Different Types of Plumbing Pipes
Building a new plumbing system or renovating the same, for your property and confused about which piping is best suited for your space then you are at the right place as in this post you will get to know about different types of piping available in the market with their pros and cons for better understanding.
Since plumbing was first invented, the material used for piping has been an important factor. In the early days of plumbing in the ancient world, lead and clay piping was used to transport water to homes and public buildings. However, as the understanding of lead poisoning increased, the popularity of lead piping fell off, particularly for water that was meant to be potable. Today, there are many types of plumbing pipes available — some old classics and some made from newer materials. Here are the different types of plumbing pipes you may encounter today:
Copper Pipes-
Copper is one of the most traditional materials for plumbing pipes and remains a popular option today. There are two different types of copper plumbing pipes: rigid copper piping and flexible copper piping. Rigid copper piping is fit together using a solder. Flexible copper piping is most often used for water supply lines on water-using appliances like dishwashers, refrigerators, and washing machines.
Copper pipes have stood the test of time because of some important advantages they have, including:
Longevity: Copper has proven to be a reliable material that can last at least 50 years.
Durability: Copper is a sturdy material that is not prone to leakage or corrosion.
Safety: Bacteria cannot thrive in copper pipes, and copper will not pollute water in any way, so it is safe to transport drinking water.
Recyclability: When copper pipes eventually need to be replaced, the material can be recycled.
Temperature Tolerance: Copper is able to stand up to extreme temperature changes, including hot and cold water.
Disadvantages of copper pipes include:
Financial Cost: The main deterrent to using copper is the cost. It is the most expensive piping compared to other piping systems.
Environmental Cost: Environmentally-conscious homeowners may be concerned about the fact that copper mining and manufacturing take a toll on the environment. So, although copper pipes last a long time and can be recycled, they are not considered a "green" product.
2. Galvanized Steel Pipes-
Galvanized piping used to be the material of choice for residential plumbing, and it is still what many people picture when they think of a plumbing pipe. Galvanized steel was introduced to replace iron pipes. The process of galvanizing means a protective layer of zinc is applied to prevent corrosion or rust. Over time the zinc coating wears off and rust can start to build up. When rust starts to form it typically will eat the pipe from the inside out. This can be exacerbated by geographic conditions. Galvanized steel plumbing pipes should be replaced before a major plumbing problem occurs.
Though galvanized steel pipes are cheaper than copper, are strong and manage to resist rust for a time, these pros are far outweighed by the cons, which include:
Short Lifespan: Galvanized steel pipes last about 20 to 50 years before they begin to break down. This lifespan may not seem too short, but it pales in comparison to the lifespans of many other piping materials.
Rust: Especially in pipes with a small diameter, rust can build up inside over time. In some cases, the rust can break loose from the inside walls of the pipe and end up mixing with the water as it flows through. This discolors the water.
Lead Contamination: If pipes become corroded, lead can leach into the water inside, making it unsafe to drink.
Clogs: Over time, mineral build-up inside of galvanized pipes can begin to form clogs that block water flow.
Weight: The downside to these pipes being very sturdy is that they are also extremely heavy. This makes them difficult to work with.
Vulnerability: When galvanized pipes are damaged, the galvanization on the outside is compromised, which makes the pipe vulnerable to corrosion in a short amount of time.
3. Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Pipes-
Polyvinyl chloride, more commonly known as PVC, has become a popular choice for plumbing pipes in recent years. This material is a thermoplastic polymer. In other words, it is made out of a combination of plastic and vinyl. PVC is a material which is widely used in the production of pipelines. They are used most often for highly pressurized water, such as in a home's main water supply line. PVC pipes work in a variety of applications, including for transporting potable water and for draining.
PVC pipes have gained popularity because of some important advantages they offer, including:
Longevity: PVC is not subject to rust or corrosion, so unless it experiences some sort of unexpected damage, it can last indefinitely. Even the most durable metals used in plumbing pipes cannot live up to the impressive lifespan of PVC.
Ability to Handle Pressure: PVC is often used for the main supply line that goes into your home because it is able to handle high water pressure.
