Plumbing Materials: The Comprehensive Guide in 2023

There is a wide variety of plumbing materials that may be utilised in plumbing systems in residential and commercial properties. As is the case with many choices involving construction, the optimal choice fluctuates based on the particulars of the application and the undertaking. Additionally, there are benefits and drawbacks associated with the use of each plumbing material.

Copper, CPVC, PVC, and PEX are the most widely used plumbing materials. This article will serve as a general introduction to these four plumbing materials, as well as any others you could encounter in the construction business.

 

Widely used plumbing materials 

 

Copper

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Due to its exceptional durability, copper has served as the material of choice for plumbing systems almost exclusively since the 1960s. Even though other plumbing materials have been developed since then, copper is still considered to be among the top choices. Copper pipes are widely used for delivering both cold and hot water for domestic use, as well as for transporting refrigerant in air conditioning and ventilation systems. 

Pros

• Resistant to leakage
• Consistent since the 1960s
• Sturdy
• Does not contaminate the water
• Adaptable to heat
• Extended longevity
• Pipes that are no longer in use may be recycled.
• Corrosion resistance

Cons 

• Costly
• Older structures may contain lead-based solder.
• Old copper plumbing materials may be recycled, however, copper mining and production are harmful to the environment. Copper is not regarded as a green substance for this reason.

 

PVC

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PVC is a kind of plastic that is often used in the plumbing industry. It is available in two different sizes, which are referred to as Schedule 40 and 80. Schedule 40 PVC has become the most popular kind because it has cheaper prices, thinner walls, and more widespread availability. Schedule 80 PVC is the most costly because of its larger walls, which also make it the most durable. 

PVC is widely used in plumbing, and it is often seen in drain lines for bathrooms. Other frequent uses include high-pressure pipes for storm drainage and water delivery, as well as major water supply lines, vent stacks, and subterranean plumbing. The following table provides a synopsis of the advantages and disadvantages of using PVC as a plumbing material.

Pros

• Anti-rust and anti-corrosion
• Strong and resistant to hydraulic pressure
• Low priced
• Simple assembly, no soldering or metalworking
• Several sizes and configurations
• Strong and sturdy
• Non-conductive

Cons 

• Heat deforms PVC, hence it cannot be used with hot water.
• UV radiation damages PVC, hence it can’t be exposed to direct sunlight.
• Not suitable for drinking purposes.
• Unrecyclable.

 

CPVC

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CPVC, which stands for chlorinated polyvinyl chloride, is simply PVC material that has a greater chlorine concentration. CPVC is acceptable for heated and potable water, unlike conventional PVC. CPVC plumbing materials are more discreet and have a smoother inside surface compared to copper plumbing materials when. In addition to this, CPVC plumbing material is fireproof, more versatile than metallic plumbing, and insulated to avoid the loss of energy. 

Pipes used for disposal, as well as the supply of hot and cold water, hot water drainage, and other typical applications, are often made of CPVC plumbing material.

Pros

• Suitable for potable water
• Simple assembly required
• Can transmit boiling water
• Greater adaptability than piping systems made of PVC or metal
• Increased longevity than PVC
• Fireproof
• Nonconductive

Cons 

• CPVC plumbing materials fracture upon freezing
• Unrecyclable.
• More costly than PVC plumbing material
• The manufacturing procedure is quite polluting.

 

PEX

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PEX plumbing material is widely regarded as one of the most significant developments in the field of plumbing. PEX is a kind of plumbing material that is incredibly flexible, and like a hose, it can be bent to get around corners and other obstacles. In addition to this, it does not need adhesive since it utilises compression fittings.

PEX may be readily installed alongside other types of plumbing materials, particularly copper, making it an excellent material for use in repairs and retrofits. Although PEX is more expensive than PVC, the expenses of both installation and upkeep are much cheaper for the former. 

Due to the flexibility it offers, PEX pipe is often used in the retrofitting and renovating processes. PEX is also used in regions with poor ventilation since glueing pipes together might be risky in these kinds of environments. This plumbing material may be used for both cold and hot water supply without issue.

Pros

• Versatile
• Robust
• Shielding against heat
• Because the material can stretch and compress, it is resistant to the effects of freezing.
• Nonconductive

Cons 

• Research on water contamination is ongoing. PEX, however, has been sanctioned even in the most regulation-heavy jurisdictions.
• For the fittings, you’ll need a specialised instrument.
• Not able to be hardwired to a hot water tank
• UV radiation will degrade the material, making it unsuitable for outdoor usage.

 

Other plumbing materials 

Despite their prevalence, the aforementioned four plumbing materials are far from being the only ones available for use in plumbing systems. Here are some types of plumbing materials that have fallen out of favour or are no longer in widespread use:

Galvanised Steel Piping

This plumbing material was quite common in the past, however, it is no longer used because of the adverse impacts it had, including:

• Corrosion on the inside of pipes with a small diameter, caused by the zinc coating
• Can become congested over time
• Pipes that have deteriorated may leak lead into the environment.
• Water discolouration

The fact that galvanised steel is a hefty plumbing material further restricts the ways in which it may be used in plumbing.  Drains for greywater and other types of non-potable water often make use of this plumbing material.

 

Stainless Steel Piping

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Stainless steel plumbing material lasts longer than copper but costs much more. They find widespread use in salty or humid regions, where corrosion is a common problem. The benefits of this item include:

• Robust, as well as resistant to corrosion
• It is possible to manufacture pipes that are either flexible or stiff.
• Accessible in a variety of dimensions and lengths

 

Cast Iron 

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The heaviest of plumbing materials is cast iron. PVC may be used to replace sections of a cast-iron pipe system since it is so long-lasting. Cast iron pipes are quite heavy and need to be supported by other means during installation. The major pipelines in wastewater and drainage systems are typically constructed from cast iron, and they are also used in water distribution networks and other subterranean installations.

 

Brass 

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Even before copper was commonly utilised, brass was often the material of choice for plumbing fixtures and fittings. When working with this plumbing material, one of the most important steps you must do is to check that the composition does not include any lead. Because it has a significant proportion of copper, red brass is often regarded as the preferred material for plumbing applications.

 

Polypropylene

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Pipes made of polypropylene are stiff plastic pipes, comparable to CPVC pipes. On the other hand, they are not linked together using chemicals; rather, heat is utilised to bind the two ends together.

• PP is a substance that is long-lasting, non-toxic to humans and is regarded to be ecologically favourable.
• The most significant disadvantage is a difficult installation procedure that calls for the use of specialist equipment.
• Pipes made of polypropylene are often used for the supply of both cold and hot water as well as drainage.

 

FAQs

What is the material used for plumbing?

PVC, CPVC and Copper are the four most popular types of plumbing materials used. PEX is also becoming more widespread.

Which is the most frequent material used for residential plumbing?

PEX and Copper are the two types of plumbing materials used in houses more often than any other materials. Pipes made of copper are not only long-lasting but also resistant to corrosion and may carry either hot or cold water. Because it is less costly, more flexible, and quicker to install, PEX pipes seem to be rapidly replacing copper pipes in many applications.

What are plastic pipes composed of?

PVC, which stands for polyvinyl chloride, is a thermoplastic substance that is made from rock salt and other fossil fuels. Out of all the polymeric products, the material used for pipes has the finest track record. In the 1930s, manufacturers created the first pipes made of PVC.

What plumbing system is utilised in new homes?

In recent years, one of the most common materials utilised for plumbing in newly constructed houses is plastic pipe. This specific kind of plastic is very new to the plumbing industry and can be employed for a wide range of plumbing-related tasks.