When it comes to plumbing materials, two popular options often come to mind: copper vs. PEX. Both copper and PEX have their own unique characteristics and benefits, making it important to understand how they compare to each other. In this blog post, we will delve into the world of copper vs. PEX plumbing, examining their costs, lifespan, and environmental impact. By the end, you’ll have a comprehensive guide to help you make an informed decision for your plumbing needs. 

Copper vs. Pex Plumbing: Your Guide to Choosing the Best Solution

Copper vs. Pex Plumbing Cost

PEX pipe has a significant cost advantage over copper, with 1/2-inch PEX tubing being priced at only about one-third of the cost of copper pipes. This considerable price difference alone can substantially impact your overall plumbing budget.

One aspect that sets PEX apart is its fixed cost, as opposed to copper, which fluctuates in cost daily. This stability in pricing enables better financial planning, making it easier to budget for your plumbing projects without worrying about unpredictable price changes.

Another cost-saving benefit of PEX is its remarkable flexibility. The pipe’s flexibility allows you to bend it around corners, eliminating the need for additional 45- or 90-degree elbows in certain situations. By reducing the number of required parts, you not only save money but also simplify the installation process.

However, the financial advantages of PEX over copper are not solely limited to material costs. Labor costs are a crucial consideration too. When using copper pipes, soldering can be time-consuming, resulting in additional labor expenses. On the other hand, PEX systems, especially, offer rapid and efficient connections, significantly reducing labor time and expenses.

Comparing Copper and Pex Lifespan

Regarding the longevity of plumbing materials, PEX pipe not only shines as a cost-effective alternative to copper but also proves its mettle in durability. PEX exhibits remarkable resilience, being completely immune to corrosion and mineral build-up. Unlike copper, which is susceptible to the harmful effects of electrolysis leading to tiny pinhole leaks, PEX remains unaffected, ensuring a leak-free plumbing system.

Copper pipes do have varying lifespans, sometimes lasting throughout a building’s lifetime. However, PEX tubing boasts an impressive predicted life expectancy of 50 years per PPI TR-3 when operating within its recommended pressure and temperature limits. This means you can rely on your PEX plumbing system for decades, providing peace of mind and saving on potential replacement costs.

Environmental Impact

One significant advantage of PEX plumbing is that it utilizes mechanical fittings for joining, eliminating the need for soldering. On the other hand, copper requires soldering during installation, which poses a potential fire hazard. By opting for PEX, you can ensure a safer installation process.

Furthermore, PEX offers an important health benefit. When using PEX, copper traces leaching into the water is not risky due to pipe breakdown. This is significant because copper traces in water have been associated with heart disease and Alzheimer’s. With PEX, you can know that your water supply remains free from harmful copper contamination.

Additionally, all PEX systems are certified to meet the NSF/ANSI/CAN 61 standards, ensuring their approval for potable water applications. This certification guarantees that PEX plumbing meets the necessary requirements for delivering safe and clean drinking water to your household.

PEX also exhibits impressive resistance to leaching, pitting, and mineral buildup. This makes it a reliable choice for maintaining water quality and preventing any potential issues arising from corrosion or pipe deposits.

More: How To Find The Best Emergency Plumber In Arizona

Professional Help for All Your Copper and Pex Plumbing Needs

When it comes to your plumbing requirements, it’s always wise to seek professional help. At Custom Plumbing of Arizona, we specialize in both copper vs.PEX plumbing solutions, ensuring that your needs are met with precision and expertise. With our reliable services, you can rest assured that your plumbing system will function flawlessly for years to come.

Located in the heart of Arizona, we proudly serve a wide range of locations, including Scottsdale, Phoenix, Glendale, Buckeye, Cave Creek, Chandler, Avondale, Gilbert, Peoria, Surprise, El Mirage, Apache Junction, Mesa, Tempe, and Goodyear. No matter where you are in these areas, our team is dedicated to providing top-notch plumbing services tailored to your specific needs.

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When faced with a stubborn clog, many homeowners contemplate whether to tackle the problem themselves or hire a professional drain cleaning service. Clogged drains can be a real nuisance, disrupting our daily routines, causing unpleasant odors, and potentially leading to more severe plumbing issues if left unattended. While the allure of saving money and taking matters into your own hands may seem tempting, it’s essential to consider the potential risks and drawbacks. 

In this blog post, we will explore the question: Is hiring a professional drain cleaning service really worth it? Let’s delve into the reasons why enlisting experts in drain cleaning services can provide an effective and long-lasting solution to your drain woes.

4 Reasons Hiring a Drain Cleaning Service Is Worth It

  • Professional Plumbers Can Pinpoint the Source of the Problem

When dealing with a clogged drain, it’s not always easy to identify the exact cause of the blockage. Is it a buildup of hair, grease, or an object stuck deep within the pipes? Professional plumbers have the knowledge, experience, and specialized tools to diagnose the issue accurately. By using techniques like video pipe inspections, plumbers can locate the source of the problem with precision. This enables them to devise the most appropriate and targeted approach for clearing the clog, ensuring that it doesn’t resurface shortly after.

