do they really work, and what are the best kinds, which ones worked best for you?
Copper is the way to go. It's the easiest to put it. It doesn't build up with calcification and won't corrode. It's extremely easy to work with using no threads.
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cutt off the air supply to the flame
Galvanized pipe eventually rusts. There is no getting around that. Galvanized pipe has all threaded joints more opportunities for leaks. Galvanized pipe has thicker walls, and is less prone to freeze damage, and is often used near hot water heaters. Now, with Copper, youve got ridgid copper tubing, sweated, or with compression fittings, and flexible copper tubing, usually with flared, compression fittings. Any pipe with compression fittings has an opportunity to leak at the joint, over time. Sweated (or soldered) joints hold up better over time. You have to have some practice doing this though or you may just end up with a lot of leaks, heheheh If you are doing this yourself, for the first time, go with the compression fittings. Another option, is cpvc. Ive been in a LOT of homes with cpvc plumbing, and it holds up just as well as the copper, with the added ease of use, for first time installers. My own home is a mix of copper (original) and cpvc (new). I can sweat pipes, but I find the cpvc faster to install. IF you go with copper or galvanized plumbing . do NOT use it as your ground for your electrical system. I know this is quite popular in many areas. It should be avoided though, especially when using copper pipes. Ive seen copper pipes that have turned paper thin, because of the 'leech' effect, from their being used as the electrical ground. Go ahead and buy a ground rod, and pound it into the yard close to your foundation. You'll prevent many headaches in the future. Have Fun
copper is the way to go if doing it yourself. easy to cut and route without the hassel of threading. sweating is relatively easy if you clean and prep the joints properly. buy the coerrect tools and please use lead free solder with flux designed for such.
