Repiping Archives | Gold Medal Plumbing and Drain

5 PIPES TO RECOGNIZE IN DIY PLUMBING

Homeowners today still enjoy getting their hands dirty with DIY projects, and others may not have any choice but to handle the project themselves. A plumbing system keeps a home healthy, which is why it’s important to know what materials and practices you can and cannot use. Plumbing and building codes also change over time. The experts at Gold Medal Plumbing have provided a list of the main pipes you will encounter while rooting around in your home’s inner workings:

#1: PEX

PEX stands for cross-linked polyethylene. It is a flexible piping so it can bend at ninety degrees and allows homeowners to colour-code their system’s hot- and cold-water lines. It’s only used for water supply lines. DIYers love PEX because it’s easy to use when joining it to other pipes or cutting it to fit into their system. Many homeowners compare PEX to copper so they can have the best quality plumbing system.

#2: RIGID COPPER

Rigid copper is used for the water supply and, despite its name, it can easily be cut with a hacksaw or a special tool for cutting copper. It’s a pipe that more experienced DIYers are comfortable handling, particularly when they need to solder two pipes together to make a connection. It’s recommended to buy extra copper piping to practice on. Copper piping is better than PVC because it has fewer health risks.

#3: FLEXIBLE COPPER

Flexible or soft copper is ideal for short runs, primarily to water heaters and refrigerators. It’s commonly used for repairs because it can bend around obstacles as well as corners. It cannot withstand extreme temperatures, which limits it to interior use. Homeowners will find it comes in several sizes, but they will usually encounter ½ inch, ¼ inch, and 3/8 inch for kitchen and bathroom supply lines as well as taps.

#4: PVC

Also known as polyvinyl chloride, PVC pipes are white and used for drain and vent lines because they’re resistant to corrosion. Many homeowners are happy to use PVC for their irrigation system rather than galvanized steel because it’s lighter and easier to use. In general, it is a preferred DIY material because of its low cost and its strength.

#5: ABS

ABS, or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, is similar to PVC, except the pipes are black. ABS is considered to be an older version of PVC as it was used for drain and vent lines. We recommend replacing it with PVC because ABS no longer adheres to plumbing codes.

Gold Medal Plumbing has licensed plumbers to help you with your DIY work or provide advice on the best materials and practices. With over 30 years of experience, we’re your trusted professionals that arrive on-time, whether you have a plumbing emergency or want to remodel. We serve the Mississauga and Oakville areas, so call us today at (416) 800-6264.

our customers love us

honest reviews from our community

Adrienne Petropanagos
Prompt & knowledgeable
Chris Garrett
Super Service and Accountability
Catherine F.
Terrance arrived and was polite, lovely and incredibly respectful that we had a baby napping! Pricing was upfront and clear, and he was very much not out to nickel and dime us... super honest and forthright - which meant the world.
Tim Swei
After the job was completely they got on their knees, cleaned and wiped the entire area clean, which I thought was very thoughtful.
Mike A.
Exceptional service. Thank you, Terrence.
Jason F.
On time for the appointment and nice guys.
Andrew N.
Quick turn around
Emma S.
Went out of their way to get it all done.
Jason P.
Highly recommend.
Sally M.
Over and above kindness and honesty
Ali M.
Great service & quick response.
Gina C.
Courteous and respectful!
Adrian P.
These are the guys that you want to hire.
Denisha T.
Explained everything upfront.
Bryan N.
Service was same day, fast and honest.
Sam I.
In and out within an hour.
Anya P
Gold Medal quickly found the problem and fixed the issue at a reasonable cost. We only trust Gold Medal plumbing from now on!
Alexandra S.
Incredibly friendly and willing to explain exactly what was happening.
Jeffery N.
Very patient with us, answering the many questions we posed.
Mark E.
Ensured everything was in proper working order.
Sandy M.
Super helpful and friendly
Thom W.
A pleasure to have in our home.
Marinela G.
Went above and beyond!
Nelson M.
Free estimate quote
Saswati S.
Extremely reasonably priced.
Liz P.
It was a pleasure.
Jenny C.
Definitely using his service in the future!
Rob M.
Top-notch service.
Brock M.
I have found my new plumber.
Adam P.
Stayed late to make sure the job was done right
Dennis G.
Gave us a great price.
Michael S.
Came the same day that I called.
Ed D.
We are very confident with the service we received.
Satisfied Customer
I am impressed!
Satisfied Customer
A great customer service experience
Sandy S.
They sure are a Gold Medal company!
Joan P.
I would recommend this company to anyone.

read reviews

HELPFUL RESOURCEs

HOW CAN WE HELP?

