March 30, 2004

By: Kim Valdes
Website: http://www.1st-in-home-decor.com

CORROSIVE SOIL AND WATER CONDITIONS LEAD TO REGIONAL FAILURE OF PLUMBING SYSTEMS

Although copper has been the material of choice for residential plumbing systems for decades, it is increasingly coming under attack for its tendency to pit and even completely fail in areas of the country where corrosive soil and harsh water conditions prevail.

In July of 2000, the Washington Post reported more than 300 complaints over the past two years of pinhole leaks in copper plumbing systems within a 35-mile area in Maryland. Less than two years later, in April 2002 the total number of leaks was up more than 697% to 4,304, and yet there was no end to the problem in sight.

In Florida, a Pilot Study on Copper Tube Corrosion by the Building Construction Industry Advisory Committee stated that - water quality plays a significant role in the corrosion process. Copper can be attacked by corrosion through aggressive water and in water systems with deposits of dissolved minerals, high quantities of dissolved gases (carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, oxygen) and high temperatures. Copper failures have become so common there that Jacksonville, Fla., has completely banned the use of copper plumbing.

Unfortunately, copper failures occur throughout the U.S. As a result, builders and contractors have investigated alternative plumbing materials to meet the needs of homebuyers and their environments. One such viable alternative is FlowGuard Gold CPVC.

Developed by Noveon, Inc., FlowGuard Gold plumbing systems meet all model code requirements, including the International Plumbing Code, International Residential Code, BOCA National Plumbing Code, Standard Plumbing Code, Uniform Plumbing Code, CABO 1- and 2- Family Dwelling Code, Canadian Plumbing Code, and even the California Plumbing Code. Most important, FlowGuard Gold plumbing systems perform well even in harsh water and soil environments that have challenged other plumbing materials.

In Southern California, harsh soil and water conditions have plagued homeowners for years, causing broken-down metal plumbing systems and expensive retrofits. According to Rob Kennedy, president of Kennco Plumbing, Inc., in Santa Clarita, CA, metallic plumbing systems were failing at an astounding rate.

I’ve seen a hole develop in a fitting of a copper plumbing system in just 21 months, said Kennedy. I’ve also seen examples of corrosion where homeowners had to replace their systems in less than eight years.

Kennedy believes it is unfair to put customers through the worry (and expense) of re-piping their homes every ten years. I have one crew that is dedicated to just re-piping metal systems in aggressive water areas The product offers many benefits in addition to corrosion resistance, including an easier and more straightforward installation process. Kennedy likes the FlowGuard Gold system so much, he recently installed it in his own home.

FlowGuard Gold CPVC plumbing systems are faster and easier to install for the professional plumber, reducing overall labor costs. CPVC plumbing systems require simple hand tools for installation; no torches or crimping tools are necessary. A one-step joining system can be pressure tested in as little as ten minutes after assembly. Unlike other plastic systems, the CPVC system is readily available in sizes up to 2-inch in diameter.

CPVC plumbing systems also offer better insulation and energy savings than metal plumbing systems. The thermoplastic properties of CPVC plumbing systems provide insulation to reduce condensation and sweaty pipes. The material keeps hot water hotter and cold water colder than with copper, which results in less energy loss through the wall of the pipe. These same thermoplastic properties provide a quieter system with less resonance than metal plumbing systems, reducing the potential for the pounding noise of water hammer.

CPVC plumbing systems also will not rust, corrode, pit or scale under any water conditions, including the most aggressive well water or city water with high levels of chlorine. ANSI/NSF Standard 61 states that copper plumbing is not certified for use in potable water systems in environments with aggressive water where pH levels are less than 6.5. Plus, copper piping cannot resist certain soil chemistries or compositions and will begin to degrade in underslab applications. In these severe conditions, copper pipes can develop pinholes and leaks, resulting in considerable maintenance costs. Pipe corrosion can also leach copper into the water such that it no longer meets applicable potable water quality standards.

About The Author:

Kim Valdes is a successful author and regular contributor to http://www.1st-in-home-decor.com.  Home decorating tips and ideas to showcase any room with style.