 Emergency Service.

Click Here For A Detailed Glossary Of Plumbing Terms: AlsPlumbing.com Plumbing Terms Glossary

Plumbing products have evolved over the years. 

The newer products are less expensive to make and/or easier to install. 

And in nearly every case — the new product is superior to what it replaced.

Example: PVC (white plastic) sewer lines replaced cast-iron during the 1970’s — 1980’s.

  PVC sewer pipes are less expensive to make and much easier to install than cast-iron.

-AND- PVC outlasts cast-iron by double the lifespan or longer.

Plumbing Products Over The Years Include

Toilet Technology Advances — Water Saver Toilets

Toilet Water Usage Over The Years:

• The first toilets available used 10 gpf (gallons of water per flush).
• Later versions used 5-7 gpf.
• In 1992 — Congress passed the Environmental Policy Act of 1992 to conserve water.   This Act mandated toilet water consumption at 1.6 gpf or less.
• In 2016 a study found a typical home used -39 fewer gallons (per day) between 1999-2016.

• Texas requires 1.28 gpf toilets.
• Today’s lowest water use toilet is .8 gpf.

1880’s: High Tank toilets enter the market — using 10 gallons of water per flush (gpf).

Image Source: ShutterStock

SHOWN: High Tank Toilet

1920’s: Tank type toilets enter the market — using 5-7 gpf.

Image Source: Flicker

1974: The first 3.5 gpf toilet was introduced.

1992: Congress passed the Environmental Policy Act of 1992 to conserve water — limiting toilet water use to 1.6 gpf.

2014: Toilets with WaterSense label use 1.28 gpf.

Click Here To See A WaterSense Logo: WaterSense Logo

2016: Dual-Flush toilets use 1 or 1.6 gpf — depending on the flush selected.

2016: Texas joined California in requiring newly installed toilets use 1.28gpf or less.

2018: Niagra (brand) Stealth (model) is a single-flush toilet that uses .8 gpf

SHOWN: Niagra Stealth Toilet — .8 gpf 

Click On Image To; View Product, See Details, or Purchase From Amazon.com

Source:  https://www.safeplumbing.org/files/safeplumbing.org/documents/misc/timeline.pdf

Plumbing Products Over The Years Included:

Old Shower & Sink Shut-Off’s That Are Not Pressure Balanced (to prevent scalding)

Image Source: ShutterStock.   Image modified.

Older valves (the water on/off handles) can’t accommodate fluctuations in water pressure.

Plumbing products over the years included older valves (the water on/off handles) have no ability to accommodate fluctuations in water pressure.   Flushing a toilet, or starting a washing machine,  can dramatically reduce the water pressure in either the hot or cold water lines.    In homes with the water heater set above 120 degrees — a scald-hazard exists in homes with faucets that can’t regulate water pressure.   This includes all older two-handle and most of the older single-handle faucet shut-off’s.

Newer shower or shower/bathtub faucets are pressure balanced to protect from drastic temperature changes.   If a lot of cold or hot water is suddenly used  — the pressure balanced valve will maintain a nearly constant water temperature.

NOTE: Some bath & kitchen sink faucets are pressure balanced.   If it has that feature — it will tell you in the description.  If the feature isn’t mentioned — it’s likely not pressure balanced.

SHOWN: Moen brand Pressure Balancing Valve (Not Visible — located behind the water on/off handle.)  

Click On Image To; View Product, See Details, or Purchase From Amazon.com

Plumbing Products Over The Years Included

High-Pressure, Water-Saver Shower Heads

Plumbing products over the years included the first “low-flow” shower heads.  The technology has come a long way since then.   There are new shower heads that provide both high pressure & water savings technologies.   There is a huge selection of this style of shower head — we have shown two.   The two 2-head versions use 2.5 gallons of water per minute (with both heads operating).    Click on the images to see price & details — all are modestly priced.

Click On Image To; View Product, See Details, or Purchase From Amazon.com

The Website Says:

• Advance Turbocharged technology increases water speeds up to 200% beyond typical faucet pressure.

• 30% water-usage savings

• All-natural Bio-active stones provide water filtration keeping water pH Balanced.

Click On Image To; View Product, See Details, or Purchase From Amazon.com

The Website Says:

• One 7″ + One 4″ shower head.

• Use shower heads separately or both together.

• 2.5 gallons per minute water flow with both shower heads operating.

