Plastics and plastic piping has no doubt been a boom, a great step forward, for do it yourself project types. What used to be complex tasks that required a professional plumber or other tradesperson is now a relative breeze. On top of that help is not far away - either at a full service lumberyard / appliance outlet, a big box hardware store with experienced staff, the internet or some building and renovations books. Yet what are the advantages of plastic plumbing pipes and when should you be using other types and forms of pipe materials?

If there is one overall handicap to using plastic pipes it is that many local building codes prohibit some or even all uses of it. If in doubt check at your local do it yourself retail outlets, local contractors or failing that you local, state or provincial government authorities responsible for the building "code" and its implementation and inspection process.

Yet for plumbing and even home furnace heating needs plastic pipe and pipe possess so many fine features and resulting inherent benefits. It can be said that it difficult to even say which of the one of the myriad of aspects of pipe is the most advantageous. Even then it is a case of both personal preferences as well as to each unique plumbing renovation, repair or upgrade scenario.

Plastic plumbing pipes and piping are not subject to corrosion scaling or rust. They are virtually self cleaning, will not rot or mold, and usually will not sweat.

Depending on the individual plastic type and diameter chosen they can withstand freezing temperatures even better than some types and varieties of metal pipes and yet are amazingly light in weight. On top of that plastic pipe can be said to be easier to carry and certainly work with than about any other type of pipe or piping material. In addition because plastic is so much more of a flexible substance than metal supply lines you can be assured "water hammer" noises and sounds are virtually never heard of, and certainly a plumbing problem not be expected or have to be dealt with. Thus there is no need to install additional air chambers and as well the material itself with its flexibility and softness dampens vibrations and does not carry sound well. Plastic pipes have overall low resistance to water flow and flows and subsequent excellent flow rates.

All it all it can be said that the easy access and low cost structure of plastic pipe products have been a boom to do it yourself handyman and home renovation and upgrade projects. Plastic pipes and piping are relatively easy to install and set up even for D.I.Y. non professional type. Before the advent of this wonderful product it certainly this certainly was not the case on the home renovation scene. No doubt about it all.