FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASESeptember 2006 |
Contact: Judy Makowski FlowGuard Gold® Pipe & Fittings (216) 447-7392 -or- Eileen Petridis Robert Falls & Co. Public Relations (216) 696-0229 |
CORROSIVE SOIL AND WATER CONDITIONS LEAD TO REGIONAL FAILURE OF PLUMBING SYSTEMS
More Builders and Contractors Opt for Alternatives to Copper
CLEVELAND, OH – Although copper has been the material of choice for residential plumbing systems for decades, it is increasingly coming under attack for its tendency to pit and even completely fail in areas of the country where corrosive soil and harsh water conditions prevail.
(Photo: http://www.flowguardgold.com/pressRoom/pressRoomPhoto.asp#2)The Washington Post reported on more than 300 complaints of pinhole leaks in copper plumbing systems within a 35-mile area in Maryland. Within a two-year period, the total number of leaks was up more than 697% to 4,304, and yet there is no end to the problem in sight.
In Florida, a “Pilot Study on Copper Tube Corrosion” by the Building Construction Industry Advisory Committee stated that “…… water quality plays a significant role in the corrosion process. Copper can be attacked by corrosion through aggressive water and in water systems with deposits of dissolved minerals, high quantities of dissolved gases (carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, oxygen) and high temperatures.” Copper failures have become so common there that Jacksonville, Fla., completely banned the use of copper plumbing.
Unfortunately, copper failures occur throughout the U.S. As a result, builders and contractors have investigated alternative plumbing materials to meet the needs of homebuyers and their environments. One such viable alternative is FlowGuard Gold® CPVC.
Developed by Noveon, Inc., FlowGuard Gold® plumbing systems meet all model code requirements, including the International Plumbing Code, International Residential Code, BOCA National Plumbing Code, Standard Plumbing Code, Uniform Plumbing Code, CABO 1- and 2- Family Dwelling Code, Canadian Plumbing Code, and even the California Plumbing Code. Most important, FlowGuard Gold® plumbing systems perform well even in harsh water and soil environments that have challenged other plumbing materials.
Trouble in the West
In Southern California, harsh soil and water conditions have plagued homeowners for years, causing broken-down metal plumbing systems and expensive retrofits. According to Rob Kennedy, president of Kennco Plumbing, Inc., in Santa Clarita, CA , metallic plumbing systems have been failing at an astounding rate.
“I’ve seen a hole develop in a fitting of a copper plumbing system in just 21 months,” said Kennedy. “I’ve also seen examples of corrosion where homeowners had to replace their systems in less than eight years.”
Kennedy believes it is unfair to put customers through the worry (and expense) of re-piping their homes every ten years. “I have one crew that is dedicated to just re-piping metal systems in aggressive water areas “The product offers many benefits in addition to corrosion resistance, including an easier and more straightforward installation process." Kennedy likes the FlowGuard Gold® system so much, he installed it in his own home.
FlowGuard Gold® CPVC plumbing systems are faster and easier to install for the professional plumber, reducing overall labor costs. CPVC plumbing systems require simple hand tools for installation; no torches or crimping tools are necessary. A one-step joining system can be pressure tested in as little as ten minutes after assembly. Unlike other plastic systems, the CPVC system is readily available in sizes up to 2” in diameter.
CPVC plumbing systems also offer better insulation and energy savings than metal plumbing systems. The thermoplastic properties of CPVC plumbing systems provide insulation to reduce condensation and sweaty pipes. The material keeps hot water hotter and cold water colder than with copper, which results in less energy loss through the wall of the pipe. These same thermoplastic properties provide a quieter system with less resonance than metal plumbing systems, reducing the potential for the pounding noise of water hammer.
CPVC plumbing systems also will not rust, corrode, pit or scale under any water conditions, including the most aggressive well water or city water with high levels of chlorine. ANSI/NSF Standard 61 states that copper plumbing is not certified for use in potable water systems in environments with aggressive water where pH levels are less than 6.5. Plus, copper piping cannot resist certain soil chemistries or compositions and will begin to degrade in underslab applications. In these severe conditions, copper pipes can develop pinholes and leaks, resulting in considerable maintenance costs. Pipe corrosion can also leach copper into the water such that it no longer meets applicable potable water quality standards.
For more information about the innovative, high performance FlowGuard Gold® CPVC plumbing system, call the FlowGuard Gold Marketing Department at 1-888-234-2436 or visit www.flowguardgold.com.
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FlowGuard Gold® is a registered trademark of The Lubrizol Corporation.
The Lubrizol Corporation (NYSE: LZ) is an innovative specialty chemical company that produces and supplies technologies that improve the quality and performance of our customers’ products in the global transportation, industrial and consumer markets. These technologies include lubricant additives for engine oils, other transportation-related fluids and industrial lubricants, as well as fuel additives for gasoline and diesel fuel. In addition, Lubrizol makes ingredients and additives for personal care products and pharmaceuticals; specialty materials, including plastics technology and performance coatings in the form of specialty resins and additives. Lubrizol’s industry-leading technologies in additives, ingredients and compounds enhance the quality, performance and value of customers’ products, while reducing their environmental impact.
With headquarters in Wickliffe, Ohio, The Lubrizol Corporation, a Fortune 500 company, owns and operates manufacturing facilities in 20 countries, as well as sales and technical offices around the world. Founded in 1928, Lubrizol has approximately 6,900 employees worldwide. Revenues for 2005 were $3.6 billion, excluding operations discontinued in 2006 that had 2005 revenues of $0.4 billion. For more information, visit www.lubrizol.com.