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For plumbers and property owners alike, the choice of a pipe material affects the price, installation, function, and performance of the plumbing system. Property owners may focus more on price and longevity, while plumbers tend to emphasize durability and efficacy. Fortunately, these parties do not have to compromise on the most important aspects of new plumbing. By considering these trends in pipe materials, plumbers can guide their clients toward the most effective options.
Sustainable Materials and Manufacturing
Sustainability is a major topic of discussion in construction, providing alternatives to traditional building methods that generated more waste and pollution. Although the increase in the use of plastic piping is not necessarily associated with greater sustainability, manufacturers are making several improvements:
- Ecofriendly, low-VOC options
- Use of recycled materials
- Lightweight components that use less fuel to transport
Although the pipe materials themselves are the key aspect of sustainability goals, the manufacturing process also plays a role. Many property owners look for components that come from manufacturers that minimize waste, as a way to save money and reduce their carbon footprint.
3D Printed Pipes
Property owners often expect a custom fit, increasing demand for 3D-printed components. 3D printing is a form of manufacturing that builds pipes from scratch instead of cutting or shaping them, leading to much less waste. Improvements to 3D printing technology simplify the process of achieving a custom fit. Plumbers no longer need to choose between the right plumbing pipes and fittings and a job done on time. Manufacturers are starting to bring this service in-house, making it easier to rapidly create prototypes, produce custom components for difficult tasks, and keep a leaner inventory.
Increased Flexibility, Strength, and Longevity
Durability and performance are key functions of plumbing that property owners prioritize more than ever. No one wants to replace pipes after 10 to 20 years when they could last decades longer and work better for modern buildings. The increase in the use of PEX pipes reflects a changing standard in plumbing, allowing for a flexible fit that installs simply without compromising performance. Innovations in pipe materials increase the strength of each component and the system as a whole. For example, plumbers can install a PVC butterfly valve and expect high performance year after year.
Temperature, Corrosion, and UV Resistance
In past decades, the use of certain piping materials created a number of concerns, particularly with pipework subject to harsh sun or extreme temperatures. Plastic pipes were prone to weakness or warping under extreme conditions, leading to complicated repairs or premature replacement. Older pipes made of lead, copper, or cast iron were more likely to corrode over time. Plumbers have a greater variety of options they can choose from now, to minimize these issues. Developments in plastic polymers lead to pipes that are less likely to degrade over time, with coatings that can increase resistance to chemicals and UV light.
Smart Monitoring
Finding a leak used to be a game of hide-and-seek, which is rapidly changing to a precise identification using smart technology. Although leak detection has been a popular option in plumbing for some years, the integration of smart technology provides even more opportunities to assess plumbing conditions. Property owners can receive information about the function of various plumbing systems in each building, highlighting stress, damage, or environmental factors that increase the chances of leaks, corrosion, or burst pipes. These tools provide plumbers and owners with the data they need to identify problems during maintenance and make effective fixes.
Providing the best plumbing materials for property owners requires an up-to-date understanding of the current trends in pipes. By incorporating these innovations into plumbing designs, plumbers can help property owners choose the materials that will give the best return on investment.
Author bio: Khris Kaylor is IT Manager at Maxx Supply, a leading distributor of PVC supplies. Kaylor began his IT career in 1995 and holds an MCSE certification. With a decade of experience in POS systems — including installation, programming, training and support — he later transitioned to hardware and software support. Kaylor has also collaborated on managing multiple brand websites within the food and beverage industry.
