Copper Pipes

Copper pipe, as well as galvanized steel and PVC pipe, is a common pipe for plumbing purposes. Copper pipes are very durable and are likely to last for a very long time. They are easy to work with for installation and can be very versatile to meet many of your plumbing needs. Copper pipe is typically safer in natural disasters and does not give easily weather or bacteria. It is also beneficial price-wise.

Copper Pipe comes in four basic types:

• Type K - The thickest walls and most frequently used for underground service lines.
• Type L - Used for interior hot and cold water supply.
• Type M - The thinnest walls, also used for interior hot and cold water supply.
• DWV - Used for drain-waste systems and for venting.

When choosing pipes for your in home plumbing systems, copper pipes are a safe way to go. They can guarantee long-term survival and when the time comes for them to be replaced, they can be easily recycled, helping the environment!

For more information on this and other types of pipe, visit our website!

Source: Home and Garden Ideas

PVC Pipe

PVC Pipe - or polyvinyl chloride pipe - is made from a combination of plastic and vinyl materials. This type of pips i known for being very durable, long lasting and resistant to damage. It doesn't rust of wear over time and for that reason is commonly used in plumbing systems.

PVC was developed in 1925 by a BF Goodrich employee, but wasn't actually put into use until the late 1930's when it was found to have a very high shock absorption rate, a perfect fit for tire treads. Twenty years later, PVC was produced in solid pip form for its first use in irrigation systems. Since then, it has been a reliable and affordable necessity in the plumbing industry.

PVC Pipe also has many characteristics that make it suitable for many other uses such as:

• Use in earthquake prone areas as it can withstand rigorous shaking
• Use by water companies as PVC is resistant to E. coli. 

For more information about PVC pipe, contact us at GreenTeam Plumbing!

Source: WiseGeek

Plumbing Pipes - Galvanized Steel

Galvanized steep pipers were used frequently in plumbing through the early 60's. This type of pipe tends to corrode and flake over time, so it is not typically called upon in modern construction. However, the typical life expectancy of galvanized steel pipes is 40 years, so there are some establishments that have not yet updated to modern plumbing and these pipes can still be found within their walls. 

Galvanized pipes are created by placing the steel materials into a bath of molten zinc. The two chemicals are bonded together and will never separate, giving these pipes their long lifespan. 


In the late 1900's when this type of pipe was being phased out, copper replaced it as the material of choice. Copper pipes are more resistant to lime scale buildup than galvanized pipes, hence the reason for the replacement.

For more information on this and other types of plumbing pipes contact us at GreenTeam Plumbing!


Source: WiseGeek

5 Ways to Avoid Clogging Your Drain

Clogged drains can be a real pain! Here are some handy tips to avoid them!

1. Use a drain screen -
   Hair and soap scum play major roles in clogging your bath and shower drains. Use a drain screen to catch the debris and clean the screen regularly to avoid clogs.
2. Don't pour grease down the drain -
   When you finish cooking, pour the grease into a glass jar or other container and let the grease harden and scoop out as much as you can into the garbage. If you pour grease down the drain it will harden in your pipes and cause damage that can cost you money!
3. Don't pour chemicals down the drain -
   Avoid putting any other chemicals down the drain. Even in a laundry room sink, you risk clogging or eroding your pipes so if you must, do so sparingly.
   
4. Clean your sink stoppers -
   Pop-up stoppers can accumulate build-up and should be cleaned regularly.
   
5. Pour boiling water down the drain -
   Pour boiling water down your drains once a week. Make this a regular part of your cleaning routine to clear the pipes of any scum and build-up. 

For more information, contact us at GreenTeam Plumbing!

How to Choose a Toilet

There is much more to choosing a toilet than simply appearance. The following tips should help!

• Choose your flush power - higher flush ratings mean better waste removal and clog resistance.
• Choose your bowl shape - elongated bowls provide more comfort, but round bowls require less space. 
• Select your toilet height - standard toilets are 15-16 inches in height, those 16-17 inch toilets are becoming more popular and are easier for handicapped individuals to use. 
• Choose your design -
• Two-Piece Designs - the tank and the bowl are separate. This design is the most common.
• One-Piece Designs - the tank and the bowl are fused together. This makes for a nice appearance but can be harder to clean.
• Wall Mounted Designs - eliminates the need for a toilet base. Easy to clean, but may be more expensive. 
• Choose your toilet seat, cover and other decorative add-ons!

Remember, for all of your plumbing needs, call GreenTeam!