What Kind of Pipes Are in Your Home?
Do you know what types of pipes are in your plumbing system? Are you planning to renovate your bathroom or build a new home? If you don’t know much about plumbing or pipes, we’ll go through the main types in this blog so you can make decisions for your home plumbing with confidence.
Different Types of Pipes
There are a number of different types of pipes that can be found in residential buildings. Over the years, plumbers have come to use different materials as some of the newer types have advantages over the ones originally installed in older homes. Each type has its own uses, benefits, and disadvantages.
The principle types of pipes being installed today are:
- Galvanized steel
- Copper
- PVC and CPVC
- PEX
- ABS
Older homes tend to have more galvanized steel pipes. This is steel coated with a layer of zinc to protect it from corrosion, and this type of pipe was and is often used for water supply lines (for water not meant for drinking).
There are several downsides to using galvanized steel piping. It’s heavy, and it can be difficult to work with. Galvanized steel also rusts over time and has a tendency to clog, which is why it’s no longer used for potable water. This type of pipe has a lifespan of 20 to 50 years and will need to be replaced.
Copper is a very popular material for pipes and is commonly used for water supply lines because of its durability and resistance to corrosion. It comes in different thicknesses and can be flexible or rigid. Rigid copper piping is used in long extension pipes, whereas flexible copper piping is used in smaller spaces where it may need to be run around various types of building elements.
PVC (polyvinyl chloride) pipes are made of vinyl and plastic and used most often for drain, waste, and vent systems. They have a number of advantages over metal pipes in that they are affordable, lightweight, easy to install, durable, and are resistant to corrosion. This explains their growing popularity.
CPVC (chlorinated polyvinyl chloride) is the same type of pipe as PVC, but it’s treated with a chemical to allow it to withstand higher temperatures and resist warping. It’s available in a wider variety of sizes than the untreated PVC. CPVC is ideal for high-water-pressure applications. Both PVC and CPVC are put together using glue instead of soldering.
PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) pipes are a flexible and easy-to-install alternative to traditional copper or PVC pipes. They are frost resistant and typically used for water supply lines. Unlike PVC and CPVC, PEX piping is flexible so it can be used on longer segments where PVC or CPVC would need to be cut and glued. This makes it ideal for small spaces with other construction elements. PEX pipes are connected with clamps and do not need to be soldered or glued. This type of pipe is heat resistant and affordable, but the material can cause an odor in water. It can also only be used indoors.
ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) pipes are similar to PVC pipes but are more durable and resistant to impact. They are commonly used for drain, waste, and vent systems.
Other types of pipes that are outdated but still found in many older homes are cast iron and polybutylene and high-density polybutylene pipes – all of which plumbers will recommend be replaced. Cast iron pipes can last a long time, but they are subject to rusting and clogging. Polybutylene and high-density polybutylene pipes were discontinued for plumbing use because they had a tendency to leak.
Choosing the Best for Your Home
Weinkauf Plumbing & Heating was named Best Plumber in Alpena in 2022. When you call us with your plumbing needs, our trained plumbing professionals will provide expert guidance on the most suitable materials for the job according to your application and budget. All of our recommendations will be made with the idea of ensuring your plumbing continues to work seamlessly for as long as possible. Call us today at (989) 354-5427 for help with your project or renovation.