THE TOP 4 FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING A PLUMBING PIPE

Making decisions about plumbing for your property can be overwhelming, especially if you don’t have any previous plumbing experience. Your plumbing material choice is important, as it provides you with one of our most precious resources: water. By gaining a better understanding of the factors you should take into account when choosing your plumbing pipe material, you will be able to make a more educated decision.

From your trusted Mississauga plumbers at Gold Medal Plumbing and Drain, here are the top factors to consider when making your plumbing material choice:

WATER TYPE

Depending on where you live, the water going through your pipes may be corrosive. Corrosive water refers to water that dissolves materials it comes into contact with. Corrosive water is problematic in your home because the last thing you want is your pipes degrading only a few years after they’ve been installed. Although the water itself isn’t harmful, when it corrodes copper and metal pipes, it also dissolves copper and lead into the water supply, which does pose health concerns. A water test conducted by a professional determines the level of acidity in your water source.

PLUMBING USE

The amount of water pressure you require is another important determinant in finding the correct plumbing pipe for your property. Chances are, if you are looking for a plumbing solution in a commercial space, you are seeking high water pressure. To maintain high water pressure, a pipe will need to be wide and durable enough to sustain significant force. Plastic pipes are usually the best option in this case, as they are specifically designed for this use.

If you are looking to reduce operating costs, you should also consider the smoothness of pipes. A smooth inside improves water flow, reducing the amount of resistance, and therefore water required. Brass piping is known to be the most smooth because it doesn’t rust in the interior.

SOIL CHARACTERISTICS

The composition of the soil surrounding your pipes has significant effects on their durability. Soil with excess rocks, moisture, and abrasive materials will eventually degrade your pipes. It’s also important to look at the chemical composition of the soil. Sometimes, soil with excess minerals can create a reaction when it comes into contact with certain pipe materials.

EXPOSURE TO SUNLIGHT

Sun has similar effects on pipes as it does to our skin. Ultraviolet (UV) rays deteriorate the surface quality of plastic pipes over time, making them more vulnerable to issues and decreasing their lifespan. Excess exposure to sunlight can also cause problems related to changes in temperature. PVC pipes aren’t used to carry hot water, so it’s not a good idea to have them installed in areas that naturally reach high temperatures. To combat this, many plumbers will use insulating materials to prevent temperature fluctuations affecting pipe quality.

Gold Medal Plumbing and Drain is the leading provider of repiping services in Mississauga. With over 30 years of experience, we have the knowledge required to solve your toughest plumbing issues. Learn more about our services and the areas we serve by calling (416) 800-6264 today!

our customers love us

honest reviews from our community

Adrienne Petropanagos
Prompt & knowledgeable
Chris Garrett
Super Service and Accountability
Catherine F.
Terrance arrived and was polite, lovely and incredibly respectful that we had a baby napping! Pricing was upfront and clear, and he was very much not out to nickel and dime us... super honest and forthright - which meant the world.
Tim Swei
After the job was completely they got on their knees, cleaned and wiped the entire area clean, which I thought was very thoughtful.
Mike A.
Exceptional service. Thank you, Terrence.
Jason F.
On time for the appointment and nice guys.
Andrew N.
Quick turn around
Emma S.
Went out of their way to get it all done.
Jason P.
Highly recommend.
Sally M.
Over and above kindness and honesty
Ali M.
Great service & quick response.
Gina C.
Courteous and respectful!
Adrian P.
These are the guys that you want to hire.
Denisha T.
Explained everything upfront.
Bryan N.
Service was same day, fast and honest.
Sam I.
In and out within an hour.
Anya P
Gold Medal quickly found the problem and fixed the issue at a reasonable cost. We only trust Gold Medal plumbing from now on!
Alexandra S.
Incredibly friendly and willing to explain exactly what was happening.
Jeffery N.
Very patient with us, answering the many questions we posed.
Mark E.
Ensured everything was in proper working order.
Sandy M.
Super helpful and friendly
Thom W.
A pleasure to have in our home.
Marinela G.
Went above and beyond!
Nelson M.
Free estimate quote
Saswati S.
Extremely reasonably priced.
Liz P.
It was a pleasure.
Jenny C.
Definitely using his service in the future!
Rob M.
Top-notch service.
Brock M.
I have found my new plumber.
Adam P.
Stayed late to make sure the job was done right
Dennis G.
Gave us a great price.
Michael S.
Came the same day that I called.
Ed D.
We are very confident with the service we received.
Satisfied Customer
I am impressed!
Satisfied Customer
A great customer service experience
Sandy S.
They sure are a Gold Medal company!
Joan P.
I would recommend this company to anyone.

read reviews

HELPFUL RESOURCEs

HOW CAN WE HELP?

