What Are the Different Pipes Used in Plumbing? One of the most common problems in a household is plumbing. To fix these problems, you need to understand how different pipes work together as a unit. Pipes are connected to appliances and building structures that transport fluids or gas from one location to another.
Most homes have at least a few different size pipes in the walls, floors, and ceilings for this purpose. There are several types of pipe materials, and each has its own pros and cons. Read on – What Are the Different Pipes Used in Plumbing?
Types Of Pipes
PVC Pipe
This piping material was first introduced in the 1950s, and it quickly became popular due to its affordability, ease of installation, lightweight, and good corrosion resistance.
It does, however, have a low-pressure rating which means that it can burst under certain conditions, such as when water freezes inside or if there is too much stress on the pipe. On the other hand, PVC piping also takes quite some time to install due to its rigidity during cutting and assembly.
ABS Pipe
Pipe made of ABS is more flexible than most other materials available. This makes it easier to manipulate the pipe so that it can be connected to appliances in tight spaces or bends where conventional piping would not have enough room to bend around corners without creating an obstacle.
It is also resistant to water pressure, unlike PVC which will leak easily when under high pressure.
CPVC Pipe
Made of chlorinated polyvinyl chloride, CPVC piping has a low risk of corrosion even when exposed directly to the soil or buried underground for long periods of time without maintenance like galvanized steel does with its protective zinc coating. It can be joined with solvent cement but not thread sealing tape like steel and copper unless special fittings are used.
PEX Pipe
Made of cross-linked polyethylene, PEX is durable and puncture-resistant with high corrosion resistance also. It does not corrode or rust making it great for outdoor use in harsh climates where freezing temperatures will cause other pipes to crack or break easily.
It can be joined with heat fusion fittings which are different from those used for copper, steel, or CPVC piping because they are specifically designed for joining together PEX piping.
Wastewater Pipe
Pipe made of ABS, PVC, or galvanized steel is frequently used to transport wastewater because the material used will not corrode over time, so there’s no need to dismantle long stretches of pipe to replace the corroded pipe, which causes stoppages or leaks in the system.
Ceramic Pipe
Made of fired clay, ceramic piping can withstand high temperatures without cracking. It is frequently used for hot water systems because it can transport water for bathing, washing dishes by hand or in a dishwasher, and other purposes that require hot water.
Ceramic piping will last longer than metal pipes, so it does not need to be replaced as often, even if the materials are more expensive upfront than other options available.
Copper Pipe
This material is popular because of its resistance to corrosion caused by acids, alkalines, and salts. It is also easily soldered with soft solders for efficient installation. However, it is expensive, which makes it unpopular for short-term projects or places where only a few fittings are needed.
Another consideration is that copper has a low-pressure rating, so it can burst if water freezes inside the pipe. It might also corrode over time due to the materials used in making the fittings themselves.
Galvanized steel
Galvanization is a process where the outer layer of a piece of metal, such as steel, is coated with zinc to inhibit rust. This steel piping protects water from corroding and leaching lead into drinking water supplies that might be found in older homes or those without running water. Iron
Iron pipe is not as common as copper or galvanized steel. It’s tried and true but has been largely replaced by other materials such as plastic, which has superior flexibility and durability over time compared to metal pipe materials. Other types of iron pipe include cast-iron and ductile iron (DI).
Iron pipes will likely crack after long exposure to extreme cold.
Regardless of the material, any piping should always be installed properly by an experienced plumber who’s familiar with local building codes because if not, it can lead to leaks or, worse, flooding.
There are also other materials used for plumbing that are useful in special applications but generally aren’t seen as often as the three main types covered here. Among them are PVC (polyvinyl chloride) pipe and cross-linked polyethylene (PEX).
These two are recommended over older types of materials like lead or asbestos because they’re more flexible than metal pipes, especially PEX that has become popular in homes today due to its ease of installation.
Plastic Pipes
This material has become popular due to its lightweight and ease of installation. Other benefits include affordability, resistance against corrosion, and low cost for maintenance purposes since they do not rust or rot away like other materials might.
On the downside, plastic pipelines are less efficient than metal ones in terms of conducting heat, so they may not be suitable for hot piping systems such as those found in solar water heating systems. It also retains more heat than metal pipelines which could lead to a higher energy bill.
What Are the Different Pipes Used in Plumbing? – Conclusion
With the different types of pipe materials readily available in the market today for household plumbing, you can decide on what type would be best suited for your home based on your needs and budget.
We hope you enjoyed and learned something from this article – What Are the Different Pipes Used in Plumbing? Should you require any form of help, feel free to contact us at 8488 8444!