RetroFit Shower Panel System

Click On Image To; View Product, See Details, or Purchase From Amazon.com

The Website Says:

• Uses the existing water on/off handle — no new plumbing required.
• Uses the existing water spout (note the round piece showing above the shower-panel in image above).
• Can be installed with basic tools — no construction or demolition.
• Water usage: 2.0 gallons per minute

• NOTE: The model does not mention the “High Pressure” Feature.
• NOTE: This model won’t work with bathtub/shower combo — because it covers the existing water on/off handle.
• NOTE: The water on/off handle in a bathtub/shower combo is lower than in a dedicated shower
• Check the measurements of the shower panel with your existing bathtub/shower combo to know if a specific shower-panel will work.

Click On Image To; View Product, See Details, or Purchase From Amazon.com

• This retrofit shower panel works with bathtub/shower combo — because it leaves the existing water on/off handle exposed.
• This allows the shower-panel to be hung higher.

Additional Bathroom Articles Of Interest

• Click Here For Part 1 (of 3) — 50 Ways To Make A Bathroom Look Larger: AlsPlumbing.com 50 Ways To Make A Bathroom Look Larger

• Click Here For Ways To Upgrade / Update A Bathroom On A Budget: AlsPlumbing.com Bathroom Update / Upgrade On A Budget

• Click Here For Luxury Bathroom Style & Decor Trends: AlsPlumbing Luxury Baths Style & Decor Trends

• Click Here For Ways To Upgrade A Bathroom With Safety Features: AlsPlumbing.com Adding Bathroom Saftey Features

Plumbing Products Over The Years Included

Emergency Shut Off Valves Inside The House

There is an emergency shut off valve (at the wall) where toilets and sinks connect.  This valve allows the water to be turned off — to perform service on the toilet or sink AND in the case of an emergency.

Plumbing products over the years included shut-off valves that were “gate” style.  This meant, as you turned the handle, the gate moved downward to shut off the valve.  This style of valve is subject to locking-up (in the open position) due to corrosion.  When you need it — it may not be able to be closed because it’s stuck in the open position due to corrosion.

Click Here To See A Interior Diagram Of  Gate And Ball Valves: Cut-A-Way Interior Diagram Of Gate And Ball Valves

Just below is a common shut off valve used in homes for many years.  These require several turns to shut off because they are closing only a little with each turn.

Shown: “Gate” or “Compression” Type Shut-Off Valve — These Require Several Turns To Shut Off.  

Click On Image To; View Product, See Details, or Purchase From Amazon.com

Shown: “Ball” Type Shut-Off Valve — These Require Only 1/4 Turn To Shut Off.  

Click On Image To; View Product, See Details, or Purchase From Amazon.com

Plumbing Products Over The Years Include

High-Efficiency Water Heaters

Image Source: ShutterStock

Heating water typically accounts for 15% or more of a home’s total energy expenses.  Source: This Old House / https://www.thisoldhouse.com/plumbing/21128553/all-about-plumbing

The Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) is the Department of Energy’s new measurement of water heater energy efficiency.  It replaced the previous Energy Factor (EF) measurement.

50 Gallon ELECTRIC Water Heater:   

.95 UEF minimum energy efficiency standard

2.00 (or higher) UEF — Energy Star rated

3.45 Highest UEF for Heat-Pump Electric Water Heater (subject to change).

50 Gallon GAS Water Heater:   

.64 UEF minimum energy efficiency standard

.87 UEF (or higher) — Energy Star rated

We could not find the highest UEF rated gas water heater.

Source: https://www.energystar.gov/products/water_heaters/residential_water_heaters_key_product_criteria

Garbage Disposer

Though few advancements in garbage disposer technology have occurred.  But there is a feature that may be worth the extra money to you: “Stainless Steel Grind Components” or “Stainless Steel Grind Chamber”.   Disposers with SS grind chamber don’t rust or corrode.  The grinding chamber’s appearance continues to look new.

Most disposers have galvanized steel grind components.  Galvanized steel is coated with a thin layer of zinc.  The zinc acts as a barrier to prevent corrosion.  Once the zinc wears away, corrosion begins.

Click Here To See Part Of A Stainless Steel Gind Chamber: Part Of Stainless Steel Grind Chamber

Click Here To See An Older Garbage Disposer’s Galvanized Steel Grind Chamber: Rusted Garbage Disposer Grind Components.

• When shopping for a new disposer, it will say if it has Stainless-Steel grind components.  If it doesn’t say it stainless — the grind components are galvanized steel.