  • Plumbers Are Experienced with Hazardous Situations

In some cases, drain blockages can be caused by hazardous materials or substances. For instance, if you have an older home, your pipes may be made of lead or galvanized steel, which can deteriorate over time and cause blockages. Additionally, chemical drain cleaners available in stores may contain harsh ingredients that pose health risks when mishandled. Professional plumbers are well-versed in handling potentially dangerous situations. They know how to work with various pipe materials and can take the necessary precautions to ensure their own safety and the safety of your home.

  • You Can Trust a Professional Drain Cleaning Service to Deliver Results

There’s no denying the satisfaction that comes with resolving a problem on your own. However, when it comes to drain cleaning, there’s often more to it than meets the eye. A superficially cleared drain may give the illusion of success, but without addressing the underlying issue, you may soon find yourself facing the same problem again. By hiring a professional drain cleaning service, you can have peace of mind knowing that the root cause of the clog has been effectively addressed. Plumbers not only clear the immediate blockage but also provide insights and recommendations to prevent future occurrences, ensuring a long-term solution.

  • DIY Drain Cleaning Chemicals Cause Damage

When faced with a clogged drain, many homeowners turn to store-bought drain cleaning chemicals as a quick fix. However, these chemical solutions can do more harm than good in the long run. Most drain cleaners contain harsh chemicals that can corrode pipes, leading to leaks or even pipe bursts. Additionally, if not used correctly, these chemicals can pose health risks to you and your family. By opting for a professional drain cleaning service, you avoid the potential damage caused by these chemicals and ensure the longevity of your plumbing system.

Talk to Custom Plumbing About Your Plumbing Problem Today

If you’re tired of dealing with persistent drain problems, it’s time to call in the professionals at Custom Plumbing of Arizona, a trusted plumbing company providing drain cleaning services to the Greater Phoenix area. With our team of skilled plumbers and state-of-the-art equipment, we can efficiently and effectively diagnose and resolve your drain issues. Whether you’re in Scottsdale, Phoenix, Glendale, Buckeye, or any other neighboring areas, Custom Plumbing is the go-to service for all your drain cleaning needs. Don’t let clogged drains disrupt your daily life; contact Custom Plumbing today at 602-866-2665 to schedule an appointment and restore the functionality of your plumbing system.

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Sometimes, plumbing issues can’t wait. So you don’t always have the luxury of setting up an appointment for a plumber to show up the next day. Depending on the type of plumbing problem you have and when you realize you need help, it may take some time to find a plumber who can come to your home. So, what do you do in this case? Here are a few helpful tips that can help you find the best emergency plumber in Arizona that can fix your problem!

Things to Consider When Hiring A Plumber

1. Make sure the plumber is licensed and insured

2. Ask for referrals from friends or family

3. Read online reviews

4. Schedule a consultation to meet the plumber and get a quote

5. Ask about the plumber’s experience and qualifications

Common Issues and How to Deal With Them

If you live in Arizona, you know that finding a good emergency plumber can be a challenging task. With so many options available, it can be hard to know who to trust. However, there are some common issues you may encounter when looking for an emergency plumber in Arizona, and there are some tips you can use to deal with them.

One of the most common issues is finding an emergency plumber available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This is especially important if you have a plumbing issue in the middle of the night or on a holiday. Many people make the mistake of assuming that all plumbers are available 24/7, but this is not always the case. At Custom Plumbing, we offer a variety of different plumbing services for the needs of our customers in Arizona, and we truly are available 24/7. No exceptions.

Another common issue is finding an emergency plumber who charges reasonable rates. Again, many people assume that all plumbers charge outrageous prices, but this isn’t always true. You should call around and get a free estimate to help make your final decision. Remember, you don’t want to overspend on your plumbing needs, but you also don’t want to sacrifice quality for price.

Custom Plumbing offers emergency plumbing services 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. You can be confident that you’ll be our top priority when you call us with a plumbing emergency. We’ll answer immediately to exceed, not just meet, your expectations.

What To Do If You Encounter A Problem

If your home or business is located in Arizona, it is essential to know what to do immediately after you encounter a problem with your plumbing.

If you come across any plumbing issues at home, your next step should be to call an emergency plumber. Emergency plumbers like Custom Plumbing are always available, and can usually be at your location within an hour. We will assess the situation and let you know what needs to be done to fix your  problem. Not all plumbing issues are a quick fix, but don’t worry! If the problem cannot be fixed immediately, we will provide you with temporary solutions to help minimize the damage until we can return to fix the problem permanently.

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Are you looking for the best plumbing service in Arizona? Hiring a plumbing company to help you with your home or commercial building’s plumbing needs can make all the difference.

 

Whether you have clogged drains, water damage, or some other emergency affecting your plumbing system, you need someone qualified and experienced – and not to mention trustworthy! Especially in emergencies, for example, if there is any chance of contamination in the structure’s water supply, it is vital that the proper professionals are contacted as soon as possible.

 

Finding a company that will deal with the problem immediately to avoid dishes piling up, toilets not flushing, or sinks full of dirt while you’re waiting for a plumber to arrive can be hard. However, you can call the best plumbing service in Arizona to make it easier for you.

