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Water Service Upgrade: From Pipe Sizes to Types of Pipes in Canada
Ever thought about what a home water service upgrade can do for your house? You may not be thinking about it at first, as you don’t realize that it's one of the most important factors involved in maintaining a plumbing system safe and efficient. Did you know that a major investigation revealed that over12,000 water samples taken from 2014 to 2018 showed that lead levels in many homes exceeded the national safety guideline of 5 parts per billion.
This poses a threat to the safety of drinking water. The water service pipes of older homes are most likely built of materials that have survived in their usefulness, such as lead or galvanized steel. This is the point at which a water service upgrade is necessary.
A water service upgrade is more than simply replacing old pipes; it also includes determining the appropriate pipe sizes and kinds for your property and municipal laws. Whether you're just upgrading because of a city mandate or improving the quality of your water, knowledge of the process is imperative.
In this article, we atCanadian Rooter will guide you through everything you need to know about water service upgrades in Canada, how to select the necessary pipe sizes and types of pipes available on the market as well as explain the overall benefits of this investment you will be making to improve your home. We’ll also answer relevant frequently asked questions, i.e., the cost of upgrades, the time it takes and why this is an integral part of doing your property’s plumbing system.
When selecting the correct pipe size for water service, many issues become critical, including the number of fixtures in the house, water pressure and building codes in your locality. Let’s get into the standard pipe size you will find in a water service upgrade:
● Main Water Service Line: This is the main pipe that connects your house to the public water source. Most of the time, a ¾-inch to 1-inch pipe will be used in homes that consume the usual amount of water. Big houses with two or more bathrooms may need a 1” pipe or higher.
● Supply Pipes: These pipes connect the main service line to individual fixtures. Most of these are ¾-inch in diameter.
● Individual Fixtures: Pipes for outlets for sinks, toilets, or showers range from ½ inch to ¾ inch, depending on the water consumption.
Quick Tip: If you want to substitute fixtures or upgrade your plumbing system, bigger pipes may be necessary for the increased flow.
It is important to choose the right type and size of pipe for your water service upgrade. The materials that you choose should be able to withstand, be reliable, and meet local building codes. Here, we are providing the most common types of pipes that are used in residential water service upgrades:
● Benefits: Copper is known to be able to stand high temperatures. It also does not corrode, so it is the number one option for water supply lines.
● Drawbacks: Copper is more costly than other materials, and specialized skills are required to install it, for example, soldering.
● When to Use: Perfect for homeowners who are searching for a long-term solution that is worth paying for, as far as the best piping is concerned.
● Benefits: PEX is versatile, lightweight, and painless to use, hence one of the most popular options for the water service upgrade. It’s also resistant to chloride and scum. Moreover, it does not rust like metal pipes.
● Drawbacks: PEX is susceptible to damage from UV rays and must be well-supported during installation.
● When to Use: PEX is an inexpensive and easy-to-install option for water service upgrades, best suited for homes with complex plumbing characteristics.
● Benefits: PVC is inexpensive, lightweight and is used extensively for drain, waste and vent pipes. It's not corrosion-resistant and is quite easy to install.
● Drawbacks: It is not recommended for hot water lines; it deteriorates with UV exposure.
● When to Use: It is more suitable for non-potable systems, drainage lines, etc. and should not be used for drinking water.
● Benefits: Galvanized steel pipes are durable and have been used for water lines in past.
● Drawbacks: With age, galvanized steel may corrode and cause a reduction in the flow of water. It is also harder to work with such materials compared to modern materials.
● When to Use: If you live in an older building, galvanized steel should be replaced by more modern materials such as copper or PEX.
Upgrading one's water service has many steps that need planning and implementation. Now, here's some insight on what you can expect:
● Inspection and Assessment: A professional plumber will first examine the existing plumbing system to determine the kinds and sizes of pipes you have installed.
● Obtaining Permits: In most circumstances, a permit is necessary to replace the water service line. Your plumber will guide you through the procedure and verify that everything conforms with local codes.
● Excavation and Pipe Replacement: Excavation will proceed on the old pipes, and new pipes will be installed. This can be done within a few days to a week, depending on the materials selected and the scope of the project.
● Connection to the Water Main: The plumber will then hook up the new pipework to the town's water supply, making sure that there are no leaks.
● Testing and Inspection: Once installed, the system will be tested extensively to make sure everything is functioning properly and codes have been observed.
What is the minimum size allowed for water service pipes?
The smallest pipe for a water service in most places is ¾ inch in diameter. Nevertheless, the utility's installed pipe may differ.
How do I calculate the pipe size for a water supply?
Use the velocity method: select an adequate water velocity and compute the diameter of the necessary pipes from a flow rate.
The formula is FlowRate => GPM = Pipe Area x Velocity.
What is the maximum diameter of a water service pipe?
The most popular diameters for pipes for water mains (which carry water all over the country) tend to be 6 to 16 inches; the bigger the pipe, the more water is pushed through it.
What is the minimum depth for a water service pipe?
The minimum depth of a water service pipe is 750mm to 1350 mm, depending on the region and conditions.
Improving your water service is a commitment to increased security and efficiency in your home. Whether you’re replacing lead pipes, increasing pressure or want to follow following local rules for home plumbing, determining proper sizes for pipes goes a long way towards ensuring your plumbing system is efficient.
AtCanadian Rooter, we offer outstanding expert water service upgrades to be sure your home has the safest, most reliable plumbing system possible. If you need a water service upgrade, you must call Canadian Rooters today and receive a free consultation and quote. We are here to provide expert advice and top-quality service. Moreover, we will make sure that your home’s plumbing is up to code and operating efficiently for years to come.
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