HOW TO MAINTAIN YOUR PLUMBING PIPES

You never learn to appreciate your home’s plumbing until it isn’t working. A functional plumbing system allows you to have clean water that’s readily accessible. Clogged pipes are a common plumbing concern, but can be easily prevented if the correct measures are taken. By maintaining the plumbing in your home, you prevent larger issues from arising in the future.

INSTALL DRAIN CATCHERS

Placing mesh screens on your drains prevents unwanted dirt and debris from accompanying your water down the drain. You might not realize just how much food, hair, and other unwanted items are going down your pipes until you install a mesh screen. Opt for a finer mesh screen to catch even more particles. These mesh screens should be installed at every sink in the kitchen and bathroom and are purchased at your local home improvement store.

IT’S NOT A GARBAGE

Your kitchen sink is not a makeshift garbage can. Emptying greasy foods and coffee grounds in the sink will cause blockages, as they build up over time. If you’re cooking a meal that requires a lot of oil, be sure to first wipe your cool pans down with a paper towel before rinsing them in the kitchen sink. If you use a lot of oil on a regular basis, you can alternatively designate a container in your kitchen as a place where you dump the cooking grease. The oil becomes solid in the container when it cools and should be disposed of every few days.

Hair is usually the culprit in clogged bathroom sinks and showers. To prevent this, be sure to brush your hair thoroughly before you step in the shower and promptly remove any hair that has fallen onto the countertop. By staying on top of your countertop cleanliness, you prevent hair making its way down the pipes and causing plumbing troubles.

TRY A HOT WATER FLUSH

If you experience clogged pipes often, you may want to try pouring hot water down your drains on a regular basis. In doing so, you flush out particles that are stuck within the pipes. Just make sure not to use boiling water, as this will cause the ceramic of your sink or toilet to crack. To add some grease fighting power, you can also add a few drops of dishwashing soap.

CONTACT A PROFESSIONAL

If you aren’t able to clear the clogged pipes on your own, it’s time to call the Oakville plumbing professionals. If you live in an older home, your clogged drains are most likely not your fault. Plumbing technology has improved over the years, with old materials and improper angles likely being the cause of your repeated issues. Older pipes are also prone to forming a decreased diameter due to build-up that has occurred over time. A professional plumber in Oakville will be able to snake your pipes and propose a long-lasting plumbing solution.

Gold Medal Plumbing is the leading provider of drain plumbing, sump pump repair, burst pipe repair, and more. We pride ourselves on being the best plumbers in Oakville. To learn more about our services and the areas we serve, call (416) 800-62647 today!

our customers love us

honest reviews from our community

Adrienne Petropanagos
Prompt & knowledgeable
Chris Garrett
Super Service and Accountability
Catherine F.
Terrance arrived and was polite, lovely and incredibly respectful that we had a baby napping! Pricing was upfront and clear, and he was very much not out to nickel and dime us... super honest and forthright - which meant the world.
Tim Swei
After the job was completely they got on their knees, cleaned and wiped the entire area clean, which I thought was very thoughtful.
Mike A.
Exceptional service. Thank you, Terrence.
Jason F.
On time for the appointment and nice guys.
Andrew N.
Quick turn around
Emma S.
Went out of their way to get it all done.
Jason P.
Highly recommend.
Sally M.
Over and above kindness and honesty
Ali M.
Great service & quick response.
Gina C.
Courteous and respectful!
Adrian P.
These are the guys that you want to hire.
Denisha T.
Explained everything upfront.
Bryan N.
Service was same day, fast and honest.
Sam I.
In and out within an hour.
Anya P
Gold Medal quickly found the problem and fixed the issue at a reasonable cost. We only trust Gold Medal plumbing from now on!
Alexandra S.
Incredibly friendly and willing to explain exactly what was happening.
Jeffery N.
Very patient with us, answering the many questions we posed.
Mark E.
Ensured everything was in proper working order.
Sandy M.
Super helpful and friendly
Thom W.
A pleasure to have in our home.
Marinela G.
Went above and beyond!
Nelson M.
Free estimate quote
Saswati S.
Extremely reasonably priced.
Liz P.
It was a pleasure.
Jenny C.
Definitely using his service in the future!
Rob M.
Top-notch service.
Brock M.
I have found my new plumber.
Adam P.
Stayed late to make sure the job was done right
Dennis G.
Gave us a great price.
Michael S.
Came the same day that I called.
Ed D.
We are very confident with the service we received.
Satisfied Customer
I am impressed!
Satisfied Customer
A great customer service experience
Sandy S.
They sure are a Gold Medal company!
Joan P.
I would recommend this company to anyone.

read reviews

HELPFUL RESOURCEs

HOW CAN WE HELP?