• Galvanized steel will appear gray when new, but will turn dark and corroded over time.  Galvanized steel grind components doesn’t mean that it’s an inferior disposer — and most disposers don’t have Stainless Steel.

• Stainless Steel is an upgraded feature.

SHOWN: Garbage Disposer With Stainless-Steel Grinding Chamber

Click On Image To; View Product, See Details, or Purchase From Amazon.com

Plumbing Products Over The Years Included — Cast Iron Sewer Pipes

Image Source: DreamsTime

Shown: Cast Iron Sewer Pipe

Cast iron sewer pipes were common in U.S. homes built from 1900 up to (as late as) the mid-1980s.  While cast-iron pipes are known to last up to 75 years in homes with basements, they don’t last as long in slab homes because they often have direct contact with soil.   This often causes the lifespan of cast iron pipes under slabs to be shorter.   Under a slab foundation, they will last 50 years or longer.

Click Here To See A Cast Iron Sewer Pipe That Has Completely Rusted And Failed: Rusted Cast Iron Sewer Pipe

Copy this link below into your browser to view a newscast segment about rusted cast-iron sewer pipes: 

https://www.fox4now.com/news/protecting-paradise/cracked-pipes-below-your-home-could-cost-the-environment-homeowners

Under the home — the exact time when sewer pipe transitioned from cast iron to PVC in newly-built homes depends on who built the home.  Some homes may have been built with PVC sewer pipe as far back as the late 1960s.   Other builders used cast iron until 1985.   For the most part, it’s fair to assume a DFW home built before 1975 it likely has cast iron sewer pipes under the home (unless they have been replaced).

How To Know Which Type Of Sewer Pipes Are Under Your Home

In DFW — there are typically sewer-cleanouts in exterior walls (where the kitchen sink & bath sinks are located).   If what you see outside is gray or black — it’s likely cast-iron.  If what you see outside is white — it’s likely PVC.

Click Here To See A Cast Iron Sewer-Cleanout In An Exterior Wall: Cast-Iron Sewer-Clean-Out In An Exterior Wall

Click Here To See A PVC Sewer-Cleanout In An Exterior Wall: PVC Sewer Clean-Out In An Exterior Wall

Some homes have black, plastic sewer pipe.   The material used in this plastic is: Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene — and it’s known as “ABS”.    ABS was the first plastic sewer pipe used in homes — which later transitioned to PVC.  ABS typically has a 50-year lifespan.  ***

ABS is always black — and PVC is typically white for residential plumbing.  Many Building Codes specify PVC.  That may be due to PVC being more resistant to hot temperatures than ABS (ABS max. temp = 160 degrees) and PVC being more resistant to chemicals,  plus significantly more fire-retardant than ABS.  **     PVC has a 100-year lifespan.  ***

** Source: http://www.canplas.com/plumbing/abs-vs-pvc-crowning-a-champion/

*** Source: https://www.wqpmag.com/picking-plastic-pipe

Click Here To See An ABS (Black, Plastic) Sewer-Cleanout In An Exterior Wall:  ABS Sewer Pipe Clean Out

Note: The square peg a wrench attaches to is much larger on ABS than Cast Iron.  That’s how you can tell the two apart.

Click Here To See A Cast Iron Sewer-Cleanout In An Exterior Wall: Cast-Iron Sewer-Clean-Out

Other Factors That Can Affect How Long Cast Iron Pipes Last

• Cast Iron pipes often last longer if not subjected to chemical drain cleaners.   Chemical drain cleaners weaken cast iron pipe by creating or accelerating corrosion.    From the moment chemical drain cleaners go down the drain — they begin eating away at everything they come in contact with.

• Grease. When flushed down a drain, grease often settles to the bottom of the sewer pipes.  This can speed rusting of cast iron pipe.  Often the bottom of the pipe will rust through first because it’s always wet.  Grease clinging to the pipe will keep the pipe wet for extended periods of time.

Minimize or Prevent Drain Clogs With Regular Use Of (any brand) Natural, Bacterial & Enzyme Drain Cleaner 

Though Rid-X has historically been marketed for Septic Tank maintenance — Rid-X is a great product to maintain your home’s sewer pipes from sludge build-up inside the pipes.  Organic sludge build-up eventually causes a clog.  Using Rid-X is a safe and natural way to help keep the insides of plumbing lines clean.

