Plumbing pipes can be used for different purposes, and different pipes are used for these purposes. One type of plumbing pipe cannot be used for bringing in drinkable water and be used for taking out sewage waste. Each pipe is made of different materials which will be considered in this article.
What are the types of residential plumbing pipes?
- PVC Pipes
PVC pipes (which means polyvinyl chloride pipes) are mostly used as fittings for sink, toilet, or shower drains. They’re mostly used for this purpose because it runs water into the house and reduces the risk of rust and corrosion better than other pipes. This ensures that pipes are very durable except if they’re damaged during use. They can also handle high water pressure which is why they’re mostly used at the main water supply line. PVC is a lightweight material, lighter than galvanized steel pipes.
Its only downside is that there are concerns that the water running through it can be affected by the polyvinyl chloride chemicals used in making it. Hence, most people choose not to use it for transporting drinking water.
- PEX Pipes
PEX pipes are common pipes used for water supply lines. They are somehow similar to PVC piping and help to prevent rust and corrosion from affecting the water. PEX pipes are easy to use and navigate through walls, ceilings, and basements. They can also withstand high water pressure and the temperature of both hot and cold water. They are also called cross-linked polyethylene pipes and are most plumbers’ choice.
- ABS Pipes
ABS pipes (which means Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) have some similarities to PVC pipes. They’re mainly black which makes them easily identifiable. They’re mostly used for running cold water and are used for vent and drain lines. The only downside is that they can easily warp when exposed to direct sunlight and causes more noise than other plumbing pipes. However, they’re very easy to install.
- Copper Pipes
Copper pipe has been in use for years now. They’re very durable with a lifespan of up to 50 years. They’re mostly used as pipes and fittings for sinks, showers, tubs, and other fixtures. They’re designed to resist corrosion and rust and help to protect the water running through them from rust. They can withstand pressure from both hot and cold water. Overall, they’re very environmentally friendly because they can be recycled. Its drawbacks include its rigidity and its cost. The price of copper continues to increase consequently increasing the price of copper pipes.
- Cast Iron and Galvanized Steel Pipes
Cast iron and galvanized steel pipes are not used for modern plumbing projects. They were very much in use in the last century but the advent of other flexible and easy-to-use pipes has relegated cast iron pipes to the background. However, they’re very durable and are still used in some plumbing systems today.
They’re mostly used to drain sewage water from the house; they’re used because they are heat resistant and can compress the sound of moving water. Their drawback is that they’re prone to rust and corrosion which will affect the water running through it.
Conclusion
There are different pipes for different purposes and a professional plumber can identify the best pipe for certain jobs. If you’re looking to start a plumbing project in your house, you need to hire a professional plumber who is skilled and experienced.
At Rite Plumbing, our experts are not only skilled in plumbing installation but also in residential plumbing repair. We provide a long list of plumbing services which include bathroom repairs, bathroom faucet installation, toilet replacement, kitchen plumbing, and lots more.
Contact us today for more information about our services!