| If you are building a commercial edifice such as an | | | | Galvanized Steel |
| apartment complex, hotel, veterinarian's office, or | | | | Although this material was widely used 40 and 50 |
| any other structure, you want to make sure that the | | | | years ago, it enjoys only limited use now. It has a life |
| "insides" of your building are as solid and durable as its | | | | expectancy of about 35 years, but its complaints are |
| "outsides." When hiring a commercial piping contractor | | | | many: its interior surfaces tend to corrode over time, |
| for your project, you will no doubt be consulted as | | | | and the resulting buildup within the pipe tends to |
| to the types of plumbing pipes that will be installed at | | | | decrease water flow. Also, this type of pipe material |
| your property. Here's more about the different types | | | | tends toward leaking more often than its |
| of pipes most commonly used in commercial building | | | | counterparts. |
| construction to help you make an informed decision. | | | | Cross Linked Polyethylene (PEX) |
| Copper | | | | Pipes made from this translucent plastic material |
| Used in over 80% of commercial construction jobs, | | | | generally come in three easy to recognize colors: |
| copper is considered the "king" of piping materials, | | | | while, blue, and red. Because it has only been in use |
| and its price reflects that title. Because it is a soft | | | | for the last 15 years or so, the jury is still out on its |
| metal, it is easy to cut and it is also considered an | | | | long-term effectiveness and durability. However, it |
| extremely reliable material. It has two main | | | | has become extremely popular with commercial |
| drawbacks: it can split when frozen; also, if the water | | | | pipers in recent years because it installs easily and is |
| in your area has a low pH level, its chemical | | | | less expensive than copper. |
| properties may corrode copper sooner than you'd | | | | Make sure to consult with an excellent commercial |
| like, resulting in green stains and "funny" tasting | | | | piping contractor to see what he recommends for |
| water. | | | | your particular project. |