Rid-X is an organic, natural, bacterial & enzyme drain cleaner that breaks down ONLY organic waste (sludge build-up inside sewer pipes).  Used regularly, the bacteria & enzymes in Rid-X “clean” the inside of the pipes by breaking down the solid waste stuck to the pipes — once broken down, the waste is flushed away during regular drain usage.

Organic drain cleaners are not corrosive and don’t eat away or corrode metal sewer pipes.  Once Rid-X is inside sewer pipes — the bacteria & enzymes feed only on organic waste (sewer sludge).   Once the pipe is clean in one location — the bacteria & enzymes move farther down the pipe.  The bacteria & enzymes only eat organic waste — they have no effect on sewer pipes (pipes are inorganic).

Because it’s organic — Rid-X is safe to use in every type of plumbing pipe.  It’s a great way to notably reduce sewer line sludge and the clogs it eventually causes.

Shown: Rid-X Organic Drain Cleaner 

Click On Image To; View Product, See Details, or Purchase From Amazon.com

NOTE: Rid-X Can’t Clear An Existing Clog.   It is used as a preventive measure to reduce the occurrence of clogs in the future.

How To Safely Clear A Clogged Drain 

Try a safe method for clearing a clog before using chemical drain cleaners.   

If you must use chemical drain cleaners — don’t use liquids.  If you drop an open bottle — liquid drain cleaner can slash all over you. 

• Un an organic drain cleaner first. 

Liquid Chemical Drain Cleaners Can Cause Catastrophic Injury If Splashed Onto Your Skin Or Into Your Eyes

Click Here To Read Our Article About The Risks When Using Chemical Drain Cleaners: AlsPlumbing.com Will Drano Hurt Sewer Pipes

Plumbing Products Over The Years Included — Clay Sewer Pipes In The Lawn

Image Source: Shutterstock.com

Shown: A Clay Sewer Pipe Destroyed By Tree Roots

Clay sewer pipes in the lawn were common in DFW until around 1975-1980.   Around 1975, clay began transitioning to PVC sewer lines in the lawn.  A home built before 1975 likely has clay sewer pipes in the lawn (unless they have been replaced).

Clay sewer pipes leak a little at their connections — this attracts tree roots in search of water.   At first, tree roots infiltrate the pipes at the connections.   Over time the tree roots grow — they often clog the pipe and/or break the clay pipes open to get more water.

In DFW, the expansive-clay soil in lawns often puts additional stress on clay pipes.  When it rains, clay soil expands as it soaks up water.  When it’s dry, the soil shrinks — to the point that it can become dust during prolonged dry weather.  Add to that the leaking connections in clay pipes, and they may move up and down depending on the amount of moisture in the soil.

As clay sewer pipes age, they often become increasingly brittle.  Even in DFW lawns with no trees — the combination of brittle clay sewer pipes and expansive-clay soil often ends with broken sewer pipes.

Click Here To See Expansive-Clay Soil When Quite Wet & Quite Dry:  Expansive-Clay Soil — Wet & Dry

Today’s Sewer Pipe — PVC (Poly Vinyl Chloride) — For Sewer Pipes Under The House AND In The Lawn

Image Source: ShutterStock

Shown: PVC Sewer Lines 

Once PVC (typically white for residential plumbing) plastic sewer pipes became mainstream (around 1975) — PVC replaced cast-iron & clay pipes.   PVC is much less expensive than cast iron.  And because PVC is lightweight, it’s much easier to install.   PVC is very durable, with lifespan estimates of 100+ years. **   PVC sewer pipes don’t corrode or rust.

** Source: https://www.uni-bell.org/files/Reports/Life_Cycle_Assessment_of_PVC_Water_and_Sewer_Pipe_and_Comparative_Sustainability_Analysis_of_Pipe_Materials.pdf

Advantages Of PVC Pipe

• Installs more easily & quickly — lowers cost.
• Better for the environment.  PVC pipes require less energy & fewer resources to manufacture.  Because it’s lightweight, PVC requires less energy to transport.
• PVC can flex a little without breaking
• PVC can withstand a little ground movement — this is very important in DFW’s unstable soil conditions.
• PVC is resistant to fracturing
• PVC pipes are self-insulating and able to handle hot water.

• PVC Doesn’t corrode and has excellent resistance to chemicals.
• PVC  pipe is available in extended lengths.   This allows for fewer joints and connections.
• PVC has watertight joints   Clay sewer pipes leak a little at the connections — this attracts tree roots.
• PVC has a smoother inner-wall surface that reduces friction.  This allows sewage to move more freely and quickly.

