Choosing the right plumbing pipes is an essential aspect of any plumbing project. There are various types of plumbing pipes available, each with its unique characteristics and benefits. However, selecting the appropriate type can be challenging, as factors such as intended use, durability, and cost must be considered.
Whether you’re installing a new plumbing system or making repairs to an existing one, it’s crucial to understand the different options available to you.
In this article, we will provide an overview of the most commonly used types of plumbing pipes, their advantages and disadvantages, and how to select the best one for your specific needs. With this information, you can make informed decisions and ensure the success of your plumbing project.
Types of Plumbing Pipes
Let’s take a look at some of the most commonly used types of plumbing pipes.
- Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Pipe (ABS Pipe)
- Cast-iron Pipe
- Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride Pipes (CPVC Pipes)
- Rigid Copper Pipe
- Flexible Copper Pipe
- Poly Vinyl Chloride Pipe
- Galvanized Steel Pipe
- Low-Density Polyvinyl Pipe
- High-Density Polyvinyl Pipe
- Lead Pipe
- Polyethylene Pipe
- Polypropylene Pipe
- Asbestos Cement Pipe
- Concrete Pipe
- Stoneware Pipe
1. Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Pipe (ABS Pipe)
ABS Pipe is not flexible in nature, and Municipalities are not permitted to use it in homes, because it deforms at any certain temperature. It has resistant to corrosive chemicals.
The ABS Pipe looks like a Polyvinyl Chloride Pipe (PVC Pipe), but the ABS Pipe is softer and black as compared to the polyvinyl chloride pipe, and it works splendidly in extreme or mild cold weather conditions.
Also, ABS plumbing Pipes are better for underground work and exterior work and it is stronger than Vinyl Pipe.
Also, it is well known for Lego toys, wall socket faceguards, and computer keyboards, This ABS Pipe is suitable for wastewater and draining sewage from households and it is good for the Drain waste vent (DWV) system.
2. Polyvinyl Chloride Pipe
Polyvinyl Chloride Pipes are essentially used as vent lines and drain pipes. It has more popular due to its easy fixture, fitting, and installation, and lightweight, also PVC Pipe is well worked with than galvanized steel pipe. PVC Pipe is easy to cut into your requirement also, is cheap in nature, and can be used for the long term.
Before purchasing a PVC Pipe one important thing is kept in mind is that you can see the diameter properly which is mentioned on the surface of the pipe. Once you Joint a Pipe it can’t be un-joint, and you will need to cut it and glued Polyvinyl Chloride Pipes are high chance to get leakage it.
3. PEX Pipe
PEX Pipes or Cross-linked Polyethylene pipe is one of the most popular and newest pipes for hitting the plumbing industries, Also the PEX Pipe is generally used only for water supply.
The PEX Plumbing pipe is rigid enough to pressure of water supply but flexible enough to weave through the ceiling, basement, crawlspaces, and walls.
The PEX plumbing Pipes come with a color coding for cold water and hot water, like a blue color PEX Pipe for cold water and Red Colour PEX Pipe for Hot Water, also the PEX Pipe is flexible to 90 degrees.
Pipes are cut easily according to your needs and inexpensive than other types of pipes, and the good thing is you can also join a Cross-linked Pipe with a Copper Pipe.
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4. Rigid Copper Pipes
Copper Pipes are made up of Copper material and it is too much the oldest form of Plumbing pipes, due to their durability and their give look.
Rigid Copper Pipes are mostly used for water supply lines within the house, it is very easy to cut with a hacksaw and the connection of a rigid copper pipe is different.
The connection of copper pipes is very different from any other type of plumbing pipes if inside the copper pipes develop a pinhole then a high chance to get leakage, that time difficult to maintain due to its requirement of connection soldering.
Copper pipes are mostly used because they don’t affect the taste of water like plastic pipes, and metal pipes copper pipes are easily installed, fit, and also available in dozens of different styles.
5. Galvanized Steel Pipes
Galvanized Steel Pipes are coated with zinc, which is help to slow down the rusting pipe process, also the galvanized pipes are not used because the zinc turns to lead and pollutes the drinking water, and lead poisoning is very dangerous to our health, especially for those people with the low immune system and for children.
