Common Materials Used in Plumbing
As a plumbing student, there is a lot of information to learn. There is information about techniques used, tricks of the trade, chemicals, customer service, and the materials used in the field.
There is no right or wrong way to learn about each of these things, but sometimes the easiest way is to jump right in with a plumbing company as your guide!
We realize how difficult it can be to learn each of these things, so we put together a guide that includes the most common materials used in plumbing! Keep reading for more information!
Cast Iron: Not Just For Cooking
Your grandma’s favorite skillet was probably made out of this heavy material… and so were her pipes! Cast iron has been used for plumbing for many, many years because it is so durable and long-lasting.
It has the ability to withstand high water pressure from the kitchen or bathroom but it is expensive.
Using cast iron pipes is expensive because of the metal and the fact that you, as a plumber, will spend more time cutting it and fitting it. Unfortunately, if a house is outfitted with cast iron plumbing, this is your only choice as it does not work well with other types of materials.
Chromed Copper: Beautiful Yet Functional
Chromed copper is becoming more and more popular because it is so beautiful and functional. It can withstand high pressure, but it is also easier to use, modify, and customize than cast iron.
Chromed copper pipes are made out of copper and have a shiny chrome finish and are far less expensive to repair and replace!
PVC: Ugly But Strong
PVC pipe is short for Poly Vinyl Chloride, it is a hardened plastic material that is easily manipulated.
Because it is so easy to cut through, customize, and use, it is often carried on plumbing trucks for quick repairs.
PVC pipe might be plastic and easy to cut through, but it is durable--so much so that it can be used indoors AND out!
Recommending Piping Replacements
You want to keep your customers happy, and they are probably not going to be happy at the news of needing a replacement. However, this is a judgment call you have to make and explain why replacing a pipe completely will be cheaper in the long run than repairing it. Here are a few signs to look for that will indicate the need for replacement:
- Damaged connections or fittings.
- Old, deteriorating piping.
- A complete pipe burst.
- New fixture installations.
Some customers may be insistent on patching a pipe, but as a plumber, you will have to take their safety into consideration.
Learning With The Pros
Becoming a plumber isn’t an easy process, if it were, more people would do it! The key to becoming a successful plumber is to learn as much as you can, stay up to date on techniques and technology and work with a company like Vern Kummers Plumbing, Inc to see what great customer service looks like! If you are ready to start your new career, give us a call or click over to our careers tab!