Cell Core (Foam-Core) PVC Sewer Lines

Foam core sewer pipe is a newer product than solid PVC waste pipes.  Cell-core PVC is a lower-cost alternative because it requires less resin to make.  The inner & outer walls are solid PVC.  Between the inner & outer walls is a cellular (foam) core with air bubbles.

Cell Core / Foam Core Pipe is for drain, sewage-waste & sewer-venting purposes only.  It’s only for gravity-feed, non-pressurized, waste elimination systems — and with temperatures not exceeding 140° F.

Click Below To See A Cut-A-Way Section Of Cell-Core / Foam-Core Drain Lines Pipe: Cell Core / Foam Core Waste Lines Pipe:

Cell Core / Foam Core PVC Drain Lines Pipe

Due To Its Reduced Strength,

Foam-Core PVC Sewer Can’t Be Used In The Lawn Or Under The House In DFW — Due To DFW’s Unstable (expansive clay) Soil.

Cell / Foam-Core PVC sewer pipe can’t be used in lawns where unstable soils exist (such as DFW).  This product could be used inside the home. ***

• Foam Core PVC pipe cannot be used in DFW lawns to connect the house to the city’s municipal sewer line.
• This is due to unstable (clay) soil that expands when it’s wet and shrinks when it’s dry.
• This soil expansion & contraction of the soil can create pressure against (or lack of needed support underneath) cell-core sewer lines.

Cell / Foam-Core PVC sewer pipe can’t be installed under slab foundation homes built on unstable soils (such as DFW). *4

This description is shown on the website of a major PVC waste lines manufacturer:

• Burial of pipe beneath a building built on unstable soil is often accomplished by suspending piping systems from the structural slab foundation.
• The installation of plastic pipe in unstable soils must be in accordance with ASTM F2536 (Standard Guide for Installing Plastic DWV Piping Suspended from On-Grade Slabs).

• Per this standard — cellular core pipe is not permitted to be used in this application due to its reduced pipe stiffness.  *4

*4 Source: https://www.charlottepipe.com/Documents/PL_Tech_Man/PVCUnderground.pdf

Cell / Foam Core PVC can’t be used if wastewater can exceed 140 degrees.

Example:  Water discharged from a dishwasher during a normal cycle is 120 to 140 degrees.   A dishwasher set to sanitize-cycle must meet the NSF / National Sanitation Foundation standard of 155 degrees.

• This exceeds the maximum temperature for cell-core PVC waste pipe.
• For this reason, the waste lines connected to the kitchen sink can’t be foam-core PVC pipe.

*** Source: https://www.charlottepipe.com/Documents/PL_Tech_Man/PVCUnderground.pdf

Plumbing Products Over The Years Included — Polybutylene Water Pipes

Likely The Worst Plumbing-Product Failure In U.S. History Was Polybutylene (PB) Water Pipes

SHOWN: Polybutylene Water Pipe

Image Source: YouTube Embedded Video

Click On The White Arrow In The Center Of The Image To View A YouTube Video Describing Polybutylene Water Pipe Failures

Polybutylene water pipes were installed in up to 10 million newly-built U.S. homes between 1978–1995.  At least 6 million homes were built on-site by home builders — plus 3 million manufactured homes were manufactured with PB.

35% of the PB pipes homes were built in the southern U.S. between 1978–1995. (Source: Texas Monthly,  Nov. 1990, Page 62).  PB was also used in the Mid Atlantic and Northwest Pacific states.   Texas home builders who installed PB pipes in some new homes included (but are not necessarily limited to); U.S. Home, Fox & Jacobs,  David Weekly Homes, Monarch Homes, and General Homes (Source: Texas Monthly).

Polybutylene Water Pipes material was notably cheaper than copper — and PB installation was faster.  some plumbers trained non-plumber employees to install it — and incorrect installations were common.

• We have a separate and very detailed article on Polybutylene Water Pipes — click on the link below to go to that article.

• If your home does not have PB pipes — the article doesn’t apply to you.

• If you are not sure if your home has PB pipes — we offer suggestions as to how you may be able to determine if you have PB pipes within the article.

• If your home has PB pipes — WE HIGHLY RECOMMEND YOU READ OUR ARTICLE. 