Are you looking for the best plumbing service provider in Arizona?

If you need a plumbing company in Arizona, there are many things that you should take into consideration before hiring one. First and foremost, you will want to make sure that the company is licensed and insured.

 

This will protect you in the event that something goes wrong during the course of their work. Secondly, you will want to check out the reviews of previous customers to get an idea of what others think of their work. Finally, make sure to ask for recommendations from friends or family who may have had plumbers come to their homes.

How can you spot the best service for your home’s needs?

If you’re trying to find a good plumbing company in Arizona, there are a few things you can do to help you spot the best one for your home’s needs. One of the best ways is to schedule an instant appointment and get a free cost estimate upfront. This will allow you to see how much the company will charge for their services and whether they’re worth it.

 

Custom Plumbing offers a free estimate and provides emergency plumbing services 24/7 each day of the year. So rest assured that when you call us for a plumbing emergency, you’ll be our top priority. We’ll respond quickly and not only meet but exceed your expectations.

 

Custom Plumbing has been providing quality plumbing services to homeowners in the western United States since 2001. We offer Emergency 24-Hour Plumbing Services, Repairing and Replacing Water Fixtures, Misting Systems, Boiler Repair, Sewer Line Repair and Replacement, Pumping Systems, Toilets/Urinals Repair and Replacement, Water Softeners and R/Os, Water Heaters, Repiping, Garbage Disposals, Sewer and Water Locating, and Slab Leak Detection and Repair Services.

 

We are dedicated to providing our customers with the best possible service and workmanship. We take pride in our reputation for being one of the most trusted plumbing companies in the area.

 

Whether you need plumbing repairs, a new water heater, or are planning a remodel, Custom Plumbing is here to help. We offer both commercial and residential plumbing services, and we are committed to providing our customers with the best possible service. We have a team of experienced and certified plumbers ready to take on your project, big or small. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation!

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If you are one of the many people who needs to maintain your water heater, you may have some enlightening questions to ask yourself, such as “how to maintain a water heater?” If so, you aren’t alone! There are many parts to a water heater that requires maintenance, so if you are not sure how to keep your water heater running and what steps to take, this article can help.

What is a Water Heater?

A water heater is a device that provides hot water on demand. It is used in homes and businesses to heat water for cooking, bathing, and other needs. Heaters come in different sizes and shapes and can be used with gas, electricity, or oil. Water heaters are usually located in the basement or attic of a home. 

Depending on your home’s energy source, you may need to purchase a specific type of water heater. There are two types of water heaters: electric and gas. Electric water heaters use electricity to heat the water, and gas water heaters use natural gas or propane to heat the water.

Tips and Tricks on How to Maintain a Water Heater

You can do a few things to keep your water heater running smoothly and efficiently. Here are a few tips: 

Test the temperature-pressure-release valve

1.Shut off the power.

2. Turn off the cold-water supply valve.

3. Put a bucket under the pipe connected to the TPR valve, which is usually located on the side or top of the tank. This valve releases pressure if the tank gets too hot.

4. Let the water out of the tank using the tab located on the valve. If water continues to flow after you release the tab, drain the tank partially and install a new valve.

Check the anode rod

1.Attach a hose to the tank’s drain valve and release a few gallons of water into a bucket or down a drain.

2. Unscrew the rod. If the rod is less than ½ inch, wrap the threads with Teflon tape, place the bottom of the rod in the water tank, and tighten securely. If headroom is limited, use a segmented rod.

Drain the tank and wash out sediment

1.Drain the remaining water left in the tank, then briefly rinse your tank by opening the cold-water supply valve and letting pipes drain. Keep repeating until you get clean water from the hose.

2. Close the drain valve, refill the tank, and restore power to the unit. 

Adjust the temperature

1. Use the temperature dial to lower your energy bills and unscrew the cover. Set the dial at 120 degrees. Every 10 degrees you lower the temperature can save you 5% in energy costs.

2. If you’re going to be gone more than three days, turn off the water heater or set the thermostat as low as it goes.

Insulate the pipes

1. Buy some self-sticking 3/8-inch-thick foam pipe insulation that matches the pipes’ diameter.

2. Apply the insulation over the cold-water pipe. This will prevent condensation during summer.

3. Tape the insulation in place using the attached adhesive, working your way down the pipe. If the pipe is close to the flue, wrap it with a layer of fiberglass pipe-wrap.

Insulate the heater

1. Cut the insulating blanket to fit around the pipes, temperature control, and TPR valve.

2. Foil tape should cover cuts in the insulation on a tank to prevent leaks, but not the top of oil and gas heaters.

3. Place an oversize circle of insulation on the top of an electric heater, and secure it tightly to the side of the tank.

Need Help Maintaining Your Home’s Water Heater? Contact us Today!

If you have more questions on how to maintain a water heater, don’t hesitate to call Custom Plumbing of Arizona. Our experienced professionals are here to help, and we will get your system up and running as quickly as possible. 

We also offer 24/7 emergency service which means you can be sure we’ll be able to take care of it. So give us a call today at 602-883-2761 to schedule a repair or checkup!

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