Different Types of Plumbing Pipes used in Home

Different types of pipes used in home


Since plumbing has been practised, pipes have been used as its most essential equipment or primary tool. Various types of pipes are used for different purposes.

Some clay or lead pipes were used for plumbing purposes in the ancient era. People used the pipes to supply water or drainage wastage from an early age. Those pipes were made with iron, galvanized steel, and copper. 

The pipes made with galvanized steel used to get rusted very quickly. It created a massive issue in the supply of water. Such issues in the pipes caused the discolouration in the water and latent illness. 

With the passing years, different types of pipes have been invented for their specific purpose.

Different Types of Pipes used in Home

There are five different types of pipes that have been used for a while now. Choosing the correct type of pipes might be difficult as some people may not know the various pipes and their uses. It can create trouble to find out which one would be the best option to use for the plumbing purpose of your house.

1. Copper pipes 

Copper pipes are mostly used in commercial or construction sites. Copper has been the primary element for plumbing pipes for a long time. Pipes made up of copper are used in the HVAC system as well as to distribute the cold and hot water.

Copper pipes are very suitable for both underground and above-ground applications. Some specific types of soil can affect the copper, so it’s better to cover the pipes that have been used in underground applications. 

It is very expensive and labour intensive. Copper pipes might be worth the hard work of installation and the amount spent, but it’s better to switch to other more reliable options.

Copper pipes are very durable and have a lifespan of up to 30-40 years but still might need to get repaired from time to time if needed. It is safer in comparison to the other pipes. 

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2. Galvanized Steel pipes 

Galvanized steel pipes are the type of steel pipes that have been dipped in the quotation of the protective zinc to prevent it from rust and corrosion. Galvanized steel pipes were used commonly in residential spaces around the 1960s. 

Installation of the galvanized pipes can be tiresome as it needs to get cut and threaded according to the measurements before being fitted. It is somehow durable comparatively to the other types of pipes.

Galvanized steel pipes are primarily used in large commercial applications for transporting water. Nowadays, it isn’t preferred much and isn’t used in the homes any longer.

3. PolyVinyl Chloride (PVC) pipes 

Polyvinyl Chloride pipes, also known as PVC pipes, have been used in recent years. Polyvinyl Chloride is one of the world’s most produced and used synthetic polymers of plastic. It is made out of vinyl and plastics.

These pipes are usually available in the white or grey colour, but these days it has been getting available in various other shades as well. These pipes are used in residential settings and are usually installed in pools or spas. They are also used in building supply piping as well as irrigation piping. 

Joints in the PVC pipes are primer, which softens the PVC. After then, the PVC glue is melted and later applied to the joints to hold them together. 

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4. Cross-Linked Polyethylene Pipes (PEX)

Cross-Linked Polyethylene Pipes, usually called PEX pipes, are types of polyethene pipes with cross-links. These pipes rely on modified plastics for decreased shrinkage, tensile strengths, and high temperature or pressure. 

The material of the PEX is suitable mainly for the hot and cold water supply in homes. It has a high resistance to hot and cold water temperatures. It has been preferred more than the other types of plumbing pipes. Thus, it has been a great choice of plumbing professionals as it is easier and more convenient to use and isn’t much costly.

Cross-Linked Polyethylene pipes (PEX) are also available in the form of longer rolls. Crimp rings are used for securing the joints, and push-fittings are used for the joints. 

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5. Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride Pipes (CPVC)

Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride pipes are a type of thermoplastic that is produced by polyvinyl chloride resin chlorination. These types of pipes were first introduced for potable plumbing around 1959 AD. 

Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride Pipes (CPVC) is very flexible and can withstand very high temperatures. It would be a better option than the standard PVC because it has a very high tolerance for heat. It is mainly used in industrial liquid handling or hot and cold water supply.

The outer part of the fittings of CPVC pipes is very similar to the copper or then PEX pipes. The standard fittings like the SharkBIte used for the latter are also very suitable for the CPVC pipes.

CPVC compatible glues and primer should be used when creating the joints for these types of pipes.

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However, there might be some other options for the plumbing pipes available, but these are the main five types of plumbing pipes that have been in use. If you are having difficulties choosing the best pipes option for your home, feel free to contact the professional plumbers near you. Also, go through our article on the importance of plumbing to your building for more information about the plumbing. 

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