Different Types Of Plumbing Pipes

October 11, 2021

How to tell the difference between types of plumbing pipes

Have you ever wondered about the types of plumbing pipes in your home? Whether you hire a professional or do it on your own, it’s super important to be aware of all the types of plumbing types available in the market right now. Different pipes have different uses.

It’s vital to stay informed on the type of pipes at home. In case you hire a technician or enter into an annual maintenance contract, you can always ask them what type of pipes they have and check if they are the right ones for the job. It can be a deciding factor when engaging with a professional company.

Here are the types of pipes in the market.

PEX pipe

Crafted from polyethylene and is the latest pipe in the market. PEX pipes are created with precision and are safe for supplying water. It’s a rigid pipe with a touch of flexibility, as not only does it take all the water pressure, but goes through walls as well. It is truly an innovative pipe in today’s current plumbing landscape.

Pros:

Supreme flexibility with the possibility of 90-degree curves.
Easily attaches with mainstream plumbing tools.
Not expensive.
It cuts with ease

Cons

The long-term efficacy of the pipe is yet to be tested.
Leakage is a possibility if placed with push-fit plumbing
It isn’t possible to recycle this.

PVC Pipe

Mostly used for drains and vents. It is light and simple to work when compared to galvanized steel. The pipe is quite easy to install as well and only requires basic plumbing tools to do so. It also easily sticks to one another with solvent.

Pros

The PVC pipe has clear diameters marked across the pipe.
It isn’t expensive and lasts for the long haul.
You can work with steel and copper easily.

Cons

Pipes once fixed can’t be disjointed and they need to be cut.
If the glued pipes aren’t fixed properly, it could cause leakage.
The pipes can corrode in sunlight.

Rigid copper pipe

Mostly used to facilitate water supply lines at home. They tend to be perfect for water supplies as there aren’t any health risks associated with them. To ensure the best type of connection, opt for a solder-type. It’s very safe because of all the protocols behind it.

Pros

Heat is handled well.
The pipe stands on its own against water pressure.
It is recyclable and even the waste pipe can be sold.

Cons

It is tough to install these on your own.
It is expensive.

ABS pipe

The ABS pipe is similar in aesthetics to the PVC pipe, except for the fact that it is softer and completely black.

Pros

Such pipes are much stronger than PVC pipes.
It is a good option for underground use in the exteriors.
It’s a good option for colder temperatures.

Cons

It could deform in a certain set of temperatures.

Flexible type connection

Used to make connections to appliances. Mostly used for water heaters, sinks and toilets. They are also used on gas and domestic water supplies and are available in a variety of sizes and lengths.

Pros

Ability to fit in small spaces
Has a high resistance to heat

Cons

It is more expensive than other pipes
They tend to be thinner and can also break

Galvanized steel pipe and cast iron

These pipes have been out of fashion and design for quite a while now. Heavily outdated and used in older homes. People also tend to install these pipes more as they aren’t too aware of the side effects. Galvanized steel pipes were commonly used for drainage, gas, water, and other supplies. Hardly ever used for newer projects now, pipes are often threaded and screwed into one another.

Moreover, cast iron pipes were used for sewers and drain in the old days. It is found in several homes even to this day. However, because of rust, it can corrode quickly and be unhealthy for the water supply.

Pros