Why did they replace metal plumbing with plastic?

Question

i hate the d**n plastic traps etc under my sinks. they always seem to eventually loosen up and start leaking and what have i got? a big mess to clean up and i hate working under the sink on a saturday morning i HATE it especially when i have a headache. and i thought plastic had chemicals in it that caused cancer etc..

Answer 1

because my Uncle Moe-Mo kept stealing it to buy hamburgers.

I'll hide out under my plastic pipe sink & keep you company.I'll shine my Flashlight So you can see better.

Answer 2

What a way to spend a Saturday! Just slow down take it step by step and don't get in a hurry. I can help you relax... breathe, breathe, coffee, another cup of coffee.  I was a Quality Auditor and I know how to do these things!!

Answer 3

Maybe it's your husband that loosens it. I would suggest you stop wearing those thongs or going commando.... or whatever you are doing and quit showing the plumbers crack.  :)

Answer 4

It sucks dont it Catz. Well it easier to handle , cheaper and easier to replace. I have had my kitchen to flood as well not a pretty site when moppin up water.Chill out we have all been there.  

Answer 5

It was purely a cost thing.  Incidentally, if your pipes are installed correctly they should not loosen up.  Are they in a position where they accidentally get bumped?  There are chemicals in plastic but you are not eating out of your drain trap.  Metal could cause problems too because of chemicals.

Answer 6

its cheaper and dosen't rust or freeze as easily

Answer 7

They removed metal pipes for cost on the metal built up bepsits on the inside eventually clogging

Answer 8

I've also had that exciting experience, when the Plumber's glue doesn't hold. Usually the pet shop sink and there is all manner of gunk that gets stuck in the drain.

Even more fun-I keep pots and pans under the kitchen sink. Accidentally hit the cold water pipe with a cast iron skillet and of course broke the pipe connection. Had 4" of water on the kitchen floor.

Answer 9

You really have a lot of hate today. get a canteen and a couple aspirins.

Answer 10

Trick question! Cats use litterboxes.

Answer 11

Chrome plated brass will eventually corrode, tubular ABS or PVC will not. Sounds like your pipes were improperly installed, all I ever put in is plastic for longevity and have had not one callback. By the way, the drain lines have nothing to do with your incoming potable water supply, most laypeople make this mistake.  

Answer 12

Money. Plastic is not nice stuff and neither is the solder that is used to join copper pipe even if it is the newer "safe" stuff.

Answer 13

First of all ... *HUGS*

Some metals corrode after a long period of time ... and plastic (unfortunately) lasts forever.  Plastic is also cheaper, more durable, less expensive to produce and is easier to work with (costs less because it weighs less, too and is easier to manufacture).

This wasn't the answer you wanted, was it ... ??

*feels badly for you*

*HUGS*

PS.  Why isn't your husband freaking helping you with this ... ??

No nooky for him tonight!

*cries*

Answer 14

You can still get metal traps for under the sink. I don't think you'll be happy with them either, plus it will cost a lot more to have them installed. I didn't like plastic either when it first came out, but it has stood the test of time for the most part. good luck. peace

Answer 15

When the old people started rusting.

The operations are a lot simpler these days too ;o)