Understanding the Different Types of Plumbing Pipes
Plumbing forms a very important part in every house or building, basically providing water for drinking, washing, and cleaning, and carrying waste away. In the center of this operation are best plumbing service in phoenix pipes, which have an important function: to carry water and waste to where it belongs. However, if you are planning home renovation, working on new construction, or just wondering, it helps to understand the different types of plumbing pipes and their uses.
In this blog, we go through the most common types of plumbing pipes, usage, and why it is very important to choose the right ones for the job.
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) Pipes
What are PVC pipes? A PVC pipe is a pipe made of plastic. One of the most widely used types of plumbing pipes in residences and commercial buildings.
Where are they used? PVC pipes are normally installed in drainage, waste, and vent systems. You will see them under sinks, toilets, and in sewer lines. They do not work for hot water lines, as they cannot bear the heat.
Benefits of PVC pipes:
- Lightweight: It is relatively easier to transport and install PVC pipes as they are lightweight.
- Corrosion-resistant: They neither rust nor corrode; hence, they are quite durable.
- Affordable: this is one of the cheapest kind of pipes that can be used for plumbing.
- Smooth inside: this prevents blockages by allowing water to flow well inside.
Drawbacks of PVC pipes:
- Not for hot water: the PVC pipe is only meant to carry cold water. Hot water will cause the plastic to distort or even melt.
- Brittle over time: this is caused by UV light that makes PVC pipes brittle and thus may crack.
Copper Pipes
What are copper pipes? Copper pipes are one of the oldest plumbing installations for many decades. Manufactured from metal material, they are highly recognized by property owners due to their durability and reliability.
Where are they used? Copper pipes are mainly used for water supply lines, both hot and cold. You will find them in kitchens, bathrooms, and even outdoors in some plumbing systems.
Benefits of copper pipes:
- Durable: Copper pipes are very durable and can live through many decades in the harshest conditions.
- Heat-resistant: The copper pipes can withstand extremely hot water without melting or distorting.
- Bacteria-resistant: Copper, due to its own organic existence, has repulsive properties for bacteria, hence keeping your water purer.
- Corrosion-resistant: Though copper may corrode after a while, it does not rust like iron or steel.
Drawbacks of copper pipes:
- Expensive: Copper pipes are quite costly compared to other types of plumbing pipes, which can be an economic downturn in case one is on a budget.
- Difficult to install: Copper pipes need soldering skills, making it a task majorly effected by professionals.
- Can corrode in acidic water: In cases where water may contain high acidity levels, copper pipes have the potential to deteriorate.
PEX (Cross-linked Polyethylene) Pipes
What are PEX pipes? PEX pipe is one variety of plastic plumbing pipe that has recently gained quite a bit of popularity. Since it’s flexible, it can be bent around corners, which makes installation easier.
Where are they used? PEX pipes are being applied on hot water and cold water supply systems. You will often find them installed in homes and businesses for delivering water to faucets, showers, and other various fixtures.
Benefits of PEX pipes:
- Flexible: The flexibility of PEX pipes makes them easy to install, especially in tight spaces.
- Durable: PEX is resistant to scaling and corrosion, making it a long-lasting option.
- Heat-resistant: PEX can handle both hot and cold water without any considerable changes; thus, it is suitable.
- Affordable: PEX is less expensive compared to copper; hence, the best option for those who deal with a hard budget.
Drawbacks of PEX pipes:
- UV-sensitive: It undergoes degradation when exposed to sunlight; hence, call for 24/7 emergency service it should not be used outdoors.
- May require special fittings: Most of the PEX pipe installations require special tools and special fittings, which may not be available compared to the use of copper or PVC.
Galvanized Steel Pipes
What are galvanized steel pipes? Galvanized steel pipes are those steel pipes that are coated with a layer of zinc to prevent rusting. Galvanized steel piping was used in homes before the 1960s.
Where are they used? Galvanized steel pipes used to be used for water supply lines, but they’ve lost a little, well, let’s just say their glow. Nowadays, you’re most likely to see them in older homes or for outdoor plumbing, such as in garden irrigation systems.
Benefits of galvanized steel pipes:
- Strong and durable: Indeed strong and resistant, which makes these pipes quite suitable for outdoor uses.
- Corrosion-resistant (initially): The zinc coating protects the steel from rusting, although this wears down eventually.
Drawbacks of galvanized steel pipes:
- Heavy: Galvanized pipes are heavy compared to plastic pipes, making handling and installation laborious and time-consuming.
- Rust over time: The zinc coating can wear off, resulting in rust and possible water contamination.
- Outdated: These have now been replaced by more modern materials such as copper and PEX for indoor plumbing.
CPVC (Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride) Pipes
What are CPVC pipes? The CPVC pipes are similar to that of the PVC pipes but are treated with chlorine, which helps them have more resistance to heat.
Where are they used? CPVC pipes are installed for both hot and cold water supply lines. They are suitable for indoor plumbing in homes and commercial outlets.
Benefits of CPVC pipes:
- Heat-resistant: CPVC withstands hot water, unlike the ordinary PVC pipes.
- Corrosion-resistant: Like PVC, CPVC pipes do not rust or corrode.
- Affordable: CPVC pipes are less expensive than copper pipes and are easy to install.
Drawbacks of CPVC pipes:
- Brittle over time: Like PVC, CPVC tends to become brittle and may crack over time.
- Can release chemicals: When exposed to a lot of heat, CPVC may release chemicals that affect the water quality.
ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) Pipes
What are ABS pipes? One more type of plastic pipe, ABS pipes are the most common pipes in plumbing. They are just like PVC but in black color and manufactured from a different type of material that makes them tougher to handle cold temperatures.
Where are they used? Primarily, ABS pipes serve in drainage, waste, and vent systems, but so do the PVC pipes.
Benefits of ABS pipes:
- Strong and durable: ABS outperforms PVC in cold climates.
- Easy to install: ABS pipes are lightweight and relatively easy to maneuver.
- Corrosion-resistant: ABS doesn’t rust or degrade, so it lasts long.
Disadvantages of ABS pipes
Drawbacks of ABS pipes:
- Can deform in heat: ABS pipes are less suitable for areas which are very hot because they tend to bend and distort easily.
Conclusion
The right type of plumbing pipe will go the distance in ensuring that the plumbing system is both safe and efficient. For drainage and waste, PVC and ABS are perfect, while for water supply lines, it is cheaper and more flexible with PEX and CPVC. Copper pipes are far more expensive but very durable. Galvanized steel pipes, though rarely used today, have their own purposes. Understanding the pros and disadvantages of every pipe variety will enable you to make a more informed decision that better suits your needs in plumbing.