Ease of Use: PVC is extremely light compared to metal pipes, which makes it easy to transport and to work with. It is also easy to work with because there is no soldering required to connect pipes. Instead, pipes are essentially glued together.
Low Cost: PVC is low in cost as well. Especially compared to copper, PVC is a very inexpensive option for plumbing pipes.
While PVC has some marked advantages, it has a couple of disadvantages, too. These include:
Susceptibility to Warping: PVC is not equipped to transport hot water. This is because, like most plastics, heat can cause the material to warp and melt.
Size: Sizing options for PVC pipes are limited, which can be an issue at times. Even if your PVC piping is the perfect size, fittings used to connect PVC pipes can tend to be bulky, which can be problematic in tight spaces.
4. CPVC Pipes (Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride)-
You can think of CPVC as PVC’s cousin. They are similar in many ways, but they shouldn't be used interchangeably. Both are made of the same basic elements with one distinguishing factor. CPVC is altered by a free radical chlorination reaction that effectively increases the chlorine content of the material. CPVC is also a thermoplastic that is molded into many of the same products as PVC.
Pros and Cons of Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride
CPVC pipes share many of the advantages of PVC, plus one more:
Longevity: Like PVC, since CPVC is a plastic material, it does not react to corrosive substances and does not rust, so its lifespan is indefinite.
Ability to Handle Pressure: CPVC shares PVC's ability to handle high water pressure, making it a good material for a main water supply line.
Ease of Use: CPVC is also quite lightweight, which makes it easy to move and work with. CPVC is also somewhat flexible.
Low Cost: Though CPVC costs more than PVC, it is still a budget option compared to metal piping materials.
Temperature Tolerance: CPVC is able to withstand extreme temperatures up to 200 degrees Fahrenheit. This equips CPVC to handle hot water transport.
CPVC does not have many clear disadvantages, though it may not always be the best choice. Cons include:
Indoor Application Only: CPVC is vulnerable to breaking down if exposed to sunlight for extended periods of time.
Cost Compared to PVC: Though cost was included as an advantage of CPVC, when comparing it directly to its close cousin, PVC, it does cost more.
5. Cross-Linked Polyethylene Pipes-
cross-linked polyethylene or PEX, piping also refers to an affordable plastic tubing commonly used for water supply lines. Similar to PVC piping, it prevents rust or corrosion from leaching into the water. The major difference between PVC and PEX is that PEX pipes are flexible. This means they can be used in long, continuous runs. The installation process is quick and easy, and the material is made to last. PEX piping can come coiled up in a flexible roll, wrapped in aluminum to keep its shape or in hard lengths.
To become the new favorite piping choice among many plumbers and homeowners, this material must come with some major advantages. These include:
Longevity: PEX pipes, like PVC and CPVC, are completely rust and corrosion resistant. This means they can last indefinitely without needing to be replaced, unless they are broken somehow.
Flexibility: PEX is flexible enough to make 90-degree turns with no problem. It can easily be snaked into walls — making it a great material for retrofitting — and it is able to extend across the length of a house with just one long piece.
Ease of Use: PEX's flexibility makes it very easy to install. When joints are needed, no soldering or even gluing is required.
Temperature Tolerance: Another important advantage of PEX over PVC is that PEX is able to withstand extreme temperatures. It can be used to transport hot water as well as cold.
Low Cost: PEX is more expensive than PVC, but it is still significantly cheaper than copper.
PEX does have a few disadvantages, though one of these PEX plumbing disadvantages has largely been debunked. PEX pipe problems include:
Indoor Application Only: PEX piping cannot be used in any outdoor applications since the plastic can be damaged by UV radiation. Of course, this is not really a disadvantage if you only plan to use PEX piping indoors.
Water Taste and Odor: Some types of PEX pipes have been known to affect the taste and odor of drinking water, especially if the water has stayed in the pipes for some time.
Possible Safety Concerns: There has been some concern and debate over whether PEX piping has the potential to contaminate drinking water due to the material's makeup. These concerns have largely been dispelled, however. Even the strictest environmental regulations in the U.S. now approve PEX piping, and research has shown that drinking water from PEX pipes does not involve health risks.
How can Divine Innovation help you in choosing the best plumbing system for your space?
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