A plumbing system has various different types of pipes, all of which serve different purposes like delivering water to your bathtub and transporting trash to your sewage system. It’s beneficial to understand the many kinds of plumbing pipes and their benefits and drawbacks, whether you’re hiring a plumber or attempting a DIY home plumbing job. Here is some basic information about the most popular types of pipes.
See also: What are the different types of plumbing fittings?
8 types of pipes for home plumbing
Check out these eight types of plumbing pipes and their applications.
PEX pipes
The most recent material utilised for plumbing repair is polyethylene cross-linked (PEX) pipe. PEX pipe is also among the most commonly used types of water supply piping, and for a good reason: PEX pipes don’t corrode or release pollutants into the water as copper or plastic pipes do.
It also performs well; it is flexible enough to fit into most walls and ceilings while being strong enough to resist the occasionally high pressures of water supply. The drawback? PEX is costly, costing around three to four times as much as copper or plastic piping. Depending on the project, better performance may offset the additional cost.
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PVC pipe
Even if you have no idea how to maintain a plumbing system, you’ve probably heard of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipes. It’s a DIY go-to since it’s affordable and manageable. To begin a PVC project, all you need is a saw to cut the pipe and glue it to fuse the connections.
PVC connections can occasionally be inadequately sealed, which is regrettably one of the reasons it isn’t the greatest material for high-pressure applications like water pipes.Another issue with PVC pipes is that here is no going back once the adhesive dries. PVC that has previously been installed can only be replaced by chopping it up and starting over. PVC deteriorates in the heat and sunshine as well. PVC is a good choice for low-pressure supplies like toilet drainage because of this.
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Copper pipes
Another common material for water delivery lines is copper. This is nothing new; copper pipes have long been employed in construction projects. Although copper pipes might be pricey, they are a fantastic option for most projects due to their toughness and resistance to corrosion. Copper pipes often come in two varieties:
- Rigid copper: Like the name suggests, rigid copper pipe is not extremely flexible. This is a wise option for systems with high pressure.
- Flexible Copper: Copper that is flexible is ideal for tasks that call for adaptability. This pipe is flexible, but there is a limit to how far it can bend before being kinked. These pipes are popular and ideal for low-pressure systems like dishwashers.
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ABS pipes
Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, commonly known as ABS, is a thermoplastic resin that resembles PVC pipe except that it is black and a little more resilient. Vent and drain lines are its primary use. Although it is inexpensive and resistant to cold, exposure to UV rays can cause it to bend and disintegrate, restricting it to indoor use. One additional thing to keep in mind: ABS piping tends to be noisier than other plumbing pipe kinds, so if you have sensitive hearing, you might want to select a different kind of pipe.
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Stainless steel pipes
In actuality, stainless steel pipes cost more than copper pipes. However, a high price point usually denotes a high degree of quality. Pipes made of stainless steel are sturdy and resistant to corrosion. Stainless steel pipes are the preferred option in places that are vulnerable to corrosion, such as coastal settlements, because of their capacity to withstand it. There are flexible and rigid varieties of stainless steel pipe as well as a range of diameters available. Couplings are used to connect pipes.
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Galvanised steel pipes
Pipes made of robust, corrosion-resistant galvanised steel are utilised for a variety of tasks, including water delivery and drainage. It used to be the preferred material for domestic plumbing, with zinc-coated piping used to keep pipes from rusting, but it is now much less prevalent for water delivery. This is due to the fact that over time, rust and corrosion caused by galvanised steel pipes have been proven to impair water safety. Despite this, they are still suitable for gas supply lines due to their durability.
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Cast iron pipes
In the early 20th century, cast iron and galvanised steel pipes were often used in residential and commercial buildings. They are hardly ever used in new buildings these days. Cast iron pipes may be recognised by their stiffness and dark grey hue. The most typical uses are for drainage and sewage systems. So what changed to make cast iron pipes less popular? Cast iron is extremely resilient and has a long lifespan, but it is also susceptible to corrosion and rust. This eventually impacts its capacity to maintain a clean water supply. In domestic plumbing repairs, copper or PEX pipes have essentially taken the role of these types of pipes.
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Polybutylene pipes
From the late 1970s through the mid-1990s, polybutylene pipes, sometimes known as PB pipes, were a popular alternative for plumbing. A plastic resin known as polybutylene was thought to be “futuristic” and the best material to replace copper. They were also inexpensive! But over time, PB pipes started to lose favour since they eventually tended to leak at the joints.
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FAQs
What are the most common types of plumbing pipes used in homes?
PVC and copper are the most commonly used types of pipes in homes.
What are the benefits of using PVC pipes in home plumbing systems?
PVC pipes are lightweight, cost-effective, and durable. They are also easy to install and resistant to corrosion.
What are the advantages of using copper pipes in home plumbing systems?
Copper pipes are strong, durable, and have a high resistance to corrosion. They are also easy to work with, making them a popular choice for plumbing installations.
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