You might not believe it, but ducts are the cornerstone of every building we enter.
They carry everything from water and heat to gas, sewage and drainage, electrical wiring and more. Because they do such an important job, you need to invest in the best if you want long-term service without issues like leaks or breaks.
But the thought of installing pipes can worry many people. We immediately think of screws, bolts and water everywhere. But installing a new pipe is relatively easy. The only difficulty you have is choosing the right material.
After all, once a pipe is laid, you don’t want to have to go back and excavate it later. In this article, we have researched the best types of plumbing pipes that will meet all your plumbing requirements.
9 Best Plumbing Pipes
1. Copper pipes
Although they have been around since the 1930s, copper pipes are still popular around the world. They are often used as traditional water supply lines, heating systems and gas pipes.
In addition, copper as a material has an impressive resistance to corrosion, making it incredibly durable, long-lasting and rigid. It can easily transport hot materials over long distances without its structural integrity suffering.
There are two types of copper pipes; a rigid copper pipe is ideal for carrying water, while flexible copper pipe is ideal for connecting shorter plumbing systems with corners or obtuse angles.
That said, copper pipes can be much more expensive than cheaper materials like plastic. They may also need to be glued onto the fittings, often requiring a professional plumber to install and repair them.
Finally, these pipes can also be much louderso that people avoid being open inside their houses.
2. PVC (polyvinyl chloride)
PVC is one of the most popular types of pipe used in plumbing these days, and for good reason. They have incredibly high corrosion resistances and anti-biofilm propertieswhich makes them ideal and safe for drinking water.
Promising research also suggests they have a life expectancy of over 100 years, making them incredibly good value for money.
You’ll also be happy to know that installing PVC pipes is quick and easy. For example, research from European Plastics Pipes and Fittings Association found the overall process to be 30% faster than concrete pipes.
Combine the above points with the naturally inexpensive cost and availability of PVC and they are often one of the first choices for both professional and novice plumbers.
3. CPVC (chlorinated polyvinyl chloride)
The main advantage of CPVC over PVC is that it is much more flexible and can withstand higher temperatures. This makes it an ideal plastic pipe for connecting heaters, venting warm air and carrying hot and cold water throughout the house.
Due to the chlorine added in its production, this material has numerous anti-corrosion resistances. And while the CPVC structure is durable, it is incredibly easy, and installations are often quick and easy.
In addition, CPVC is one of the most mass-produced pipe types worldwide, and as such has an almost unlimited supply of fittings and accessories to choose from. Rest assured, no matter what type, size, or direction your pipes need to go, there is a CPVC pipe on the market for you.
4. ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) pipes
Another alternative plastic pipe is ABS, which promises more shock resistance and strength than rival PVC.
In addition, it can maintain much lower temperatures and resist cracking due to freezing water. For this reason, it is an ideal pipe around your home to connect water systems such as sinks, toilets and outdoor fixtures.
Like many plastics, ABS can last a lifetime without harming you or your plumbing system. The only caveat is on the outside – apply a light coat of paint to protect it from unwanted UV rays.
5. Stainless steel pipes
Stainless steel is one of the most durable metal materials on our list. It is resistant to corrosion, heat and impact; once you put these pipes in, they are there to stay.
Not only that, but because the ingredients like chromium oxide are used, stainless steel is incredibly weather resistant, making it an ideal choice for outdoor plumbing, especially in coastal areas with increased rainfall, humidity and wind.
Although we often think of stainless steel as this immovable material, many engineers can get custom tubing that fits and bends into any production-grade system.
But all these benefits come at a price – literally. Despite being one of the best pipes, stainless steel costs a premium.
6. PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) pipes
PEX is one of the most popular and best choices for all plumbing that requires some flexibility, such as in bends, at awkward angles, and plumbing systems that move horizontally and vertically.
First, it is incredibly easy to lay and is the perfect material for novice installers to work with. Attachments and connectors are easy to screw in and remove at any time.
Due to their flexibility, PEX pipes also maintain high pressure conditions, perfect for indoor plumbing. But that said, it can easily fit into parts of an existing system seamlessly – no need to replace everything at once.
PEX is also one of the few materials that withstand extreme cold and freezing temperatures. Regardless of whether there is freezing water inside, a PEX pipe can expand properly and not break or break. However, it can become vulnerable to UV rays and may not suit outdoor plumbing requirements.
But what seals the deal with PEX piping is the price. It is easy to make and mass produced, drastically reducing its cost at home.
7. Brass pipes
There is something very classic about brass pipes. Although they may be older than modern plastic, they can hold their own in many ways with indoor and outdoor plumbing.
First and foremost, brass is an incredibly durable, strong and long-lasting metal. They will not bend, crack or tear compared to weaker plastics. They won’t rust on the inside either, repelling blockages.
But perhaps one of its strengths is that brass pipes can hold and transport substances that reach extreme temperatures, including hot water, making them ideal for distributing heat and water around your home.
Plus, brass is one of the most malleable metals on the market, and you’ll find more sizes, shapes, and bends with brass than other metals like steel or cast iron.
In addition, many people decide to go for brass because it can add more money the value of your home. There is something very rich and beneficial about having these pipes throughout your home.
8. Galvanized pipes
Galvanized pipes are commonly found in older homes and older plumbing systems. It may be the best choice to replace or repair a small section of the system. But over time, we learned that galvanized pipes suffer from internal rust and corrosion and do not carry water and do not they work as drains, but you can still use them to carry gas.
Don’t be put off by their dated reputation; galvanized pipes can still be very effective in certain situations. That’s because anything galvanized has an extra layer of zinc added, which gives it extra protection and impact resistance.
9. Cast iron pipes
Cast iron pipes were the default choice for pipes in the 1970s, and even by today’s standards, they can still make for efficient plumbing. One end of the pipe has a socket and the other has a bell and tap, making them ideal for underground installations and drain lines.
Cast irons are still popular due to their inherent durability, strength and relatively low price. They are also resistant to noise and can carry water and other almost undetectable substances.
Because cast iron reduce vibrations between pipes, even if only part of a system, can help reduce any noise in rooms where plumbing may be exposed.
In accordance with International Association of Certified Home Inspectors, cast iron pipes have a life expectancy of about 60 years. This means that quite a few of these pipelines will reach the end of their service in the next few years, and many rebuilds will replace them. Now is the time to look into whether to keep the cast iron in the house or find suitable alternatives.
Conclusion
Throughout history, plumbing has changed dramatically. We’ve always strived for better, healthier, and longer-lasting materials to carry our water, gas, sewer, and more to and from our homes.
Our recommendations above have explored the most popular and effective pipe types for you to consider. When considering pipe types, think about where they will be located, what they will hold and at what temperature, and whether they are best suited indoors or outdoors for your work.
With the right choice, your pipes will hopefully stand the test of time while supporting you in everyday life.
