There are several different types of materials to choose from for plumbing pipes. Each material type works well for various purposes. Some plumbing pipes are best used for water supply while others are suited for drainage and waste disposal. Knowing which type of plumbing pipe to use prior to installing your home plumbing is essential to ensure safety and long-life for your home plumbing.
The size of your pipes also matters. Before designing plumbing systems, careful consideration and computation of the needs of the occupants are taken into account. Water requirements and waste disposal needs are computed before designing any plumbing structure. Water transmission is also computer. These are just a few of the many aspects to include to plan and install an efficient plumbing for your homes.
If you are looking for plumbing pipe types to use in your homes, here are some of the common materials available out there and their recommended use.
PVC Pipes
One of the most common types of pipe used in residential homes are PVC pipes. Polyvinyl chloride pipes are described as the white piping commonly used in most plumbing applications. They are more affordable compared to other plumbing pipes with different fittings and sizes available. It is best for both warm and cold water applications.
Compared to other materials PVC pipes do not rust and corrode compared to other plumbing pipes. It is strong and durable and does not easily bend under pressure. It is best for high-pressure applications and does not easily get damaged.
CPVC Pipes
Chlorinated polyvinyl chloride pipes or CPVC pipes are PVC pipes with extra chlorine added to the material. It offers added durability and does not easily degrade with hot water exposure. This type of pipe is also advisable for drinking water. It may be slightly more expensive than PVC pipes but is still susceptible to possible splitting if they are exposed to constant freezing.
This type of plumbing pipe material features little to no water noise compared to plumbing systems that are made of copper. Water hammer issues are also less observed in this type of plumbing pipe material. It is flexible compared to metal pipes and perfect for drinking water delivery, hot water drains, hot water delivery and waste and water disposal pipes.
Copper Pipes
Copper pipes are one of the oldest types of material used for home plumbing pipes. They are known for their durability and its long serviceability. It works well with managing heat and is one of the plumbing pipes that is very resistant to corrosion. It is not degraded over time even when exposed to water pressure. It is safe for hot and cold drinking water delivery and refrigerant lines for heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems. Underground service lines and other plumbing requirements that require tight seals would be best served with copper plumbing lines.
PEX Pipes
One of the biggest innovations in the plumbing industry is PEX piping. This material is an extremely flexible piping option that can be bent and worked in corners without worrying about possible cracks during installation. Unlike other plumbing pipes it requires no glue to hold better for freezing conditions compared to CPVC and PVC pipes that may expand and contract due to changes in temperature.
It is one of the best pipe materials for pipe relining, retrofitting older homes, remodelling plumbing lines inside walls and in working in areas where there is low ventilation and where using glue is dangerous.
If you are still confused on what plumbing pipe material to use for your homes or properties, seek advice from a professional plumber. These professionals can efficiently recommend the best type of material you can use for a long-lasting, reliable, safe, and efficient plumbing system at home.
