The plumbing system in your home is one of its most important features. It affects your home’s overall design and functionality. To suit your facility’s unique plumbing requirements, you must make sure your system is expertly designed and built.
Plumbing pipes come in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and materials. Each has benefits and drawbacks depending on the use. There are different types of pipes required for the water distribution system and the drain, waste, and vent system in residential or commercial structures.
How can one select the best plumbing pipe? There are several types of pipes depending on the temperature, location, durability, and cost of the material. The wrong pipes can result in higher maintenance expenses, clogs, and other problems that can be very expensive to fix or even result in serious property damage. Hence, It is very critical to select plumbing pipes that are suitable for your specific use.
This post will go over 7 different types of plumbing pipes to assist you to make an informed decision.
So let’s begin!
What are Plumbing Pipes?
Plumbing pipes are void-filled tubes used to move water from one location to another. They are typically used to transport water from the water heater to your faucets. They can also be used to water your lawn, collect rainwater, or even for plumbing repairs. Moreover, they are utilised to transport wastewater from toilets to septic tanks. Your home or place of business should have pipes that are suitable for the kind of fluid you need to transmit.
Types of Plumbing Pipes
1. Stainless Steel Piping
Stainless steel is the Rolls Royce of the piping option. Stainless steel pipes are highly reliable, strong, flexible, and corrosion-resistant and can withstand harsh temperatures most of the time. It can withstand a variety of water types, including well water, salt water, chlorine-treated water, and others.
The cost is the only significant drawback. Therefore, stainless steel is generally kept for plumbing’s most vulnerable spots where installing insulation is challenging. It’s important to keep in mind that stainless steel pipes need special fittings to be attached to other pipes. Thus, despite their potential utility, they may be difficult to install.
These pipes are excellent options for commercial properties because of their elegant and polished appearance.
2. PEX Piping
PEX piping, also known as cross-linked polyethylene, is a low-cost plastic tube that is frequently used for water supply lines. Both hot and cold water can be supplied by PEX. These pipes are color-coded for hot and cold water. The blue PEX provides cold water, while the red one supplies hot water. It prevents corrosion or rust from leaching into the water.
PEX piping can be installed rapidly in residential and small business locations and requires little to no maintenance other than occasional cleaning. It is strong enough to resist the pressure from the water supply while remaining flexible enough to fit through gaps for simple installation. The ease of installation and low cost of this type make it a popular option right now.
3. Copper Piping
Copper pipes are the most common type of plumbing pipe utilised due to their long lifespan and reliability. Copper plumbing pipes offer exceptional corrosion resistance, superb material for use with hot and cold water as well as simple to manage. However, installing copper can be a bit of a pain. Since copper pipes must be soldered together, DIY installation is not an option. Additional fittings are required if you want to combine them with other kinds of piping.
4. PVC Piping
PVC (Polyvinyl chloride) is the most common type of pipe used in residential buildings. PVC pipes are excellent for drainage pipe applications such as bad water from sinks, toilets, etc. Because plastic tubing shields water from rust and corrosion more effectively than other types of plumbing pipes, it is perfect for this kind of application.
It can also be utilised for the main water supply as it holds up well under high pressure. Additionally, it is lighter in weight than the more conventional galvanised steel piping options, making it simpler to deal with. PVC pipes also have a smooth inner lining that prevents silt buildup and increases their resistance to obstructions. PVC pipes are significantly less expensive than metal pipes.
5. Galvanized Steel Piping
These types of pipes have started to become obsolete. The majority of galvanised pipes are made of steel or iron, but a layer of zinc is added to strengthen their resistance to rust. However, it has been discovered that even galvanised pipes with tiny diameters can develop inner rust with time. Water supply lines and other outdoor/underground applications frequently employed galvanised piping. These pipes are still found in many older homes and businesses because they are exceptionally strong and can survive up to 100 years.
6. Brass Piping
Brass is made up of copper and zinc, offering the majority of the benefits that copper pipes do. Brass piping is basically rustproof as it includes between 67% and 85% copper. Furthermore, it is reliable, simple to install, and quite simple to maintain. Brass piping has one of the longest lifespans of any type of plumbing because it doesn’t rust or develop friction problems inside the pipe.
For hot-water distribution, pump fittings, walls, and water tanks, brass piping is better than steel because it is easier to thread. The most durable plumbing supplies are often made of brass pipe. Various straight lengths of brass pipe, up to a maximum of 12 feet, are obtainable.
7. Cast Iron Piping
Cast iron pipes are the standard option for heavily loaded plumbing. The bell and spigot style is common in big buildings. However, no-hub casting is also an option. Cast iron pipes are the heaviest option. As a result, they are primarily used in subterranean installations for your drainage system or main pipes.
Moreover, cast iron is heavy, tough to cut, and is still used in many homes. Corrosion and rust are common problems with cast-iron pipes. This will eventually have an impact on its capacity to preserve a clean water supply. In most cases, copper or PEX pipes have taken the place of these types of pipes when doing plumbing repairs.
Tips for Choosing the Correct Plumbing Pipe
- When deciding on the right pipe for your plumbing project, you must consider two factors: the pipe’s intended use and the layout of the area where it will be installed.
- Take into account the construction codes in your area. This way, you’ll be able to select an authorised pipe type and guarantee that your plumbing project complies with regulations. For instance, PVC and PEX pipes are used widely but are not permitted everywhere.
- Cost is a crucial element. Some pipes’ costs may be high due to their durability. Installing a low-cost, cheap pipe could increase the cost of repairs. Therefore, it makes sense to build pricy but sturdy plumbing.
- You can make a sensible choice by consulting a plumbing expert and then can buy plumbing pipes online at the best price.
In summary, a good plumbing system is essential and extremely helpful. Therefore, it is suggested to make an investment in a reputable and knowledgeable plumbing business to prevent plumbing problems. Emechmart is the best place to find the best plumbing pipes. You may acquire all types of plumbing pipes in one place.
Author Bio:-
Ahmad Tunvar
Ahmad Tunvar
Ahmad Tunvar is the CEO of Emechmart which is a prominent place to buy Industrial, Agriculture, Automobile and Building tools online. They are building a platform between the buyers, sellers and the manufacturers, facilitating hassle-free trading of required products and tools.
