The winter brings with it not only holiday cheer but also colder weather. Frozen pipes is a common plumbing issue during the colder parts of the year. If you have dealt with frozen pipes in the past, you may be wondering if cold weather pipes are a possible solution. Pipes can be made of many different materials, and each reacts to the cold differently. Here is a brief overview of three common pipe materials and how each performs as cold weather pipes.
Three Common Pipe Materials When Considering Cold Weather Pipes
Copper. A classic pipe material, copper offers some advantages and disadvantages in the winter. Copper pipes are the most vulnerable to bursts caused by freezing water due to a lack of flexibility and expandability. However, copper pipes can generate heat quickly if exposed to warm conditions.
PVC and CPVC. Similar in design, PVC and CPVC are very hard, rigid plastics that can be used as pipe material. In the cold, PVC/CPVC does not lose heat as fast as metal pipes. PVC/CPVC, while being sturdy materials, are also more flexible than metal, meaning they won’t burst as fast when freezing occurs. However, PVC/CPVC can become brittle and start to break if exposed to extreme cold for too long.
PEX. These types of pipes are made of cross-linked polyethylenes and are very flexible and long. Due to its high levels of flexibility, PEX pipes require a great deal of pressure from freezing water to burst. While extreme pressure can cause bursting, PEX offers higher levels of resistance compared to copper and PVC pipes.
When You Need HVAC and Plumbing Service This Winter
At Air Assurance, we help homeowners in Broken Arrow and all surrounding areas with their heating and cooling needs. If you need expert advice to keep your home safe and warm this winter, we can help. No matter if the problem is frozen pipes, drafty windows, or an aging HVAC unit, we can provide the information and service you need to correct these issues. Contact us today to learn more about cold weather pipes.