Type of Pipe Is Used for Underground Water Lines
What type of pipe is used for underground water lines in Illinois? Aurora’s plumbing experts hear this question from local homeowners running underground water lines from one part of a property to another. If this is the case, it is essential to choose the right piping material to prevent pipe breaks and water wastage from nullifying your investment.
In this article, the Advantage Plumbing experts discuss key factors to keep in mind around underground water lines so that you can make a more informed decision.
Types of Pipes Used for Underground Water Lines
PVC Pipe
PVC (polyvinyl chloride) is a durable plastic pipe that is highly resistant to corrosion and impact damage. The material doesn’t melt easily, which works well for underground water lines. PVC pipes also come in different diameters, so it is easy to find the right size for both residential and commercial applications.
A downside to PVC piping is that you need to apply UV-resistant coating on the pipe’s exterior to reduce the risk of UV degradation. Without it, the pipe will weaken and become brittle.
Metal Pipe
If you choose metal pipes for your Illinois property, the materials available to you include aluminum, steel, and copper. Metal pipes are quite resistant to impact damage and corrosion, an excellent choice for a heavy-duty underground water line. A copper pipe has the highest level of resistance to corrosion.
However, before you choose to go with metal pipes, experts recommend having a plan in place to prevent galvanic corrosion. It occurs when two types of metals come into contact, causing both to degrade. One way to prevent this reaction is by using dielectric fittings or coupling during installation.
CPVC Pipe
Think of chlorinated polyvinyl chloride as a premium version of standard PVC pipes. Its benefits include the following:
- Thicker and more durable than standard PVC
- Resistant to high temperatures
- Highly resistant to corrosion
- Stands up well to impacts and wear and tear
Expect to pay a bit more for CPVC, but know that the higher durability and better resistance are extremely worthwhile.
PEX Tubing
As a product of cross-linked polyethylene, PEX tubing presents a flexible solution for underground water lines in Illinois. It’s a good choice for resistance to high temperatures, chemical damage, impacts, and corrosion. However, PEX tubing is not as durable as some other alternatives on the list above.
Concrete Pipe
The final choice is concrete pipes, which are highly resistant to impact damage. Manufacturers make the material from a mixture of gravel, sand, and cement, an excellent combination for long-lasting underground water lines you can move later on.
Concrete pipes are durable but still susceptible to crumbling and cracking due to UV degradation. However, unlike PVC, there’s no coating you can use to combat this issue. The only solution for concrete is to bury the pipes deep enough to keep them away from direct sunlight.
Factors to Keep in Mind When Choosing a Pipe for Underground Water Lines
What type of pipe is used for underground water lines in Eglin and other locations in Illinois? It can be tempting to pick an option and just run with it without proper consideration. On paper, most people will choose PVC or CPVC due to availability, but these may not be the best option for your particular property.
Consider some of the factors below when choosing a pipe for your underground water lines:
Climate
No property owner can afford to ignore the climate conditions when evaluating pipe options for underground lines. For example, using concrete or metal pipes in Illinois may be counterproductive if the materials freeze during the winter months. PEX, PVC, and CPVC would be more resistant to cold weather.
Soil Conditions
Some pipes are more resistant to certain soil types than others. For example, concrete pipes work better in clay soil. Metal pipes would corrode In the same setting, leading to leaks and early replacement.
Pipe Size
If the intended application for the piping is to deliver water to different areas or multiple appliances, property owners should choose a pipe with a diameter wide enough to allow sustainable water flow. A small-diameter pipe would be fine to transfer water to the garden or extend one line to an outdoor kitchen.
Terrain
Is the pipeline going through hilly terrain? Our experts recommend an impact-resistant material. If you’re laying the pipes near trees, it’s also better to use a pipe resistant to chemical damage.
Ease of Installation
Are you looking at installing the pipe yourself? Conventional plastic pipes might not be so complicated. However, a metal or concrete pipe needs a team of professionals like Advantage Plumbing to minimize the damage to the property and ensure the pipes are properly installed.
Fitting and Coupling Options
The fittings and couplings connect your underground water pipe to the surface water source or faucets. Being intentional about the choice of coupling could save you lots of money on future repairs and help the pipe system last longer. This choice is especially important for metal piping in Illinois.
Water Composition
Don’t forget to consider the water source before settling on a pipe material that suits your needs. If the water source is a natural spring or well, it’s doubly important to choose a pipe that can withstand corrosion.
Pipe PSI Rating
The PSI (Pound per Square Inch) rating measures how much pressure a pipe can withstand. A low PSI pipe connected to high-pressure water supply lines will burst! If you want to maximize your return on investment, choosing to go with professional installation is a better idea.
Schedule a Consultation for Your Underground Water Lines Today
With the right pipe, these lines can last decades, just like well-maintained sewer lines. How long do sewer lines last? We can answer all your questions and more.
What type of pipe is used for underground water lines on my property? Find out by calling the Advantage Plumbing team at (847) 416-8064 today to schedule a consultation in Elgin, IL.
