Mid-States Pipe & Supply Co Inc

We know now that lead pipe is a toxic plumbing material, but that knowledge is somewhat recent. Up until WWII, lead pipe was in common use across many parts of the United States.

The world of plumbing pipes shifted drastically during the mid-1900s. The invention of PVC and HDPE pipes led to new materials, and an increased awareness of lead poisoning shift focus away from lead to copper pipes, HDPE pipes, and PVC pipes.

Basically, the type of plumbing pipes you are going to require will vary according to the type of work being done and other conditions. This includes everything from whether the piping will be exposed to whether it will need to be insulated.

In older neighborhoods, sewer lines can be a concern, because homeowners are responsible for the pipe that runs from the house to the street. Made of cast iron, clay or wood fiber, old sewer pipes are more likely to be crushed, cracked, corroded or blocked.

It's easy to think of plastic pipe as being made from PVC, but that's not they only plastic material used. Pipe can also be made out of HDPE, or high-density polyethylene. This material is known for a large strength to density ratio.

Buying plumbing pipes a hundred years ago would have been a completely different experience. In the early 1900s, most pipes were either made galvanized iron or lead, since PVC and HDPE pipe wasn't invented yet, and people didn't know about lead poisoning.

Plumbing matters: “The society which scorns excellence in plumbing as a humble activity and tolerates shoddiness in philosophy because it is an exalted activity will have neither good plumbing nor good philosophy: neither its pipes nor its theories will hold water.” (John W. Gardiner)

CPVC plumbing pipe is becoming more popular and widely used. Why? Compared to copper, CPVC is lighter, less expensive, easier to install and able to keep water hotter over longer distances. Compared to PVC pipe, CPVC is stronger, more flexible, non-toxic and more heat-resistant.

No chatter, please. If you want quiet plumbing, choose PEX pipe. While pressure or temperature changes can make copper pipes clang or chatter, PEX pipe is flexible and resilient with a smooth inner surface, which means it delivers water without annoying sound effects.

To test plumbing in an old house, experts suggest this: Turn on the hot water tap. If the water pressure seems low, it’s a classic indicator the house is plumbed with galvanized pipe, prone to internal corrosion that reduces or blocks water flow.

Are you looking for Electric Resistance Welded (ERW) steel pipes or tubing? They can vary in wall thickness and grade, but we can supply you with whatever you need.

Did you know they used wooden pipes in London? During the 16th and 17th century, London was suing hollowed-out logs as their plumbing system. When the pipes needed to be sealed, they used hot animal fat.