Click Here To Read Our Detailed Article About Polybutylene Water Pipes:  AlsPlumbing.com Polybutylene Water Pipes

Plumbing Products Over The Years Include

TODAY’s Water Pipes: PEX  

Image Source: Shutterstock

Image Source: ShutterStock

Shown: PEX water lines being installed in a new home.  Hot water lines are red and cold water lines are blue. 

Newer homes typically have PEX (flexible) water lines. 

“(Using PEX) — I installed all the water supply lines to four bathrooms, a kitchen and five outdoor hose bibs in less than four hours. Using traditional copper — I might have gotten part of one bathroom done in that same amount of time.”  **

** Source: https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2020/jan/25/ask-the-builder-plumbing-technology-has-come-a-lon/

PEX  Versus Polybutylene (PB)

With Polybutylene (PB) water pipes having been such a disaster in the U. S. — some people may have concerns about PEX.  Polybutylene (PB) and PEX are both flexible, polymer-based water pipes — and that’s where their similarities end.

• PB & PEX are made from different base-materials.
• PEX has a different production method.
• We provide the details just below.

Polybutylene (PB):

Polybutylene is made from a PolyOlefin Polymer.

• PB’s base-material is formed by the polymerization of Olefin.  During production  — Polyolefin became polybutylene. 
• Olefin is a hydrocarbon — with 2 carbon + 4 hydrogen atoms per molecule (C2H4).
• Olefin’s 2 carbon atoms are double-bonded to each other.
• Olefin has 1 Atom Double-Bond: 1 Carbon-Carbon (double) bond + 4 Four Hydrogen (single) bonds.  Single bonds are less strong than double bonds.
• Prolonged exposure to chlorine breaks the bonds in PB pipes. ***
• The density of PP is between 0.895 — 0.92 grams per cubic centimeter.  HDPE(on the high end) — is +5% more dense than polybutylene. **
• PEX tubing wall thickness is up to +22% thicker than PB tubing. ***

PB connections and pipe failed due to Environmental Stress Cracking caused by chlorine in water. 

Polypropylene is about 10 times more prone to oxidative degradation than PEX. *

Load This URL (below) Into Your Browser To See A PB Pipe Damaged By Exposure To Chlorine (scroll down):

https://www.plasticexpert.com/plastic-technology/polypropylene-pipe-failure/

* Source: https://www.plasticexpert.com/plastic-technology/polypropylene-pipe-failure/

*** https://plasticpipe.org/pdf/tn-31_difference_between_pex_and_pb.pdf

PEX:

PEX is made from a PolyEthylene Polymer.

• Polyethylene base-material is formed by the polymerization of Ethane.   During production — Ethane becomes Polyethylene.
• Ethane is a hydrocarbon — with 2 Carbon + 6 Hydrogen atoms per molecule (C2H6).
• Ethane has 7 Atom Double Bonds: 1 Carbon-Carbon (double bond)  PLUS  6 Carbon-Hydrogen (double) bonds.    Double bonds are stronger than single bonds.
• The more double-bonds exist — the stronger the material is.
• A bond’s strength comes from how strongly each atom is joined to another atom.   The more bonds — the more energy required to break all the bonds.
• The density of PP is between 0.895 — 0.92 grams per cubic centimeter.  HDPE (on the high end) — is +5% more dense than polybutylene. **
• PEX tubing wall thickness is up to +22% thicker than PB tubing. ***

Additionally:

• The (atoms in the molecules) of PEX’s High-Density PolyEthylene (HDPE) base-material are permanently linked to each other during the production process.   This process is known as crosslinking.
• PEX contains cross-linked bonds in the polyethylene polymer.
• Cross-linking changes the thermoplastic to a thermoset.
• A thermoplastic weakens with increased temperatures.
• Once thermoset — the material does not weaken with higher temperatures (under normal temperature conditions).
• Cross-Linking significantly increases resistance to Environmental Stress Cracking caused by chlorine in drinking water.
• The density of HDPE material ranges from 0.93 to 0.97 grams per cubic centimeter.   HDPE (on the high end)  is +5% more dense than polybutylene (PB) **
• PEX tubing wall thickness is up to +22% thicker than PB tubing. ***
• Compared to PB — HDPE is more resistant to chemicals (such as chlorine in drinking water). **

** Source:  https://www.plasticseurope.org/en/about-plastics/what-are-plastics/large-family/polyolefins

PLUS

• Antioxidants are added to PEX during manufacturing to make it suitable for drinking water that contains chlorine.  The antioxidants inhibit oxidation of the HDPE pipe material..
• Oxidation degrades plastics — if plastic becomes oxidized, it becomes brittle and cracks form.

