With the high price of copper and other commodities, finding ways to make extra money by recycling scrap metal is becoming increasingly popular. If you are renovating an older home, one of the best ways to do this is by updating the plumbing system. Many homes used copper pipes, and upgrading these to polyvinyl chloride (PVC) options can make the home more efficient, as well as provide an excellent return when you cash in on the copper. Here are several tips to do this safely.

How Can You Update Copper Pipes Properly?

1. Drain Water

Always turn off the water supply before making changes to the plumbing system to prevent flooding and water damage. To do this, find your home's main water shutoff and close the valve. Then, open the faucets in your home so that any remaining water in the pipes can drain. This ensures that it doesn't leak as you start to remove sections of the plumbing system. Later, when you run new lines, open the main water valve to restore service. 

2. Disconnect Joints

Originally, builds used solder to hold copper pipe sections together, which is a metal that is pliable at high temperatures. Keeping the copper in good condition can help you get more money during the recycling process, so consider using a blowtorch to loosen the solder. Then, pull the sections apart with vice grips. Alternatively, you can cut away sections of the piping with a tubing cutter or hacksaw if the condition of the metal is not as important. 

3. Check Water Supply Connections

While removing long lines of copper piping becomes easier with practice, always be careful around water supply connections, such as the main water line and outdoor spigots. Avoid pulling on these areas so that you don't loosen and break them from their anchors. These connection points will be used later when you install new PVC piping, and they must be stable and strong to ensure a solid, leak-resistant finish. 

When you want to receive money for your old scrap metal, contact Miamitown Auto Parts & Recycling in Cleves, OH. This recycling center helps protect the environment by buying scrap metal and keeping it out of landfills. Their dedicated team can help with everything from finding top-quality used auto parts to recycling old car batteries. Visit the website to learn more about their services, and call (513) 353-1111 to speak to a team member about your needs.