Galvanized Steel Pipes have been used for years as a gas supply and drainage disposal, but these plumbing pipes are not much used in the modern period and especially not for a water supply in a new house.
Also, the galvanized steel pipes are strong enough but easily block the water flow and rusted pipe quickly.
6. Low-density Polyethylene Pipes ( LDPE )
Low-Density Pipes are also used in plumbing work; this pipe resists too many alkalis, acids, solvents, and gases, also the LDPE Pipe is crack-resistant, durable, and flexible.
7. Stainless Steel Pipe
Stainless Steel Pipes are generally available in rigid and flexible both materials and the stainless steel pipe will be connecting with any other plumbing pipes then special coupling is needed.
Especially, Stainless Steel Pipes are used in Coastal areas.
8. High-density Polyethylene Pipes (HDPE)
High-Density Polyethylene Pipes are easily available in different thicknesses and also it is used in challenging pressure environments, this HDPE Pipe maybe bends to a 90-degree angle and the biggest advantage of using this pipe is the roots or unwanted baby plants never grow into the pipe.
So that HDPE Pipes are mostly used for sewer lines and water lines in different applications.
9. Polypropylene Pipes
These Polypropylene pipes are used where extreme resistance to alkalis and acids is required, it is light in weight and cheap in cost. Also, the installation of Polypropylene Pipes is easy, and they do not corrode. That is why these Polypropylene plumbing pipes are mostly used worldwide but are limited to supply in cold weather.
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10. Lead Pipes
Lead Pipes have flexibility, high corrosion resistance, and hydraulic coefficient of flow. But this pipe is leading the lead content in water and spreading the poisoning effects which is harmful to the people.
11. Flexible Copper Pipes
Flexible Copper Pipes are generally used for supplying water to heaters and refrigerators, these pipes are easily cut with the help of a hacksaw.
The flexible Copper plumbing pipes do not hold the extreme temperature. And also it is not suitable for outdoor or exterior purposes.
12. Chlorinated Poly Vinyl Chloride Pipe ( CPVC )
Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride pipes and polyvinyl Chloride Pipes are the molecular structure that is different but both pipes look similar.
The CPVC Pipes are strong, durable, and available in different sizes, also the pipe is especially recommended for a hot water supply line such as a solar water line or geyser line.
13. Asbestos Cement Pipes
Asbestos Cement Pipes are cheap compared to other pipes but a disadvantage is, they easily break, so that these pipes are used for light work such as rainwater pipes, ventilation pipes, soil drains, etc.
Stoneware Pipes
Stoneware pipes are manufactured by burning soil at a high temperature and this pipe is used in underground drainage works. An Installation of stoneware plumbing pipes required skilled labor because this pipe is brittle and rigid in nature.
Cast Iron Pipes
Cast Iron Pipes are well-suitable for indoor plumbing, and least suitable for exterior plumbing, and it is prone to corrosion, and at a certain period, a decrease in the diameter can be observed.
The cast-iron pipes are used for making sewer line for commercial and domestic household, also this pipe is more durable so that carry the weight of slug and dirt without breakage.
FAQs
What are the different types of plumbing pipes?
There are several types of plumbing pipes, including copper, PEX, PVC, CPVC, galvanized steel, and cast iron.
What is copper pipe used for?
Copper pipe is commonly used for water supply lines, both hot and cold, as well as for gas lines.
What is PEX pipe used for?
PEX pipe is a flexible plastic tubing that is commonly used for water supply lines, particularly in new construction or home renovation projects.
What is PVC pipe used for?
PVC pipe is a type of plastic pipe that is commonly used for drain and vent lines, as well as for cold water supply lines.
What is CPVC pipe used for?
CPVC pipe is a type of plastic pipe that is similar to PVC, but is designed for use with hot water supply lines.
How do I know which type of plumbing pipe to use?
The type of plumbing pipe you should use depends on the specific application and local building codes. It is best to consult with a licensed plumber or building inspector for guidance.
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It’s great that you mentioned how plumbing pipes come in different varieties for all different types of plumbing applications in-house. We are going to remodel our house soon and I think we need to rearrange some of the pipes during the process. So, we should probably get some of the necessary plumbing supplies first.