Click Here To See An Oxidized Plastic Drinking Glass — (it’s Cloudy & Cracked): Plastic Glass Damaged From Oxidation

• PEX tubing has thicker walls than PB tubing.  PEX tubing has a wall thickness of up to +22% thicker than PB tubing.
• PEX is required to demonstrate chlorine resistance.   PEX is tested at chlorine levels up to 4.3 ppm.
• Higher chlorine level reduces the temperature-rating of PEX — from 180°F to 140°F.
• Note: The recommended residential hot-water temperature is 120°F.   Higher temperatures increase scalding risk.
• PEX is used in at least 60% of new construction in the U.S. — according to the Plastics Pipe Institute, the pipe industry’s major trade association.
• PEX pipe (material) is up to -75% less expensive than copper pipe (material).
• PEX pipe has lower labor costs than copper.  With copper– each connection must be sealed with solder.
• Because PEX is resistant to freezing — in areas of southern states, PEX can be installed in the attic (versus under the slab).
• Based on an analysis, the researchers stated: “The PEX pipe material that was examined appears to have good resistance to chlorinated water.” **

• Dezincification has occurred with brass fittings were made and/or sold by Zurn.  When zinc content in brass is too high — it can corrode.  Once corroded the fitting may begin to leak.  Only Low-Zinc fittings are approved for PEX installations.

• You can identify the defective fittings (with zinc content that is too high) — by their markings: “Q-Pex” or “F1807”. Zurn sold these Pipe Fittings between 1996–2010.
• The problematic fittings were made by Zurn in China.
• The “Q” stands for Qest (pronounced “Quest”).  Qest is a trade name Zurn has used for its PEX water systems’ components.
• Zurn still sells products under the Qest trade name.

Click on image to; see product, read details or purchase from Amazon.com.

Click Here To See A: “Q-Pex” Stamped Brass Fitting: Zurn Q-Pex fitting

Click Here To See A: “F1807 Stamped Brass Fitting: F1807 Stamped Fitting

Click Here To See An “F1807) Brass Fitting Showing Some Corrosion: F1807 Fitting With Some Corrosion Showing

Click Here To See A Corroded & Broken Brass Fitting:  Corroded & Broken Q-Pex Fitting

In 2020, Based on their website — Rexnord Corp. acquired Zurn in 2007.

In 2013, a settlement was reached with Zurn Pex, Inc. & Zurn Industries LLC regarding:

“F1807 / Q-Pex” brass fittings/connectors made of certain yellow brass manufactured and/or sold by Zurn between 1996 and 2010.

• Some PEX pipe is suspected of leaching some chemicals into the drinking water.  It’s generally accepted that PEX-B pipe is the only one without leaching considerations.

• The stabilizers in PEX are highly vulnerable to breaking down due to UV radiation.  PEX can be exposed to sunlight only for short periods of time.

• PEX is also known to be slightly vulnerable to chlorinated water.   The temperature of hot water must be strictly adhered to — in accordance with the PEX’s temperature rating.

• PEX is easily punctured.  You must know where PEX pipes are located before nailing, screwing, or cutting into a wall.

• Incorrect installation of PEX –with extreme bends or kinks places very high stress on the wall of the pipe (at the bend/kink).  This stress makes PEX susceptible to oxidative degradation.
• The minimum PEX bending radius: 8 times the outside diameter of the pipe.
• Example:  1/2″ pipe has an outside diameter of 5/8″.  The minimum bending radius: 8 X 5/8″ = 5 inches.

** Source: https://www.pexuniverse.com/pex-tubing-technical-specs

** Source: https://www.plasticpipefailure.com/pex-problems

• With PEX –Extermination Of Rodents Must Be Done With Traps — Never Poison.  Several instances of leaks in PEX installations have been attributed to rodents.  The poison used to kill small animals makes them very thirsty.  Some rodents can discern the sound of water flowing through PEX pipes.  Then they chew through the PEX to access water.  Be certain the exterminator you choose is knowledgeable about PEX pipes.    Tell them you have PEX — and ask how they will exterminate.  If they say: “Poison” — find a PEX, knowledgeable exterminator.

Source: https://www.insurancethoughtleadership.com/pex-water-pipes-6-ways-insurers-must-manage-risks/

Comparing Copper Water Lines Systems To PEX Water Lines

With copper — each connection must be sealed with solder.

