Different Types of Piping Used in Homes

When it comes to plumbing, the piping material used is chief in achieving leak-free plumbing and drainage. A poor choice of material could lead to leakages, bursting, and overall havoc. Picking the right material also impacts the quality of potable water. In the early days, for example, water was transported using lead pipes, but sensitization on lead poisoning has eliminated lead as piping material.

Time has seen numerous piping materials for 21st-century homeowners. Of these, the top 5 different types of plumbing pipes that a plumber uses include galvanized steel, copper, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC), and cross-linked polyethylene (PEX). Here are their uses, advantages, and disadvantages:

1. Galvanized Steel Pipe

These are mostly found in older homes being one of the veterans when it comes to plumbing. They were used for gas supply, water supply, and drainage. Decades ago, they were used interchangeably with cast iron pipes but these grew unpopular because they are venerable to rust and very difficult to cut.

Though they were advantageous in that they were durable and cheap, these pros have been overtaken by most materials today. Worse, they are said to pass lead into water, hence a health hazard. As such, they are barely used except in the supply of gas.

2. Copper Pipe

It is yet another traditional plumbing pipe material. To date, it has remained a popular plumbing material. Two types of copper pipes are available: rigid and flexible. The former is used throughout a building for water supply while the latter is ideal for tight spaces that need flexible pipes.

They come in various sizes, usually indicated on the diameter, and have 3 grades of thickness. Thin pipes are used for drains, vents, and waste, while medium ones are used for transporting potable water. The thickest ones are perfect for underground service lines since they can withstand pressure and weight.

Copper pipes are extremely safe, durable, temperature tolerant, and recyclable. Even with the good aspects, however, they are extremely expensive so may not be practical for domestic use. Copper is also a naturally mined material so continued mining could lead to its depletion.

3. PVC Pipes

Polyvinyl chloride pipes have gained popularity over the years, though they remain banned in some states. They are pretty easy to install because they are lighter. In fact with a miter box, a hacksaw, and solvents to glue together the pipes, you could carry out all plumbing installations.

PVC pipes are mostly used in drain, waste, and vent pipes. They are inexpensive, easy to work with, and have their diameters marked on the white surface of the pipe. On the cons, they degrade in sunlight, cannot be unjoined, and may leak if not properly glued.

4. CPVC Pipes

Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride pipes are just like PVC pipes, but have an additional element; chlorine. Being chlorinated, they withstand extremely high temperatures making them the number one choice for hot water transportation. In sizes, they mimic copper pipe sizes.

While they withstand pressure and temperature, they are only recommended for indoor use. They are also a tad bit more expensive than PVC pipes. Nevertheless, they are a budget-friendly choice of material.

5. PEX Pipe

Cross-linked polyethylene or PEX is the new pipe in town. It is very popular and is limited to water supply only. These pipes are highly flexible, with 90-degree curves possible, yet rigid enough to withstand pressure. They are attached push-fit plumbing fittings and can attach to copper pipes. This kind of pipe is used by companies like SPH.

Moreover, they are color-coded and inexpensive. On the cons, they may leak with push-fit plumbing fittings and they are still new so their long-term disadvantages are yet to be proven.

Choose The best of the 5 Different Types of Plumbing pipes.

As a full-service Kamloops plumbing company, Stillwater Plumbing and Heating can guide you on the best pipe to use for your plumbing and gas fitting Kamloops needs. Call us today and get in touch with an expert!