This plumber does not like PEX but he does like CPVC.
Hurley Board Plumbing Co. Archdale, NC
Established: 1962
Owners: Hurley & Linda Board
Plumbing Contractor Discovers CPVC Systems
Contribute to Water Quality and More
In the 1990s, Americans have moved toward healthier lifestyles and careful consideration for the environments in which they live. As part of this lifestyle change, upscale homes are designed with amenities that provide an environment for improved energy savings, safety and water quality.
Upscale homebuilders, architects and contractors have responded to their customers' call for energy efficient, safer homes with improved heating and air conditioning systems, better lighting fixtures, home security systems, and more. Now, with CPVC rigid plastic plumbing systems, plumbing contractors are able to install systems that ensure better water quality.
In North Carolina, one plumbing contractor, Hurley Board Plumbing Co., Archdale, N.C., discovered CPVC systems after years of using copper plumbing systems and a trial and error experience with PEX systems. Hurley Board Plumbing is licensed to install plumbing in North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia. Along with commercial and industrial projects, Hurley Board Plumbing installs residential plumbing systems in upscale homes and assisted living complexes in the mid-Atlantic states.
A major plumbing contractor in the Southeast, Hurley Board has been installing plumbing systems for 37 years. He and his employees have installed plumbing systems for upscale homes starting at $250,000 in Thomasville, N.C., High Point, N.C., Roanoke, Va., Hopewell, Va. and Rock Hill, S.C.
"Through a comparison of installing the different plumbing systems, CPVC plumbing systems have demonstrated the best performance for homeowners in terms of cost and energy savings, as well as contribution to the health of their environment," said Board. "And, CPVC systems are advantageous to us because installations are faster, easier and more predictable."
Trial and Error
When Hurley Board Plumbing Co. was founded by Hurley and Linda Board in 1962, copper was the traditional choice for all residential plumbing systems. Homebuilders perceived a public opinion that copper was superior to any alternative for plumbing installations. Since copper was more expensive, it was considered the better choice.
"We discovered that, in reality, homeowners didn't care about copper," said Board. "They just wanted to have the best system possible."
According to ANSI/NSF Standard 61, in environments with aggressive water, pH levels of less than 6.5, copper plumbing will not meet the water quality standard. Plus, copper cannot resist certain soil chemistries or compositions and will begin to degrade. In these severe conditions, copper pipes can begin to leach into the water, causing it not to meet the potable water quality standard.
"The maintenance costs and time involved in replacing the system are considerable for both the builder and homeowner," said Board.
With the concern of leaching of the metal pipe into the drinking water in severe water and soil conditions, many homebuilders and plumbing contractors were eager to find a replacement for copper.
Looking for an alternative to metal piping systems, Hurley Board Plumbing decided to try PEX systems, which were initially accepted by homebuilders and plumbing contractors because they appeared to eliminate the concern of leaching effects of copper plumbing systems. However, the material proved to be nearly as expensive and less dependable than copper. For instance, the crimping tool for PEX is expensive and needs to be constantly calibrated to ensure proper connections.
"When it was first specified by homebuilders in North Carolina, we began installing PEX plumbing systems in their homes," said Board. "While it appeared the systems were installed right, once the water was turned on, the crimping of the couplers that connect the pipe with the fittings didn't allow water to flow properly. Plus, the coupling system could deteriorate from aggressive water, which includes concentrations of chlorine in city water systems."
The results of the PEX installations were disastrous. According to Board, about 20 percent of the fittings had to be reinstalled due to the difficulty of securing the coupling system.
While PEX did not succeed in giving homebuilders and plumbing contractors a cost effective, reliable alternative to copper plumbing systems, Board discovered that CPVC could provide all the benefits he desired-lower costs; faster, easier installations; reliable, long-lasting performance; and guaranteed water purity. CPVC plumbing systems will not rust, corrode, pit or scale under any water conditions including the most aggressive well water and city water with high levels of chlorine. |
