Have you ever wondered what pipes make for a great water system? A good drainage and delivery system is essential when structuring or restructuring houses. And there are plenty of options to choose from as you decide which water pipes you want to use for your home. Plumbing has evolved over time, from being made from materials like clay and straw in Ancient Greece to materials more reliable as copper and cast iron.
Due to the variety of plumbing pipe options and their functions or suitability for different situations, you may be confused about which pipes to use for water in your home. However, whether you hire a plumber or not, you should know what’s going on with your home’s structure and what pipe materials to use, as a wrong choice could lead to specific problems later on.
So, are you at the crossroads of making a good choice of water pipe? Below is a breakdown of some common types of pipes and their features, which will make choosing the right one for your space less difficult.
Types of pipes for your home’s water supply
Why should you consider the types of pipes to use in your home? First, different pipes are made different materials, each best suited for one thing more than others. For example, the lines used to transport drinking water to taps are made of different materials than those used for drainage. So while some homes’ plumbing systems may be made of one pipe material, others have several, depending on their function.
Also, if your home was built a long time ago, perhaps in the early 20th century or a little later, you may want to check if lead or polybutylene (PB) pipes were installed in the water system. If it was, you might want to change the pipes, as lead is unhealthy for the water and polybutylene is prone to cracking. Here is an overview of the pipes that are commonly used now:
1. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipes.
PVC is a common type of plastic pipe and is mainly used for drainage. It is also used for sinks, pool lines, spas, shower drains and irrigation pipes. It is plastic material making it endlessly durable as it rarely deteriorates, rusts or corrodes.
In addition, PVC pipes are lightweight, which makes them the most preferred among other plastic pipes, and are often used for the main supply line of a house. The pipe can also tolerate high water pressure and prevent debris build-up and other blockages. PVC comes in various thicknesses known as graphics, and although it is primarily white, it can also come in other colors. Pipe scaffolds can be used to differentiate their uses; for example, schedule 40 is commonly used for the main water supply.
Meanwhile, PVC is not suitable for transporting drinking water because its material, the chemicals in polyvinyl chloride, are toxic for drinking and have therefore been restricted in some countries. Also, the pipe cannot withstand hot water due to its plastic property. Otherwise, PVC is an excellent choice for pipes and is relatively cheap and easy to repair.
Note: Are CPVC pipes (Polyvinyl chloride pipes) which are designed to be more suitable for potable water pipes and are only slightly different from PVCs in functions and characteristics.
2. Cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) pipes.
Cross-linked polyethylene pipe, otherwise called PEX, is a flexible plastic used for hot and cold water power lines. It’s an easy favorite among professional installers given its ability to curve and weave around walls, ceilings and crawl spaces. Like PVC pipe, it is very durable and tolerant of high pressure. In addition, its property makes the pipe expand, which resists frost or any form of blockage; it also fits smaller than metal pipes and thus guarantees easy installation.
PEX is also color-coded to make it easy to identify those for hot and cold water; the red pipes are for hot water, and the blue pipes are used for cold water. Comes in 1/2 and 3/4 inch diameters. PEX pipe gives you a great plumbing option that is reasonably inexpensive, easy to use, multi-functional, and durable.
3. Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) pipes.
Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) pipe is like PVC pipe in its characteristics, but rather black and slightly softer. It is designed with thermoplastic resin and is cold resistant. ABS is mainly used for vent pipes and drain pipes and has proven to be quite long lasting, apart from the fact that it can warp due to regular and direct exposure to the sun. It can also be noisier than other pipes, but it’s mostly a great choice.
4. Copper pipes
Copper pipe is one of the oldest types of copper pipes still in use today. It is known for being versatile, able to provide hot and cold water, is resistant to heat and corrosion with antimicrobial properties. It is used for showers, sinks and other similar functions in homes.
This sanitary pipe it is most suitable for drinking water as it does not affect the water like plastic pipes. It is very durable, has a lifespan of 50 years and can be used in underground and above ground water lines. However, when used underground, you must install sleeves on the pipe to protect it from soil damage. Its different pipe thicknesses, M, L and K, can be used for water supply, but have various suitable applications. K copper pipe, the thickest copper variety, is used underground and for high pressure, while M, the thinnest, is used for heating. Copper can be connected in a variety of ways, including push or compression fittings.
One downside to this plumbing option is its cost. Copper pipes can cost twice as much as plastic pipes, which may be due to their material. So while copper pipes are a good choice for you, they may not fulfill your desire for a significantly cost-effective plumbing option.
5. Cast iron pipes
Cast iron pipes are rarely used in modern home construction, as they were only prevalent in the early 20th century; however, this does not diminish their effectiveness. Cast iron is a gray pipe that is exceptionally durable, heat resistant and less noisy than other pipes. Although it can be found mostly in old houses, it is used for drainage and water supply in commercial buildings and home repairs today. Unfortunately, cast iron pipes are susceptible to corrosion and rust and can affect the condition of your water system once they begin to degrade.
6. Galvanized steel pipes
These pipes are made of zinc coated steel. And similar to cast iron, they are commonly found in older homes and are less likely to be used to build new homes. Galvanized steel pipes have fallen out of use because of the complexity involved in installing them and the time used to cut and thread them.
On the bright side, however, galvanized steel pipes have a lifespan of 40 years, help prevent corrosion, and are used for gas and water supplies. However, since they are rarely sold recently and are mainly in old houses, there is every chance that your galvanized steel pipe is already too old and needs immediate replacement if you have any installed in your house. In addition, once it is old, the pipe corrodes and begins to leak, which can lead to problems indoors. Therefore, it is beneficial to be complete change your old plumbing and replace it with PVC, PEX, copper or ABS pipes.
How to choose sanitary pipes
Now that you know the different piping options have for water, you need to know how to make the right choice for your piping projects. The key factors to consider when making this decision are determining the function of the pipe and the space in your home that you will be using it for. Review the features of the different pipes available and decide which one fits best in your room and fulfills the role you need.
Also, another factor to consider is cost. Although more expensive pipes tend to last longer, there are also cost-effective pipes, such as PVC, that perform piping functions satisfactorily. If you are still confused about what to choose, then you should contact a professional plumber who can advise you on the decision to make for your project. In the meantime, it is advisable to let a licensed plumber do the work for you if you are not familiar with plumbing projects and how to perform specific plumbing tasks such as pipe replacement and retrofitting.
Conclusion
Learning about different types of pipes will come in handy whether you’re a homeowner or a working ad. As the world evolves, we rediscover better means water transport to ensure that the water flows smoothly through the house and is healthy for use. So we went from clay and lead pipes to galvanized steel, copper and PVC.
Occasionally, you may need to do some DIY plumbing tasks in your home or advise someone on it, so it is necessary to stay informed and know their various functions and features. Always contact a professional plumber if you need to change the pipes of your entire water system. And also be careful when you notice a leak or corrosion in your pipes.
