Plastic Pipes vs. Copper Pipes: Which One is Better for Plumbing?

Comparing plastic pipes and copper pipes is one of the hot topics in the plumbing industry. For a long time, copper piping remained the Numero Uno choice among all the plumbing materials. But, these days, Indian houses and commercial offices are being regularly fitted with plastic pipes such as CPVC, U-PVC, and PPR. 
Then, which one really gives better results? It's time to look at it in a simple, basic way.

Getting to Grips with the Basics:

Copper Pipes
Copper pipes have experienced a long history of use, stretching back more than a hundred years. Because of their robustness and resistance to high temperatures, they were the go-to product for water distribution systems.

Plastic Pipes
Plastic pipes are made of various materials such as CPVC (Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride), UPVC, and PPR. These substances are man-made polymers that are tailored for contemporary plumbing applications.

Plastic Pipe vs Copper Pipe: The Main Differences

Working Life & Service Life Copper pipes may be subject to rust after some years, especially if the water is acidic or hard. Plastic pipes, notably CPVC, do not corrode and are generally more suitable for Indian conditions.

Heat Resistance:
Copper is a metal known for its good performance at high temperatures. On the other hand, new CPVC pipes are specifically designed to work well with hot water.

Installation & Cost:
Besides being quite a job, copper installation is also pricey. On the other hand, plastic pipes are very light, simple to install, and not expensive.

Corrosion & Scaling:
Over time, copper can rust and develop scale deposits. Plastic pipes have such a smooth inner surface that scaling becomes impossible.

Water Safety:
It is medically proven that CPVC pipes are good for drinking water, as they do not release any harmful substances. At the same time, copper can endanger water quality under particular circumstances.

Cost Comparison:
No doubt, copper is way more expensive than plastic piping systems.

Disadvantages of Copper Plumbing

• Very expensive at first, and the installation cost is also high
• Easily corroded 
• Targets of thief 
• Pinhole leaks are possible after some time 
• Needs professional work

Do plumbers still use copper pipes?
Copper pipes are still used, but greatly less so. To most plumbers, plastic pipes are a better choice because they are easier to install and cheaper.

Which pipe is most suitable for plumbing in India?
Among plastic pipes, CPVC is preferred the most because it is long-lasting, safe, and cheap.

Final Verdict:

Though copper pipes are sturdy, they are costly and get corroded. On the other hand, plastic pipes are resilient, inexpensive, and simple to install.

Conclusion:

The replacement of copper with plastic piping is a mirror of the changing demands. Plastic pipes are a dependable and ready-for-the-future plumbing solution for Indian houses.