3 Tips for Building the Right Water Piping System for Your Home

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Dear readers, in this blog post we have described that how to create the optimal water piping system for your home. Just scroll down and get 3 tips for building the right water piping system for your home.

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Inadequate plumbing is a homeowner's bane. It affects the whole house's structural integrity, diminishes the quality of the water used for drinking, cooking, cleaning and bathing, and could cost a pretty penny to repair or replace. For this reason, if you're renovating your home or laying the foundation for a new one, building a reliable water piping system should be one of the very first things to tick off your list.

However, do you know where to start? Is it better to opt for copper, ABS or PVC pipes in the UAE? Are you installing it yourself or calling in a professional? Do you have a set budget in mind? Read on to find out the top three considerations for putting together the best water supply system for your home.

How to Create the Optimal Water Piping System for Your Home

1. Understand the Different Piping Materials

Several types of home plumbing pipes can be used to carry water to and from appliances and fixtures. Here are some of the most common ones and their best uses and applications:

• PEX Pipes

PEX or cross-linked polyethylene plastic is sturdy plastic piping commonly used for indoor water supply. It's flexible enough to install in walls, basements or ceilings and, at the same time, rigid enough to bear the water pressure.

Compared to other types of piping materials, like copper, for example, PEX is far more affordable and provides a leak-free product because it can easily be cut and joined.

For a DIYer, PEX pipes are relatively straightforward to install; they also typically come color-coded blue for cold water and red for hot water.

If you're planning to include your backyard or garden in your project, then PEX may not be right for the job because too much direct sunlight can damage its outer layer and weaken its structure over time.

• PVC Pipes

PVC (polyvinyl chloride) pipes are another type of plastic pipe that's very popular with home plumbing systems, waste lines and potable water supply applications — all thanks to their light weight, durability and low price. Installing PVC pipes is moderately effortless because, like PEX, you can cut them with an electric miter saw or a regular old hacksaw and glue them together with solvents.

They come in a standard white color, although other variants of it come in different colors as well. And as mentioned, they're suitable for many indoor and outdoor applications. So, house plumbing, landscaping, swimming pools and drainage systems are all viable and acceptable uses for PVC piping.

Interestingly, PVC pipes are renowned for their long life span, which could be up to 80 years, depending on their application.

• Copper

Copper pipes are likely the most traditional plumbing material out there. Homeowners have been using them for decades in all kinds of plumbing system applications — kitchen sinks, tubs, showers, lavatories, and more. They're tough, corrosion-resistant, and can last an awfully long time. They also withstand high temperatures and extreme pressures and present no health dangers whatsoever when it comes to water quality.

However, as favored as copper pipes are, they, unfortunately, come with two major drawbacks: they can be quite expensive, and their installation is a lot to take on yourself because their joints need to be soldered together with a propane torch (a tall order for DIYers) to be sealed properly and prevent leaks, and they may also require additional fittings.

• ABS

ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) pipes are made of thermoplastic resin and are generally used in vents or waste and drainage lines. They look similar to PVC pipes, except they're slightly softer and black in color. They're also fairly durable, although consistent exposure to UV rays can warp and degrade their quality when used in outdoor plumbing.

However, they're still great for indoor applications because they're affordable, and their malleability makes them easy to install.

2. Set a Cost Estimate

How much are you setting aside for this project? By now, you've undoubtedly seen that some piping materials are more costly than others. There are also labor fees to consider if you plan to hire one of the top pipe installation companies in the UAE.

Outline a rough estimate based on your research of your chosen materials and local labor costs as a start, but always leave some wiggle room for any last-minute changes or modifications.

3. Local Code Regulations

Check your local building and plumbing codes before installing any kind of water piping system. You may find that certain materials, like PEX, aren't approved for all uses or locations. The codes might also dictate specific methods of installing and testing the pipes, especially when fitted behind the walls.

Speak to an Expert

You might be resolved to take on this project yourself. Still, sometimes, it's hard to know the extent of the work involved and the level of experience you need to tackle it until you talk to an expert. A trained technician can identify the function every pipe needs to perform and how suitable it is for the space you're working with, and install it in less time and effort.

They're well-versed in local code requirements and can give you expert advice on maintenance and upkeep. So, if you're unsure how to move forward, you can't go wrong with calling in a pro.