Image Source: ShutterStock

Shown: Copper Water Pipe With 3 Soldered Connections

PEX pipe is pushed onto a fitting.  Then a ring is placed around the PEX pipe to secure it to the fitting.

 Image Source: Amazon.com

SHOWN: A PEX water system connector (goes between two PEX pipes).

Click On Image To: View product, read details, or purchase from Amazon.com

 Image Source: Amazon.com

SHOWN: A PEX water system Crimp-Ring (secures the PEX pipe to a connector)/

Click On Image To: View product, read details, or purchase from Amazon.com

Image Source: ShutterStock

SHOWN: PEX pipe (red) connected to a fitting (gold) and secured with a Crimp-ring (black).

Copper water supply systems have a branch line leading to each fixture. Each branch attaches to the main line with a separate connection.  Copper pipe is rigid.  Each time copper pipe changes direction, a fitting is required.

Click Here To See A Copper Water Supply System Photo: Copper Water Supply System (upper right-hand corner photo)

PEX has separate supply lines going to each fixture — each line serves 1 fixture.  Each line is connected a PEX manifold on the other end.    There are no connections between the manifold & the fixture — plus each fixture’s water supply can be shut off at the manifold.

PEX is flexible — it bends to change direction.  Because PEX bends, there are no connections required between the manifold and the fixture.

Image Source: Amazon.com

SHOWN: A PEX water system manifold.

Click On Image To: View product, read details, or purchase from Amazon.com

Click Here To See A PEX Water Supply System:  PEX Water Supply System Being Installed In A New Home (upper right-hand photo)

** Source: https://contractorsupplymagazine.com/pages/News—20170502-Consumer-watchdog-group-urges-builders-to-stop-using-Chinese-plumbing-pipe-or-fittings.php

Source: https://www.topperlearning.com/

Source: https://plasticpipe.org/pdf/tn-31_difference_between_pex_and_pb.pdf

Source: https://opentextbc.ca/chemistry/chapter/7-5-strengths-of-ionic-and-covalent-bonds/

Source: https://chem.libretexts.org/Courses/Oregon_Institute_of_Technology/OIT%3A_CHE_202_-_General_Chemistry_II/Unit_5%3A_Molecular_Shape/5.1%3A_Bond_Strength

*5 Source: https://waterandhealth.org/safe-drinking-water/drinking-water/chlorine-in-tap-water-is-safe-to-drink/

*6 Source: https://www.dallasnews.com/news/environment/2018/03/29/as-plano-residents-worry-about-chlorine-in-tap-water-officials-say-it-meets-regulatory-standards/

PEX is less expensive than copper (material) — lowering material costs.

PEX is much more easily installed — lowering installation costs.

The cost to repipe a house with copper pipe is between  $3 (home with basement) — $8 per linear foot (home with slab foundation).    For new construction — copper costs $4.50 per linear foot. *5

In DFW — Copper water lines must be installed under the home.  To repipe a home, tunneling under the home to gain access is required — or busting through the slab foundation (+ shorter tunnels) to gain access.

The cost to repipe a house with PEX tubing is $0.40 to $0.50 (50 cents) per linear foot. *5

PEX can be installed in the attic.  PEX is often installed in the attic in newly built homes in the southern U.S.

*4 Source:  https://homeguide.com/costs/install-new-house-plumbing-pipes-cost

*5 Source: https://homeguide.com/costs/install-new-house-plumbing-pipes-cost

The article is about the changes to materials used for residential plumbing products over the years.

The newer products last longer and/or are easier to install.

Al’s Plumbing, Heating & A/C in Plano, Texas provides maintenance & repairs for all brands of Central A/C, Gas & Electric Furnace, and Heat Pumps.    Additionally we sell and install new HVAC Systems from American Standard (same company as Trane), Ameristar (same company as American Standard) and Coleman HVAC (same company as York HVAC).

Al’s also provides full-service plumbing maintenance, repairs and replacements for every plumbing component in your home.  Al’s sells and installs Rheem Professional Series gas & electric water heaters, and tankless water heaters.  Al’s is near your home in Plano, TX; Allen, TX; and Frisco, TX.  We service all homes in southern Collin and Denton Counties with no additional travel charge.

Call Al’s today to discuss any concerns or problems you have with your HVAC System or Plumbing.  We will arrange an appointment at your convenience and offer 24/7 Emergency Service.