Aluminium vs. Plastic Plumbing Piping
It should come as no surprise to you that pipes make up most of your plumbing system. Pipes are also responsible for the vast majority of issues that arise over the years with a plumbing system. While you can easily unclog a plumbing installation yourself, there are more problematic things that could go wrong with your pipes, issues which will require the help of an experienced plumber. If you're unsure of which piping solution is best for you, here's a comparison between plastic and aluminium pipes.
Plastic Pipes
You may think that plastic pipes should never be used because of the effects that water can have on them, but you could be wrong. While it is true that certain substances and acids can completely destroy a plastic pipe, you shouldn't worry too much about it. For example, if you're looking for a piping installation to use for your sink, using plastic will be completely fine. Hydrochloric acid can burn through plastic but chances are, you won't ever use hydrochloric acid anywhere near your dishes.
Aluminium Pipes
This type of pipes is extremely resistant to rust despite being so soft. Because aluminium pipes last for long periods of time, you may not even need to replace them during your lifetime. Most people use these pipes for their underground drainage systems. By using, for example, PVC pipes for your underground system, the pressure exerted by the dirt can negatively affect the pipes and lead to health hazards, should these pipes break down. Because aluminium is much stronger than plastic pipes, you won't need to worry about such a thing.
The primary downside of aluminium pipes is that they cost more than copper or plastic pipes. However, aluminium pipes can be easily unclogged if need be, by using the various acidic solutions available on the market today; solutions that shouldn't be used on plastic pipes because of the damage that they could cause. When you carefully weigh the advantages and disadvantages, you'll find that paying more for aluminium pipes is worth it.
Whichever piping solution you choose to go with, it's important that you fully understand all the advantages as well as the disadvantages you could expect to deal with. The best course of action is to consult with a trained plumber like Dial-A-Plumber before making any purchase, and get their input on what's best for you. They will be able to personally explain the differences between the various types of pipes, as well as provide you with personalized advice depending on your budget.
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