Types of Pipes Used In Your Plumbing System

Plumbing systems have been around since ancient times. Over the years, manufacturers have used different materials to create the pipes. This leads to more efficient and safer delivery systems. Plus, there are various materials used for certain parts of your plumbing. Sewage waste has a different type of plumbing pipe than fresh water does.

PVC Pipe

Known as polyvinyl chloride pipes, PVC is one of the most common materials used today. This plastic tubing is best for drainage situations throughout your home. This can include your sink drain, main sewer line, and even toilet drain line.

PVC has a very slick inside, which helps to reduce clogging. Its outside is very durable. PVC can handle very high water pressures. This piping material can last up to 100 years or more.

PEX Pipe

Known as cross-linked polyethylene, this is a newer piping material. This has replaced many other materials and is the best supply delivery piping. Plus, you can use it in both commercial and residential applications. Its main benefit over other piping materials is that it's super flexible.

Plumbers can weave PEX piping through walls. There's no time-consuming soldering involved, like with copper piping. PEX can also withstand high water pressure, which is ideal for many types of applications.

Another main benefit of PEX piping is that there are two main colors of lines that plumbers can install. These colors include red and blue, which stand for hot and cold. This makes future identification of the lines easy. PEX can last up to 50 years.

Copper Pipe

Copper is another popular type of piping for both supply and drainage lines. It's well-known to withstand high water pressure and extreme temperature changes. Plus, it won't alter the quality of water going through them.

Copper is more labor-intensive to install as it requires soldering at all joints. Plus, it won't fit in tight spaces as PEX does, and it tends to be the most expensive piping material to buy. Copper can last about 50 years.

Galvanized Steel and Cast Iron Pipe

These piping materials are no longer considered the norm for plumbing system installations. But, they were common in homes that date back to the early 20th century. If you have an older home, you may have this material in your plumbing system.

Cast iron was often used for drainage systems because it was very resistant to heat. Plus, it helped to dampen drainage noises. Galvanized steel was often used for water supply lines.

The main drawback of these piping materials is that they were very prone to rust. The inside of these pipes would rust often and limit the amount of material that could flow through them. Plus galvanized steel can allow for some of the rust particles to enter the fresh drinking water.

Call Us Today

If it's time to replace your piping or you want to upgrade to a different material, give us a call today. Let our helpful plumbing professionals assist you with all your plumbing needs!